Dear Parents, Friends and Caregivers,

IntroductionThis week, Noel Mifsud our College Principal is attending a regional EREA Principals’ conference in Perth.

This week has been an important week in the history of the Catholic Church as the cardinals meet in conclave in the Sistine Chapel to select the successor of Pope Benedict XVI. Since 1271, when, following a deadlock, the cardinals were locked up and given only bread and water until they chose a new pope, they have been required to remain in total isolation during the deliberations, with only a doctor and a cook to assist them.

Watched over by Michelangelo’s famous frescos, the cardinals hold secret ballots until one candidate attains

a two-thirds majority. Four ballots are held each day, two in the morning and two in the evening, until a result is obtained. The ballot papers are burnt after each count. If a new pope has been elected, the papers are burned with a substance that gives off white smoke to signal the news to the waiting crowds outside. If no candidate has succeeded in gaining the necessary two-thirds majority, the smoke is black.

On Thursday our newly elected Pope Francis I was announced. He is the 267th Pope in a continuous line of apostolic succession spanning almost 2000 years. We pray that Pope Francis I from Argentina (the first non-European Pope for over 1000 years) will continue to lead our church into the future to meet the needs of our young people.

Year 10 Christian Service Learning/Duke of Edinburgh CampsThe Year 10 students will be participating next week (Wednesday 20 – Friday 22 March) in either their Christian Service Learning or Duke of Edinburgh Camps which will include sailing, surfing and kayaking. All Year 10 students will be required to attend school on Monday 18 and Tuesday 19 March for normal lessons. Thank you to both Mr Colin Curnow and Mr Hilary Flynn who have organised these events.

Victoria Square RedevelopmentThis week the Adelaide City Council has commenced the redevelopment of Victoria Square. This redevelopment has seen the removal of bus stops VS 1, VS 6, VS 7 and VS 8. These bus stops have been permanently closed until the completion of the redevelopment in December and have seen over 32 different routes affected with new stops located around the square. Further information on these changes is available from the Adelaide Metro website under service updates.

Winter UniformParents are reminded that all students are expected to be wearing full winter uniform at the commencement of Term 2 on Monday 29 April. If you need to purchase a winter uniform please contact Claire Summerton at the uniform shop on 84004249.

Music under the StarsFriends of Music and the Parents and Friends Committee invite members of the College community to “Music under the Stars” next Friday 22 March in the Eastern Courtyard commencing at 6.30pm. Entrance is free and over sixty students from both campuses will be performing musical items. Bar facilities will be available and all new parents to the college are particularly welcomed to attend our first social event for year.

Term 1, Week 7 | Friday March 15, 2013

Year 10 and 11 Chinese students visit the Adelaide-Himeji Garden.

Inclusive CommunityOur community is accepting and welcoming, fostering right relationships and committed to the common good.

From The Acting Principal

Christian Brothers College Newsletter214 Wakefield Street, Adelaide SA 5000 P 08 8400 4200 F 08 8400 4299

324 Wakefield Street, Adelaide SA 5000 P 08 8400 4222 F 08 8400 4220

178 East Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000 P 08 8223 5469 F 08 8223 7803

enquiries@cbc.sa.edu.au www.cbc.sa.edu.au

Senior Campus

Junior Campus

CBC Community Children’s Centre

Email Website

Faith Excellence Community Compassion

A Birth-12 Catholic College for boys in the Edmund Rice Tradition

2 INSIGHT

Bullying No WayThis Friday is the National day against Bullying: “Bullying no way.” Bullying is a serious issue within society and as a college we promote the respectful and peaceful resolution of conflict. As a College community we explicitly educate our students to develop an understanding of the serious effects of bullying and harassment and how to effectively respond and take a stance against such unacceptable behaviours. The following links may be helpful:

http://www.bullyingnoway.gov.au/teachers/classroom-resources/early-childhood.html

http://www.bullyingnoway.gov.au/teachers/classroom-resources/primary.html

World’s Greatest ShaveAlso this Friday the college community will support the Leukaemia Foundation’s annual fund raising event “The World’s Greatest Shave”. Thank you to all those courageous and committed staff members under the leadership of Ms Shey Odgers and Mr Hilary Flynn who will be dyeing or shaving their hair for this great charity event -- yet another wonderful example of our school values of Faith, Excellence, Community and Compassion being put into action.

