Did you see the Tech Expo at Beerwah library on Saturday? Several of our students presented to the community how we are using technology in our classrooms and school. With green screen filming techniques, motion stop technology to make claymations and students showing their e-learning journals – it was good to stop and think what fantastic opportunities our students have at GCCC. While people essentially do not change, technology is a great tool and has become a part of the fabric of our society and ways of doing things. At GCCC, the use of technology and integration into the way students and teachers work is an important factor in the education equation.

Thanks to Brad Evans for his outstanding organisation in putting this presentation in place and to Jane Beadon for her expert help and contribution.

Interim Reports and Parent-Teacher conferences

You will receive an interim report via email during the holidays with details of how to go online to book a parent-teacher conference. Please remember that this report is designed to provide information to you about your student’s progress at this point in the year. Since complete data is only available at the end of the semester, this report should be treated as a progress report only. We would like to encourage you to bring your child along to the parent-teacher interviews. Last year, we ran ‘Student-Led Conferences’ in the second half of the year. We will be doing this again. While the conferences coming up are in the traditional style, we have now moved towards having the student as an integral participant to the discussion. They will be listening to the feedback, contributing and partnering with the teacher and parent on their goals and commitments to their learning.

Raising children is a constant learning curve. And, while we are always the same,  we live in a changing world. The stresses for children are different to the stresses that we as parents experienced as children. One thing that remains constant is the need for positive stimulation. Unfortunately, it is all too easy to allow technology to babysit our children.  A recent guest speaker at our school discussed some of the issues and results of stress for teenagers and also touched on this one of her newsletters regarding self-harming

To help a young person with cutting I will often talk with them about the release of endorphins from cutting but I will also explain that they can release endorphins in other ways…like going for a walk or run, doing some exercise, watching a funny movie and having a big belly laugh or watching a sad movie and having a big cry.  Eating chocolate, especially dark chocolate, is good for your teen and releases endorphins as well (almost like nature’s antidepressant!) Toula Gordilio [email protected].

While most of our children may not have this problem, the advice to find ways to enjoy life and release the endorphins IS vitally important. I know there were many occasions where I needed to almost drag my children off to some adventure or activity, which they generally loved once they were there doing it. Perhaps this is not the case with your children, however in this day and age they may need direction. I encourage you to make plans with your children for the up and coming holidays that help them enjoy the wonderful world we live in and explore their personal gifts and talents.

In the shorter timeframe – you could encourage your children to take on the digital detox fast this weekend – check out this link to find out more about it.

Jacqualina Vreeling, Head of Middle School