Check out Dr. Ash’s back to school reflection: “Travelling through transition”. Thanks to Dr. Ash for keeping us in mind and prayer!
Travelling Through Transition: Day one – Here We Come!
“Behold, children are a gift from the lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward” (Psalm 127:3-5) In the words of my Irish Language: BEIR BUA (May You Succeed!!)
Hurry up or you’ll miss the bus! Where is my backpack? Did you brush your teeth? I wonder who’ll be in my class?
This is what might be heard in Catholic homes across Ontario on Tuesday Sept 6th, day one of the new school year.
Parents will be scurrying madly in preparations for their children’s return. Anxiety levels will be at an all time high following a summer of “routine de-programming”
What awaits your child? Transition…Transition…Transition.
Students will be introduced to some or all of the following transitions: A change in teacher, classroom, grade, school, community, curriculum, and classmates.
Parents are prone to worry all day while they await the supper time analysis from their child. Remember that they have experienced a day filled with a Tsunami of transition. Your response should be reflective, as you listen attentively to their day and tempered with your understanding of the natural first day jitters and uncertainty.
The key to a successful year is based on our Catholic sense of belonging. The Irish phrase: “Cead Mile Failte” – A Hundred Thousand Welcomes endorses the importance of welcomeness.
Your child requires a warm welcome from the moment he/she sets foot in their school. Their uniquely individual needs must be affirmed, be they learning, or intellectual disabilities, personality quirks, interests or challenges. It is essential to remember that, “God created us in his image and likeness” (Genesis 1:27)
Belonging is key to building self-esteem. Students’ levels vary on the self-esteem measurement scale. They require different infusion amounts of T.L.C. (Tender, Loving, Care) in a classroom that welcomes and validates the variety of learners. This process is an ongoing creation that empowers your child to be successful because they feel valued as integral members of a gospel values based class community. A place where God can look down and see his value for each human life perpetuated in the daily life of our school. Transition is defined as change. Change is as we know constant. That first day parents will attempt to navigate the turbulent waters of the school system. Their success will require compassion, understanding, patience, and unconditional love, the same offerings given to us by the Good Lord.
Dr.Ashleigh Molloy
Director Transformation Education Institute
OAPCE Lifetime Member