SRC InductionCongratulations to all students at the Junior Campus who were nominated as SRC representatives for 2013 and received their badges at a liturgy on Friday.

Improving Literacy and Numeracy National Partnership (ILN NP) Project 2013 Building upon our improvement focus in numeracy R – 6 through the National Partnership Projects in 2011 and 2012, Christian Brothers College have been invited by Catholic Education South Australia to participate in a cross-sector National Partnership Project in 2013 that will again focus on the continuous improvement in numeracy. The targeted group for this project is students 3 – 6 with a particular focus on intervention for those students performing below national minimum standards.

Because the ILN NP program is funded only for the 2013 school year, NAPLAN Numeracy assessments will not be sufficient to report growth in student learning within that period. For this purpose, all three school sectors in South Australia have chosen PAT-Maths Plus tests to assess students’ Numeracy skills in March and again in November of this year.

This test is provided by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) and is an online test giving nearly immediate results to students and teachers, while assessing much the same concepts and skills as pen and paper assessments. Our school’s annual subscription for using the online tests will be paid through the Improving Numeracy National Partnership Project. Participation in this project allows us access to both the PAT – Maths and PAT -- Reading for the twelve month duration of the project. It also allows us to use these diagnostic assessment tools more broadly than defined within the project. We, therefore, will use this opportunity to gain valuable information to inform continuous improvement for Year 3 to Year 10 students in their literacy and numeracy development.

Edmund Rice SundownerThis week I was fortunate to attend the Edmund Rice “Sundowner”. The “Sundowner” gathering is an opportunity for all members of the Edmund Rice Network to meet, including representatives of the following ministries:

• Edmund Rice Schools (CBC, St Paul’s College and Rostrevor College)

• FAME (Flexible Learning Centre at Christies Beach)

• Christian Brothers

• The Edmund Rice Associates

• Edmund Rice Wisdom Group, and

• Edmund Rice Camps

Br Dean McGlaughlin cfc, member of the Oceania Leadership Team, remarked on how important our networking was in reminding us of our vision to live Edmund Rice’s dedication to Christ and the needs of the poor in our ministries. Br Dean challenged us to understand that Edmund Rice was a layman, who was married, had a child, saw a need to assist the poor and brought about change through education. Edmund Rice was not a religious when he established schools and had followers, but created a congregation so his vision could continue with the brothers. This vision is now being passed on from the Christian Brothers to the lay people in our schools and other Edmund Rice ministries (as mentioned above) to continue to live the vision of Edmund Rice.

May the light of your soul guide you.

May the light of your soul bless the work

You do with the secret love and warmth of your heart.

May you see in what you do the beauty of your own soul.

May the sacredness of your work bring healing, light and renewal to those

Who work with you and to those who see and receive your work.

May your work never weary you.

May it release within you wellsprings of refreshment, inspiration and excitement.

May you be present in what you do.

May you never become lost in the bland absences.

May the day never burden you.

May dawn find you awake and alert, approaching your new day with dreams,

Possibilities and promises.

May evening find you gracious and fulfilled.

May you go into the night blessed, sheltered and protected.

May your soul calm, console and renew you.

John O’Donoghue, Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom

Live Jesus in Our Hearts Forever.

Mr Shaun ClarkeActing Principal

Counsellor’s Corner

Helpers.With enormous self confidence and no training to speak of, some people set themselves up to solve everyone’s problems and to involve themselves in the intimate lives of others. Such people are to be avoided. Common sense and good judgment are needed to know when we can help and when we should refer others to trained professionals. Normally we should not offer our help until we are requested to do so. The ultimate aim should be for the persons asking for help to take greater responsibility for themselves.

