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Tell Them From Me Survey

Please remember that the Tell Them From Me Survey for 2025 is now available. A reminder email - with the parent/carer link - will be sent in the coming days. We love feedback and we also like to know what we are doing well so we can do more of this for your children and yourselves. Students and Teachers are also being surveyed at the moment.

Helping Our Children Build Confidence, Independence and a Sense of Agency

Reflecting on the insights of parenting educator Michael Grose 

As parents/carers, one of our shared hopes is to see our children grow into capable, confident young people who can navigate the world with a sense of purpose and independence.

In Michael Grose’s recent article “The Secret to Raising Children with Strong Agency: An Expert Guide” he explores  the idea of ‘high agency’ — the belief that we can make choices, act on them, and influence outcomes. It’s a powerful idea, and one that quietly sits behind many of the qualities we hope to nurture in children: resilience, initiative, independence and motivation.

Children with a strong sense of agency tend to:

• believe that their efforts matter,
• feel capable of influencing what happens around them, and
• develop confidence in taking responsibility for their choices.
  
  

It had me wondering what it looks like to support this kind of growth in everyday family life?

What Grose suggests is refreshingly down-to-earth. High agency doesn’t require grand gestures. In fact, it often grows out of the small, ordinary moments that invite children to think, act, and learn for themselves.

Some examples he offers include:

• Offering age-appropriate choices – Whether it’s deciding between two snacks or choosing what to wear, having some say in their day helps children feel capable and respected.
• Encouraging problem-solving – When a forgotten item or a tricky situation arises, resisting the urge to jump in too quickly allows children the space to think through possible solutions.
• Supporting their interests – Giving children time, tools and encouragement to follow what they enjoy (without over-managing it) helps them feel ownership over their learning and hobbies.
• Focusing on effort – Rather than only praising results, noticing persistence and creativity reinforces the idea that growth comes through trying, not just “getting it right.”
• Allowing for mistakes – Providing a safe space where it’s okay to get things wrong is one of the most valuable ways to encourage learning and confidence.

Assigning responsibilities – Whether it’s packing a bag, feeding a pet, or helping with a household task, real responsibilities help children feel that their contribution matters.

And one of my favourites — modelling it ourselves. When we explain the “why” behind our everyday choices or routines, we’re showing our children how adults take initiative too. Even something as simple as talking about why we plan meals ahead or walk rather than drive can give them a glimpse of decision-making in action.

Michael Grose also reminds us that developing agency isn’t about being “hands-off” or “laissez-faire.” It’s a thoughtful process of gradually giving more space, more voice, and more responsibility — always matched to the child’s readiness.

Of course, all children are different, and every family works with its own realities. But there’s something reassuring in knowing that these small, everyday moments really do matter. In giving our children chances to choose, to try, and even to stumble occasionally, we’re helping them build the confidence and capability they’ll need — not just now, but well into the future.

As always, thank you for the way you support these shared goals at home. Together — through home, our school and our St Francis community — we’re shaping young people who believe in their ability to grow, contribute, and thrive.

A New Chapter for the Church: Pope Leo XIV and the Seeds of Hope

Over the past month, the Church has farewelled Pope Francis — a humble, courageous leader whose impact reached far beyond the walls of the Vatican. His words and actions consistently drew our attention to those on the margins, reminded us to care for the Earth, and invited us to be a people of mercy. His passing marked the end of a remarkable chapter in the life of the Church, one many of us have drawn great inspiration from.

Now, with the election of Pope Leo XIV, we begin a new chapter — one already echoing the hope and compassion Pope Francis modelled so well.

In his first General Audience, Pope Leo chose to reflect on one of Jesus’ most familiar stories: the parable of the sower. It’s a simple image — a farmer scattering seeds on different kinds of soil — but one rich with meaning. The Pope reminded us that God, like the sower, spreads His word everywhere, generously and without hesitation. He doesn’t wait for the soil to be perfect. He sows into rocky paths, among thorns, and into the hearts of all people — trusting that something will grow in time.

As Pope Leo said, “We are used to calculating and planning things, but love doesn’t work that way.” These words ring true not only in our spiritual lives but in our family lives, in our parenting, and in our SFCC community. 

We often feel pressure — to have everything in order, to get it all right, to produce perfect outcomes. But this parable reminds us that God meets us where we are. The invitation is not to be perfect, but to be open. To allow the seeds of faith, compassion, resilience and grace to take root, even if we’re still unsure of the harvest.

At our College, we see this story playing out daily — in classrooms, on the playgrounds and in our staff/admin rooms. Teachers sow seeds of knowledge and encouragement. Parents/carers sow seeds of trust, responsibility and love. Students sow seeds of friendship, effort, and courage. The results are not always instant, and not every seed grows right away — but over time, we begin to see fruit.

There are some simple ways we can bring this message to life in our school community:

Let go of perfection: As families, we’re often juggling a lot. The message of the sower reminds us that growth can happen even in imperfect conditions. Let’s be gentle with ourselves and one another.

Encourage small acts of love: Whether it’s a kind word at pickup, a patient conversation with a child, or a moment of listening — these are the seeds that shape our community.

Stay hopeful: Pope Leo reflected on a painting by Van Gogh where, even before the sower finishes his work, the grain is already ripening behind him. It’s a beautiful reminder that God is always at work — often in quiet, unseen ways.

Keep faith central: As we continue to walk together as a Catholic school, let’s make space for faith at home — through prayer, conversation, and small moments of reflection. It helps connect the seeds planted in our College with life beyond the gates.

Finally, Pope Leo concluded his address by remembering Pope Francis with great affection. “We cannot conclude our encounter without remembering with such gratitude our beloved Pope Francis, who exactly one month ago returned to the house of Our Father.” It was a touching tribute to a man whose heart was always with the people.

As a K–12 school family, we look to this new pontificate with both gratitude and hope — grateful for the seeds sown by Pope Francis, and hopeful for the journey ahead under Pope Leo XIV. May our College continue to be a place where faith is nurtured, love is lived, and hope is shared — one seed, one moment, one life at a time.

Prayer for Pope Leo XIV

O God,
you have chosen your servant, Pope Leo XIV,
to follow Saint Peter
and lead your people as their shepherd.

Listen kindly to the prayers of your Church.
Guide Pope Leo with your wisdom and love,
so that he may strengthen his brothers and sisters in faith.

May the whole Church stay united with him—
in peace, in love, and in truth.
And may all people, led by you, the true Shepherd,
come to know your word
and receive the gift of eternal life.

Through Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, forever and ever.

–Amen.