Dear St John the Apostle community,

With Parent-Teacher Interviews and Three-Way Conferences this week the 'beginning of year' activities have concluded and we are now moving into 'business as usual' across the school. We've had a very energetic start to the year and now we can settle into a more sustainable rhythm for students, families and staff.

As I waited with an older student in the car park yesterday I spoke with them about Three-Way Conferences, which occur only from Years 3 to 6. I asked if they were going into their Three-Way Conference and they replied "sadly, yes". Inside I had a little chuckle at the phrase they used, but I followed their answer with a further inquiry as to why. They simply explained that they didn't enjoy going in with their parents and teacher.

We have typically held Parent-Teacher Interviews only in the past. They are a great opportunity for parents to check in with the teacher or raise an important matter for further discussion later. It's also an opportunity for teachers to show some examples of children's work to families. Parent-Teacher Interviews have their benefits.

So why Three-Way Conferences at this time of year? As I said to the older student:

• "Whose learning are you going to talk about?"
• "Mine"
• "Whose responsible for that learning?"
• "Me"
• "Then you need to be part of the conversation."

All children co-completed the Progress Report, reflecting on their engagement in the classroom so far in the first four weeks. It's a good opportunity for them to pause and check that they are heading in the right direction with their engagement in school and an opportunity to 'right the ship' if they aren't. It's important too that the person who can do the most about that, the child, hears and participates in any conversation. It gives them voice and power in their learning and reminds them that they have the capacity to make a difference to their own learning at school. We do this from Years 3-6 because at this age they have more capacity to be self-reflective and articulate their thoughts and feelings.

There will be Parent-Teacher Interviews later in the year for Years 3-6, however, at this time of the year, the students have the opportunity to learn that they have responsibility for their engagement and learning at school. An important learning early in life.

If you are interested, like me, in ensuring children learn to become responsible there are some great resources to support you and provide you with some clear direction and advice. I found the following site helpful:

At St John the Apostle we look for ways to ensure students develop responsibility. We do this because Jesus says:

"I have come that they may have life, have it to the full" (John 10:10)

Fullness of life is experienced by those who embrace it, act on it and contribute to it. One does this from a position of positive personal empowerment and this develops through acknowledging, embracing and acting on ones own responsibilities.

Thank you for working together this week to help your child continue to grow in their understanding of responsibility.

Matthew Garton

Principal