Br Michael FlahertyCounsellor

Winter Uniforms for neW stUdents

All new students to the college are required to make

an appointment with the Uniform Shop for their Winter uniform as soon as possible.

The Uniform Shop is operating from 227 Flinders Street, Adelaide. For more information, please call 8400 4249.

Normal trading hours:Monday 8 :30am to 5pm* Wednesday 12pm to 5pm* Friday 12pm to 5pm*

(*During school terms - extra trading hours are advertised for school holiday trading)

Mrs Claire SummertonUniform Shop Manager

UNIFORM SHOP

3INSIGHT

Why We Must Promote Play or Physical ActivityPhysical activity is an important part of childhood. Boys in particular need to be active to expend their energy and engage socially with each other. As adults we probably remember that running around the house, building imaginary worlds, and exploring the outdoors are all elements of play of our childhood. But for an increasing number of young people play just isn’t taking place, and this may have consequences on their childhood development.

Studies have found that play, whether at the junior or senior level, promotes healthy child development and learning. Studies have found there has been a dramatic decrease in the time that young people spend on their own child-initiated play. By “play” they meant play that young people themselves initiate and direct and not video games that are directed for them.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has recently found what children really need for healthy development is more time for old-fashioned play. Professor Goodenough found that child initiated play develops mental and physical health as well as cognitive and social capacities. Child-initiated play helps young people develop social skills, problem-solving, creative thinking, self-awareness and confidence, as well as providing an opportunity for healthy exercise. However, over the past twenty years the engagement of young people has gradually declined.

Research has indicated that there has been increasing pressure on children to achieve and accomplish things at ever younger ages, and according to adult standards. A consequence of this lack of free time has resulted in an increase of scheduled activities, such as music classes, sports practice, and academic tutoring sessions. Another major player is “stranger danger” -- the perception by parents that the world is

a dangerous place where children are best kept indoors. Reports show that the world today is still as safe as it was twenty years ago. But perhaps the biggest obstacle to play today is the increasing prevalence of electronic media in children’s lives. Screen time now takes up an average of 4-6 hours a day for children, leaving precious little time or motivation for play.

This has been evident at the college with the introduction of laptops, with some students preferring to use their laptops in the library rather than undertaking physical activity at lunchtime. As a College community we continue to promote all our students to be physical as this provides an opportunity to connect with each other and build friendships and relax from the cognitive demands of the classroom.

As parents we need to continually promote the benefits of physical activity. This can include:

• Undertaking activities outdoors.

• Not overscheduling them with adult-directed activities. It is important to allow young children time to engage in playtime.

• Limiting television and computer access, ensuring that children aren’t watching television or using the computer incessantly.

• Creating a community, becoming a promoter of play by organising a community group or event to raise awareness of the importance of play.

We need to remember that play is not just a diversion for children from more important matters. In fact, it is a process of self-discovery that deserves to be treated with as much care and respect by educators and families as the cultivation of literacy and the mastery of mathematical skills.

In every real person a child is hidden that wants to play. - Friedrich Nietzsche

Mr Shaun ClarkeDeputy Principal

From The Deputy Principal

2013 School calendar

Week 8Mon 18 Mar Year 3 Swimming

Board Meeting

Tues 19 Mar Year 3 SwimmingO’Brien – Liturgy (SC)Hurley – Volleyball (SC)

Wed 20 Mar Year 3 SwimmingYear 10 DOE (Group 2)Year 10 CSL (Group 2)

Thurs 21 Mar Year 3 SwimmingYear 10 DOE (Group 2)Year 10 CSL (Group 2)Harmony Day

Fri 22 Mar Year 3 SwimmingYear 10 DOE (Group 2)Year 10 CSL (Group 2)O’Brien – Volleyball (SC)Music Under the StarsP&F Welcome to New Parents

