“But I Told Them to Hit Back…” – Rethinking Our Response to Conflict

It’s not uncommon for teachers to hear this from parents: “I told them to hit back if someone hits them first.” As parents, we naturally want to protect our children. We want them to be strong, to stand up for themselves, and to not be pushed around. These are valid and deeply understandable instincts. However, encouraging children to respond to aggression with aggression can send mixed messages—and often leads to more harm than good.

At school, we work hard to teach children how to navigate conflict using strategies that promote safety, self-control, and positive relationships. When a child hits back, it can escalate a situation quickly and result in both children facing consequences, regardless of who “started it.” Over time, this approach can also reinforce the idea that physical retaliation is an acceptable way to solve problems.

So, what’s the alternative? Here are some constructive ways we can support children in responding to social conflict:

• Children can learn to stand up for themselves with assertiveness, confidence and respect rather than aggression. Phrases like “Stop it, I don’t like that” or “Please don’t do that again” help set boundaries without being confrontational.
• Let your child know it’s always okay to walk away and tell an adult when they feel unsafe or unsure. This isn’t “dobbing” - it’s problem-solving with support.
• Helping children identify their feelings and develop strategies to calm themselves - like taking deep breaths or counting to ten - builds their ability to handle tough situations without lashing out.
• Talk through common playground or classroom challenges and role-play different ways to respond. This gives children tools they can use in the moment when emotions are high.
• Guide your child in thinking about other perspectives. Asking questions like, “Why do you think they did that?” or “What could you try next time?” helps develop empathy and resilience.

Above all, children take their cues from the adults in their lives. When we model calm, respectful conflict resolution, they learn to do the same. By shifting the message from “hit back” to “let’s find a better way to handle this,” we empower them with lifelong skills that reach far beyond the playground.

4D Classroom Observations

Last week, we welcomed two observers from the Four Dimensions team to conduct a whole-school scan of our classroom teaching environments. These 4D Classroom Observations, developed by Dr Caroline Blackley, focus on analysing the impact of teaching on student engagement and the overall learning climate. Dr Blackley brings a wealth of experience in supporting schools to embed high-impact practices that enhance student behaviour and learning outcomes.

Each teacher was observed for 30 minutes, followed by a reflective conversation with the observers to unpack feedback. This process provides valuable data on teacher-student interactions, helping us continue to refine our practice and create even more productive learning spaces.

The leadership team also received an initial overview of the findings on Friday morning. We were thrilled—but not surprised—to hear overwhelmingly positive feedback about the high standard of teaching and learning evident across all classrooms. While a detailed report will follow in the coming weeks, we are incredibly proud of the affirming preliminary feedback and thank our dedicated teaching staff for their ongoing commitment to excellence.

Importance of Reading Daily

At St Clare’s, we believe that one of the most powerful things families can do to support their child’s learning is to prioritise daily reading at home. While formal homework is optional at our school, we always encourage students to read for at least 20 minutes each day.

Why 20 minutes? Research shows that students who read daily build stronger vocabularies, become more confident writers, and develop deeper comprehension skills. Just 20 minutes a day adds up to over 1.8 million words read in a year – that’s a game-changer for young minds!

Reading at home also strengthens family connections. Whether it’s reading aloud together, listening to an audiobook, or sharing what you’ve each been reading, those quiet moments can spark meaningful conversations and a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.

Here are a few ways you can make reading a positive habit at home:

• Let your child choose books they enjoy – it doesn’t always have to be fiction.
• Make reading part of your daily routine. It doesn’t always have to be at bedtime, it could be in the car on the way home from school or to after-school activities.
• Ask questions about the story or characters to build comprehension.
• Model a love of reading by sharing what you’re reading too.
  
  

We thank our families for the continued support in making reading a daily habit. Every page turned at home is a step forward in your child’s learning journey.

Matific

Week 5

Prep - Year 3

3B

Years 4 - 6

6D

Mrs Donna Jack

Assistant Principal - Pedagogy and Learning

WEEK 8

Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 June

Mass at St Clare’s 5pm Saturday and St Anthony's 9am Sunday

WEEK 9

Monday 16 - Thursday 18 June

Dolly's Dream Sessions

Monday 16 June

Homework due

Tuesday 17 June

Homework distributed

Parent Borrowing in the Library 2.45pm - 3.15pm

Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 June

Mass at St Clare’s 5pm Saturday and St Anthony's 9am Sunday

Defence Club

With a number of exercises on at the moment, there are a large number of defence members absent from home. This often is a challenging time for the family left behind. If you are in need of support the following agencies could be of help when needed.

Defence Member and Family Support 24/7 Helpline 1800 624 608

Geckos Family Centre 4446 8681

Open Arms 24 hour telephone counselling service 

If there are parents deployed or out on exercise and you find that your child is struggling with parental absence please give me a nudge with either an email mbrennan6@stclarestsv.catholic.edu.au or pop in to the hub, which is the classroom off the multi-purpose hall and let me know so that I can offer some support to your child.

If your Defence member is discharging or discharged could you also let me know as it helps me support your child with the changes that are happening within the family, as they can be affected by these changes as well.

Lunch time Kids Club

The Prep and year 1 students will be picked up on Monday’s at lunchtime.

Our Kids Club Days are on as follows;

Monday 1st Break  - Preps

Monday 2nd Break  - Yr 1 

Wednesday 1st Break  - Yrs 2 - 6

Defence Member and Family Support (DMFS)

If you need help during a crisis or support during deployment, posting or relocation, Defence Member and Family Support offer a range of support to help ADF members and their families manage challenges when they arise.

