Principal’s Message
Empathy is an essential piece of the tapestry of emotions that all children must develop in order to lead healthy, fulfilling lives and to be contributing members of the fabric of society. Learning to be empathetic towards others begins from the very start, as soon as children are born, with cuddles, attention, the attachment children build with important adults in their lives.
At Avon, we have been part of the Roots of Empathy program for several years now. Babies, mothers, and ROE instructors come to the school and talk about how babies develop, what their needs are, and how those needs are met. Students then connect these observations with their own needs, and understand others in turn.
Gwen Dewar, in the article cited below, gives ideas for parents to build empathy in their children. There is a wealth of information listed in the article, both on the site and in the references—take a look for more information! She summarizes with these ten helpful tips:
- Address your child’s own needs, and teach him how to “bounce back” from distress
- Be a “mind-minded” parent
- Seize everyday opportunities to model—and induce—sympathetic feelings for other people
- Help kids discover what they have in common with other people
- Teach kids about the hot-cold empathy gap
- Help kids explore other roles and perspectives
- Show kids how to “make a face” while they try to imagine how someone else feels
- Help kids develop a sense of morality that depends on internal self-control, not on rewards or punishments
- Teach (older) kids about mechanisms of moral disengagement
- Inspire good feelings (and boost oxytocin levels) through pleasant social interactions and physical affection
As I’ve mentioned in previous articles, we know that it is never too late to begin teaching our children about character traits that we value and believe to be important.
We’ll give the last word to ROE as it envisions an empathetic world:
“Imagine the Roots of Empathy effect in a global context. Imagine what it would mean if the attunement that informs the loving, learning relationship between parent and baby were translated into all human relationships, if each person’s expressions of emotion and need were met by caring, empathic responses.”
Just imagine!
http://www.parentingscience.com/teaching-empathy-tips.html
http://www.rootsofempathy.org/
http://www.parents.com/kids/development/social/raise-a-compassionate-child/#page=1
Barbara Alken
| January’s Character Trait is Responsibility: Being reliable and accountable |
Winter Clothing
- For all our children to enjoy the winter and get as much productive outdoor play time as possible, please be sure to send them dressed for the weather with snowpants, boots, hats, and mitts.
- Wet weather often requires extra socks, mittens, and pants. Please keep some extra items in your child’s backpack.
We check weather conditions regularly and keep students indoors on days when the wind chill is –20 or below.
Congratulations!
Avon PS choir performed at the “To Stratford With Love” community meal on December 19th. They represented the school well in front of over 1,000 people and added a lot of Christmas cheer to the event!
Safety First!
A big Thank You! to our Kindergarten parents who are conscientiously parking on the side street and walking their children in every day. Once again, we ask for your patience at dismissal time. The parking lot is always cleared by 3:30, but the children are sometimes taking longer to gather all their winter clothing!
Inclement Weather
You can always find out about inclement weather conditions at:
- Visit: www.ourschoolbuses.ca or email [email protected].
- Check Avon’s website—read the Twitter message on snowy days and listen to CJCS Stratford (1240) or CFPL London (980).
Avon School Council
Next Meeting: Mon, Jan. 18, 2016 6:15-7:30 in the library
All parents/guardians welcome to attend!
Giving Back
The Salvation Army Kettle raised $106.25 for families in need. As well, Avon’s food drive for the House of Blessing brought in 260 food items and 13 turkeys. As well, our response to the new Syrian families coming into the Stratford community was overwhelming. Thank you for your support!
French Immersion
Registration forms for Grade 1 French Immersion are now available in Stratford and area elementary school offices. Parents interested in obtaining information regarding French Immersion may attend an information session at 5pm on Tuesday, January 12th, 2016 at their designated immersion school. Families living in Stratford, but not in Bedford area should attend at Anne Hathaway Public School, and families living in Bedford area, or whose home school is outside of Stratford, should attend at Bedford PS. Registration forms are due to the Bedford or Anne Hathaway office by January 30th, 2016. Further information is available at yourschools.ca.
YMCA News
Welcome Back. We hope everyone had a safe and fun holiday season. For our internal families this is a reminder that our internal registration process is coming up in February 2016 to enroll your children in the Before and After School Program for the 2016-2017 school term. All families who are not currently enrolled in the program and would like more information on how to enroll their child for the 2016-2017 school year please call the YMCA at 519-271-0480 and ask to speak to Lori, Ashley or Krystle. We would also like to take this opportunity to welcome back one of our Child Care Supervisors from Maternity leave, Krystle Linden. Thank you
Natural Learning News
Final inspections were completed and approved by our insurance carriers the last week of school in December. All classes had a chance to get out and play on the new equipment and experience the opportunities it allows for creative play. In accordance with safety procedures, while the ground underneath is hard and frozen, the equipment will not be in use.