Week 9Mon 25 Mar

Tues 26 Mar

Wed 27 Mar

Thurs 28 Mar Holy Thursday Liturgy (Whole School)

Fri 29 Mar Good Friday

Week 10Mon 1 Apr Easter Monday

Tues 2 Apr House MeetingsP&F Meeting

Wed 3 Apr Watersports Auxilliary Meeting 6.30pm

Thurs 4 Apr

Fri 5 Apr Senior School Assembly – Hosted by Marks House

Sat 6 Apr Head of the River

Week 11Mon 8 Apr CBCOC Meeting

Tues 9 Apr Smith House Day

Wed 10 Apr Senior Campus Student/Parent/Teacher Interviews

Thurs 11 Apr Junior Campus Student/Parent/Teacher Interviews commencing at 2.30pm

Fri 12 Apr Term One concludes at 3.30pmHouse Colour DayVolleyball Final

The full Term Planner is available at www.cbc.sa.edu.au

CBC Parents and Friends are hosting the International Night, this is a bi-annual event which will be held this year on 1st June.

Historically this is an event for all the family where our multicultural community comes together to celebrate our diversity.

We are looking for enthusiastic people who like to cook and share their cultural food with the wider school community by becoming a stall holder. Past stalls have included an Aussie BBQ, Brazilian, Chinese, Greek, Italian,

Indo-Fijian, Irish, Latin American, Polish, Vietnamese and others.

There are also other tasks required to make this event a success so please come on board, meet other members of the CBC community and

have some fun.

For more information please call Margaret Salagaras on 0417 881 446.

INTERNATIONAL NIGHTUpcoming Event

Saturday 6 AprilHead of the River

Upcoming EventFriday 22 March

Music Under the Stars

4 INSIGHT

Tax File NumberEventually we will all need a tax file number. An employer and superfund will need it so you only pay the tax that is due, not the top marginal rate of 0.45 cents in the dollar. The Australian Tax Office has been authorising schools for verification purposes for some years. Forms are available from Mr Lucas, Head of Smith House, or your son’s tutor. The forms ask for some identification details and a copy of the relevant documents. If the form is completed as part of the school’s program, you only need to supply the document numbers, not an original of the document. Once the form is completed, please return it directly to Mr Lucas who will send forms to the Australian Tax Office in regular batches. Once the Australian Tax Office has received the form, your son should receive his tax file number within 21 days. If you have any queries, please contact Mr Lucas, through the CBC office.

Canteen Volunteers Urgently Needed

The Junior Canteen is open daily from Tuesday through to Friday and Lisa

would love some help! If you are able to assist in the Canteen, please contact

Lisa on 8400 4222, ext 118.

The Senior Canteen is open Monday to Friday and would also appreciate some help. If you are able to assist, please contact Penny direct on 8400 4240.

We greatly appreciate any time you have to spare.

The first 6 weeks of the new CBC House System has been a time of forging new traditions and establishing O’Brien House ‘norms’ and language. It has been a time in which our senior students have been fine examples for their younger peers. This has been exemplified by our House Captain Matthew Nye who began the year with an inspirational speech about his wonderful experience of CBC and how he sees membership in O’Brien House as a great opportunity to build upon this.

O’Brien House is named after Brother Francis Thomas O’Brien and his family crest includes a lion, the source of much of the terminology used in O’Brien House. For example, ‘The Lion’s Den’ may refer to any place of O’Brien belonging, such as tutor group rooms, our regular meeting location, or even our staff computer location for O’Brien House information. (One of our Year 10 students will write more about Brother O’Brien in a future edition.)

We refer to O’Brien members as the pride (as in pride of lions). Our younger students may be referred to as ‘cubs’. When we celebrate a birthday or achievement, we give three roars instead of cheers.