The DMFS Helpline – 1800 624 608 – is the first point of call for Defence families seeking support, information or connection with their community. It is available 24-7 and staffed by qualified human services professionals including social workers and psychologists.

Defence social workers help you to address personal and family issues through brief counselling services, referrals to community providers, long term support planning and crisis intervention.

DMFS support services are free for ADF members and families. Emails received by the Helpline will be responded to within 24 hours. memberandfamilyhelpline@defence.gov.au

Families with Special Needs

Moving can be a challenging process for any family, but when you have a family member who has special needs, the complexity and stress can be even greater.

Defence offers additional assistance to Defence families who have a resident family member with special needs. These practical support services are designed to make the relocation process smoother and more accommodating.

Families can also access support through the Defence Special Needs Support Group (DSNSG). The DSNSG serves as a national support network for families with special needs, offering resources, guidance, and a community of individuals who understand the unique challenges faced by Defence families.

More information on assistance measures can be found on the DSNSG  website https://www.dsnsg.org.au/ 

or by emailing  

Memberships:
memberships@dsnsg.org.au

National Administration and Liaison Officer:
nalo@dsnsg.org.au

Partner Employment Assistance Program

Are you an ADF partner looking to enhance your employability?

There have been some positive changes to the PEAP program. Partners can now claim $1500 every financial year that can go towards professional employment services, professional licenses and many things that will enhance your employment skills.

We also pay re-registration fees for those partners whose jobs require them to be registered.

To find out more and to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria: visit

https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-members-families/family-programs-services/support-for-families/partner-employment-assistance-program

Walking Together in Reconciliation

This week, our school has embraced several significant events on the First Nations calendar, including National Sorry Day, National Reconciliation Week and Mabo Day, as part of our ongoing journey of learning, understanding, and walking together. At last week’s staff meeting, we took time to unpack these key dates and reflect on their meaning and importance. We were privileged to welcome our First Nations Education Advisor, Pelly Morganson, who led a professional development session with our staff. Together, we explored the theme of Reconciliation—what it truly means for us as educators and how we can actively live this in our classrooms and relationships. A highlight of the session was a structured yarning circle, where staff shared, listened, and connected deeply with each other.

Throughout the week, our students have been exploring the story Walking Together by Coral Vass. This beautifully written book follows a group of children as they learn about Reconciliation and how young people today can be part of healing and understanding. It highlights messages of friendship, truth-telling, and unity—reminding us all that reconciliation begins with small, meaningful steps.

Our Ganmana Adara students have also been busy during lunchtimes, taking part in Reconciliation-themed activities and helping to create a stunning display in our library to mark this important week.

As a school, we remain committed to listening, learning, and walking together—side by side—as we build a future grounded in respect, truth, and hope.

Mrs Deanne Guerra

Learning Connections in Action – The Power of Rolling

At St Clare’s, our Prep students have been busy developing strong foundations for learning through targeted movement activities. This week, we’ve been focusing on a key Core Movement — the Half Roll.

The Half Roll involves children lying on their backs with their legs held firmly together and their arms crossed over their chest, hands facing outwards as stoppers. From this position, they slowly roll onto one side and hold, then return to the centre before repeating the movement on the opposite side. This seemingly simple activity is actually working wonders behind the scenes.

So, why is rolling so important?

Rolling plays a crucial role in developing postural control — the ability to sit upright and maintain body stability. This underpins classroom tasks such as sitting at a desk, handwriting, and using tools for fine motor activities. Children who haven’t yet mastered the skill of rolling may find it challenging to sustain attention, sit comfortably, or coordinate both hands when writing or cutting.

From a neurological perspective, rolling activates the part of the brain that integrates bilateral coordination — the ability to use both sides of the body together in a controlled and connected way. This brain-body connection is fundamental for higher-order tasks such as reading, writing, and problem-solving. When children roll, they engage their entire body in a rhythmic and patterned movement that encourages the brain to wire and fire efficiently.

Importantly, these movements are not just physical exercises — they’re part of a bigger picture of building the neural pathways necessary for successful learning. By repeating Half Rolls, children strengthen their core muscles, improve body awareness, and lay the groundwork for smooth, coordinated movement throughout their schooling years.

Our Preppies are building up their Learning Connections routine to now include Body Awareness activities, Brain Boosters, and Half Rolls. Each element plays a vital role in helping students develop the physical and neurological readiness to succeed in the classroom. At St Clare’s, we know that building strong bodies helps build strong minds.

Mrs Deanna Guerra

Learning Connections Coach

Term 2 has been full of curiosity, creativity, and discovery in 2C!

Recently, we had the exciting opportunity to visit the museum as part of our learning in HASS. This excursion helped bring our “Old and New” unit to life, as students explored how things have changed over time from household objects to transport and technology. The children were fascinated by the artefacts and asked thoughtful questions, showing great interest in how people lived in the past compared to today. The photos from our trip capture some wonderful moments of awe and learning!

In Mathematics, we’ve been investigating patterns, both repeating and growing. Students have enjoyed using hands-on materials and digital tools to create and describe their own patterns. We’re proud of how they’re recognising patterns in the world around them and beginning to explain the rules behind the sequences they create. Look out for the creative photos that show off some of our best work!

Back in the classroom, our young writers have been hard at work on their information reports. Our current focus is on wombats - a favourite Australian animal! Students are learning how to structure their reports with interesting facts, headings, and diagrams. The writing samples in this newsletter give a glimpse of the impressive effort our students are putting into researching and writing like real authors.

We’re so proud of the growth, enthusiasm, and engagement our students are showing across all areas of learning. Thank you for your ongoing support at home, it makes all the difference!