We begin each week by meeting as a Year 7-12 House in the amphitheatre. Each tutor group is rostered on to host this meeting, lead prayer, deliver notices and celebrate birthdays and special achievements. The aim is to set the scene as a House that celebrates excellence and seeks cause for positivity.

When our senior school lions’ badges were available we held our inaugural O’Brien House Senior Badge Ceremony. With me, each tutor welcomed, congratulated and introduced their Year 12s to the rest of the house, whilst a Year 7 or 8 student (cub) from the same tutor group literally pinned the badge on the Year 12. At the end, all the Year 12s recited the O’Brien Senior Lion pledge. This ceremony will be an annual one. One day, the cubs that pinned the badge will themselves receive a

badge from a cub, and so the cycle will continue. (Below is a photo of ‘cub’ Michael Owens pinning the Senior Badge on ‘lion’ Nick Stevenson.)

As a tradition, each term we will hold an internal House competition, based on the ‘minute to win it’ concepts that formed the television game show of the same name. This term our inaugural winner was Morris Colby (Yr 7 OHFL). He won the ‘frog-hop’ competition and as a result will have a perpetual shield with his name on its very first plaque. We are awaiting delivery of the shield and a picture of Morris with this will appear in a future issue. Perhaps Morris will retain his title next year and beyond?

As Head of O’Brien House I intend to inform the CBC community of each new emerging O’Brien House tradition and of significant achievements of our lions and cubs. We have formed working groups that are finalising a chant, jig, handshake and a house song, all of which will be established as permanent O’Brien House identities, and I’m sure lions and cubs will share these with their families when they are finalised.

Mr Matthew CrisantiHead of O’Brien House

O’Brien House – Forging new traditions

5INSIGHT

Parents and Friends and Friends of Music invite all new and existing parents to attend

Friday, 22nd March at 6.30pm – 9.00pm, Eastern Courtyard, Senior Campus

Entry is free. This evening will showcase the musical talents of our students.Bar facilities available and tables will be provided with a food platter.

Parents are welcomed to bring their own food on the evening.

For further information contact Margaret Salagaras 0417 881 446 or Sue Teakle 0421 474 943.

Dear Parents/Caregivers and Friends,

As I put pen to paper for this week’s newsletter article it is a stifling 39 degrees. It is quite timely then that our Year 3 students will be the first group of students for 2013 to attend swimming lessons next week.

It is a program that I feel is an important life skill and one that many of our students wouldn’t ordinarily be able to afford if not part of the Health/PE program for all year levels at CBC Junior Campus.

On Friday our student leaders, SRC, Prayer leaders and Social Action Group were inducted in the Missioning liturgy. Parents/caregivers of the boys were invited to attend the ceremony and I felt enormous pride, as did Mr Mifsud and Mr Clarke, in these fine young men pledging their gratitude to others whilst accepting their badges.

I am reminded of the maxim from St Ignatius of Loyola “to give and not to count the cost” is something that each and every one of these boys lives out every day. Congratulations all student leaders for Semester 1.

Social Justice Group

Thomas Grech Luke Conti

Callum Marshell Louie Catherwood

Jordan Binnetti Jack Bourke

Kian Bird Che Yeadon

Campbell Hillock Noah O’Callaghan

Daniel Bressan Indy Browning

Adam Wells Sam Tabotta

Joeun Choe Donovan Yarran

Connor Oxspring Gabe Lewis

Liam Mead-Carnie Austin Arnold

Daniel Morbidelli William Reardon

Class SRC Reps Prayer Leaders

Rec White

Mrs Moten

Oscar Tabotta

Ryan Paul

Max Pudney

Rec Purple

Miss Odgers

Kosta Foundas

Danek Morello

Callum Chapman

Year 1 Purple

Miss Guidolin

Adam Mencel

Pasquale Sicuro

Eric Duong

Year 1 White

Mrs Barrass

Ethan Stockwell

Ethan Barber

Andrew Callow

Year 2 Purple

Mrs Brennan

William Mestrov

Joshua Leeming

William Holmes

Year 2 White

Mrs Cresswell

Jed Walker

Cormack Keith

Benjamin Saliba

Year 3 Purple

Mr Rignanese

Henry O’Mohoney

Toby Kay

Richard Guo

Year 3 White

Mrs Clifton & Mrs Radbone

Lucas Sebastiono

Edward Owens

TBC

Year 4 Purple

Mrs Ozgo

Sebastien Zitis

Vasili Falidis

Cooper Stewart

Year 4 White

Mrs Buchanan

Stefan Calderisi

Nicholas Kellerman-Clarke

TBC

Year 5 Purple

Mrs Madigan

Ben O’Brien

George Kokotis

Moneydeng Moneydeng

Year 5 White

Miss Cronin

Philip Reisinger

Guiseppe Baldino

TBC

Year 6 Purple

Mr Cook

Indy Browning

Liam Ryan

Campbell Hillock

Year 6 White

Miss Williams

Blake Angel

William Moten

William Reardon

Logan Dwyer

Year 6 Gold

Mr Gann

Thomas Grech

Jude Clifford

Daniel

Hremias

Thank you to Mrs Ozgo and Miss Odgers for their preparation behind the scenes in organising the liturgy.

We also took part in the World’s Greatest Shave which has become an annual event at CBC supporting the Leukaemia Foundation raising funds for blood cancer research and supporting families or individuals affected by blood cancer.

I would sincerely like to thank Mrs Sue Marzinotto, hairdresser, parent and volunteer extraordinaire.

I invite you all to join the staff of CBC community at the Music under the Stars/New Parents Welcome drinks on 22 March in the Senior Campus at 7pm.

It will be a fun night of great music, fireworks and good company I’m sure. Come along and meet other parents/staff that are part of our special CBC Community.

Reminders for Weeks Ahead• Week 8, Monday-Friday Year 3 Swimming

• Friday 22 March at 7pm – Music under the Stars/New Parents Welcome drinks.

• Breakfast Club – Every Tuesday and Thursday from 8.15am – 8.30am. All JC students welcome (toast, spread and juice available) No costs involved. Held in the Art/Science room

• Easter Hampers. Collection for those in need. Please send in to Class Teachers. Collecting until Easter

• 28 March, Holy Thursday dismissal will be at normal time

• 29 March, Good Friday, public holiday

• 1 April, Easter Monday, public holiday

• 11 April – Parent and Teacher Interviews

Thank you again for your continued support.

Wishing you God’s blessings for the week ahead.

Mrs Frances ZubreckyjAssistant Principal - Junior Campus

Assistant Principal - Junior Campus

crIcKeT

Year 8/9 Knockout Cricket CBC 2 for 138 defeated Trinity 136 all out

Best with Bat: Ben Adams 55no, Michael Cotsios 31, Henry Dall 29no

Best with Ball: Henry Dall 2 wkts, William Clemente 2 wkts

Wicketkeeping: Andrew McPherson 3 catches

On a very small ground in searing heat we were sent to the field. Some astute captaincy from Ben Adams paved the way in restricting the Trinity score. Slips were withdrawn from the start and third man and fine leg implemented from the start. Fields which included short cover and short midwicket were encompassed by a deep ring field. Trinity struggled to get the ball past the field and only scored when we bowled too short. Brilliant wicketkeeping by Andrew McPherson who did not concede a bye and took three brilliant catches helped enormously.

Our batting was superb with our three state players Ben Adams, Michael Cotsios and Henry Dall all contributing with the bat to produce a comfortable win. We will now play cricket school The Heights in our next round and if successful will proceed to the semi-finals of the state championship in early November.

Mr Mike ButtfieldCoach

West Lakes RegattaThe customary hot and humid March weather prevailed at Saturday’s regatta and that combined with the long-weekend did seem to keep some of the spectators away. CBC rowers participated well and had some very competitive races but were unlucky due to a couple of mishaps. Caroline CLARKE raced to the start line to rescue the First Four coxed quad boat after a mechanical breakdown. With the boat unable to be rowed back to the preparation area Caroline found herself being a “land cox” and carried the oars back for two kilometres, whilst the boys had to carry their boat. Caroline was in good spirits and her son was taken to the first aid station after having a small cut to his foot when he got out of the boat.

With the First 8 not racing this week three of the senior boys chose to compete in the 2000 metre Schoolboy Open Single Scull races. Sam Crosato won his Division 1 race, Declan Reidy came in a fighting second in Division 3 and Taylor Riley finished a competitive third/fourth? in Division 2.

Two young members of SA rowing were conducting interviews and making a video for a project. They were approaching all of the schools and interviewing parents to ask who they believed would win the Head of the River boys 8 and girls 8. The CBC parents all pointed the finger at Gary CLEGGETT to speak to them and scattered leaving him to guess who would win -- the best rowers, he said.

The Head of the River/End of Season Presentation Dinner will be held in the school gymnasium on 6 April 2013 and all are welcome.

If any boys have an interest in finding out more about CBC rowing please contact Mr Gora. (bgora@cbc.sa.edu.au).

Mr Beau GoraWatersports Coordinator

From the Counselling Team

Ten Tips on How to Tame Anger in Young PeopleViolence on the streets seems to be on the increase. Displays of anger, unprovoked aggression and violence against strangers are reaching epidemic proportions. However, how young people handle their anger is learnt early in childhood. So how can we help children manage their anger?

It should be pointed out that anger is a normal and healthy emotion. Often children who find it difficult to manage their outbursts haven’t been given the strategies at an early age to allow them to deal with feelings of anger, or the underlying emotions which might make them display anger (hurt, fear, and insecurity).

Tips on how to tame anger in young people:

1. Wait until they have calmed down: in the heat of the moment it is very difficult for a child to talk about why they feel angry as they are often overwhelmed by the emotion. Once they have had time to calm down and relax, parents, carers and teachers can help by encouraging children to talk about angry feelings as this allows them to feel understood and supported. It helps them to think more calmly and find better solutions.

2. Acknowledge anger: then encourage the child to talk about what prompted it. “Are you sure you’re not angry about something?”

3. Empathise with the feeling: this doesn’t mean excusing the aggressive behaviour; rather, let them know that you understand that certain situations can make someone feel angry or upset. “You must have been really mad/upset about something to talk to me like that.”

4. Uncontrolled displays of anger affect others: ask them how they felt when they were angry and how they think the person on the receiving end might feel. “How did you feel after Johnny broke your Lego model?”

5. How to stay in control: ask them what they think they could do to help stay in control. For younger children this might be counting to 10 or taking deep breaths or imagining their anger floating away in a bubble.

6. Give support: support and encourage any child who is attempting to control and manage their anger in a positive way and find solutions rather than give into it.”I like the way you kept your cool when you couldn’t find your favourite toy.”

7. Be a model: children learn by watching how others react to situations. Try not to become angry when you are upset but instead try to find solutions that will help you feel better.

8. Angry corner: let a child have some time out so they can calm down. A space where they can draw a picture about how they feel, crunch up paper, burst bubble wrap or bounce on a mini-trampoline will help relieve their tensions.

9. Give comfort: children are often soothed and calmed down by a favourite blanket or toy, listening to a favourite CD, or by gently rubbing their back while they are lying still. Once they are calm and still you can talk about what has made them angry.

10. Physical activity: this is great for ‘letting off steam’; get them to run around the garden or kick a football around for a while.

This article was written by Helen Splarn.

Re-printed with permission. www.generationnext.com.au

Ms Jane GaynorFrom the Counselling Team

Saturday 6 AprilA M Ramsay Rowing Course, West Lakes

Head of the

RiveR

Wear your blazers and support CBC at the 2013 Head of the River!