When a student is in “defence mode”, they are physiologically and psychologically closed off to new information. Our goal at Shire through the Learning for Life framework is to empower our young people to shift into “learning mode” (Claxton 2019), for the now at school and in their life beyond school. This shift isn't just academic; it is fueled by compassion, generosity, and our shared hope in Christ. By moving away from a mindset of protection, we open the door for our children to become the resilient, adaptable learners they were meant to be. This requires cultivating a specific environment that signals "safety" to the brain. When a young person feels safe, their neurobiology shifts from the amygdala (the part that protects the brain, processing fear and anxiety) to the prefrontal cortex (the part that engages logic, reasoning and planning).

How can we foster this both at home and at school?

Validate the emotion, then solve the problem
In “defence mode”, a young person’s nervous system is overwhelmed. Attempting to "fix" their spelling homework or lecture them while they are slumped in a chair will only increase their defensiveness. Instead, we can start with empathy. "I can see you’re feeling really overwhelmed right now. It makes sense given how much is on your plate." Once the "defence" (cortisol) drops, the brain is amenable to new information.

Model the "power of yet"
We cannot know all future knowledge or prepare for every possible outcome, so we must engage with the process of learning. We can model this by being transparent about your own struggles, such as when we face a challenge at work or with technology. "I haven't figured this out yet, but I’m going to try a different approach." This removes the shame associated with not knowing. In a "phone-based" childhood, young people are constantly seeking instant success and validation (through likes or views). This makes them "experience-blocked" because they fear any experience where they aren't immediately successful (Haidt 2025). We can reframe this by praising the strategy and effort rather than the end result. Instead of "You're so smart," try "I noticed how you took the time to plan which strategy you would use and then persevered with it, even when that maths problem got frustrating. That's a powerful learner trait."

Anchoring in Hope and Grace
Our hope in Christ allows us to offer our children a "safety net" of unconditional grace. If a child believes their worth is tied to marks or being the first and best, they are more likely to live in “defence mode”. We can remind them that their identity is secure, as a child of God made in His image. This security is the ultimate fuel for “learning mode”; when they aren't afraid of losing our approval. In John 16:33, Jesus tells his disciples, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Create "low-stakes" learning opportunities
Our young people need play-based and real-world discovery where failure has low-risk or minimal consequences. This can mean encouraging children to be responsible for something, such as cooking a new recipe, doing a chore to contribute to the family or being part of a sporting team. We can be beacons of hope and safe place to fall by not immediately rescuing. It’s not about perfection, but about the purpose and process. On our part this takes patience, grace and generosity, but the investment is definitely worth it.

Mrs Rachel Robinson
Academic Head

We certainly grew in our knowledge of God, our love for him and love for others. We enjoyed:

We were so encouraged by the other schools and their teachers who attended. We are so grateful that we can meet each week at CRU to have fun, pray and read our Bibles together and see how God continues to shape us.

Mrs Rachel Robinson
Academic Head

On these two afternoons each week, the Centre will operate from 2:35 pm to 4:30 pm. There will initially be 30 places available for each of these days, and we will offer spots to students in Year 12 first, followed by the younger years. If a student doesn’t regularly attend without a good reason their spot will be given to another student. Students will be required to sign in and out when they attend, and will need parent permission to leave before 4:00 pm.

For the last four weeks of this term on Tuesdays only, commencing Tuesday 10 March, we will be piloting this new approach. Any student will be welcome to attend during this time. To ensure we are prepared for each afternoon, the following Google Form needs to be completed to indicate who is going to attend. Our normal After School program, which enables students to learn in our Library until 3:45pm, will continue on all other days for now.

Term 1 After School Study Centre Pilot Sign Up

I would like to express my thanks to all parents and caregivers who attended the Engagement Evening this week. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with the teaching staff of the Secondary School and hear about the plans we have for each year group throughout the year.

Mr David Collins
Head of Secondary

Of course, serious concerns always require adult support. However, many everyday challenges provide valuable opportunities for growth. Experiences such as forgetting homework, missing out on a team or party invitation, receiving constructive feedback, or spending time reflecting on behaviour can help children develop perseverance and responsibility. As we read in Romans 5: verses 3-4, “... but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope .”

Small disappointments, when navigated with the support of caring adults, help prepare children for larger challenges later in life. While it is not easy to watch our children wrestle with disappointment or discomfort, reassuring them and walking alongside them during these moments helps build resilience.

Gratitude also strengthens resilience. A simple habit, such as sharing one positive moment from the day at the dinner table, can help children notice God’s goodness in everyday life. Taking time to pray with and for our children in these moments is another powerful way to support them as they grow in both resilience and faith.

Mrs Ruth Cooper
Head of Junior School

Our teachers are working hard behind the scenes to set up learning tasks and assessments. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this initial implementation phase. This may mean a reduced level of progressive feedback during Term 1. If at any time you have questions or concerns about your child’s learning, we encourage you to contact your child’s classroom teacher via email. Additionally we provide a great opportunity for parents to meet with teachers at our first JS Parent Teacher Night at the beginning of Term 2. We value the partnership we share with families and look forward to continuing to support each student’s growth and learning.

Mrs Ruth Cooper
Head of Junior School

Australia’s cuisine today is an exciting fusion of flavours and ingredients, shaped by the many cultural groups who have settled here. However, students discovered that the foundation of our food story begins with First Nations peoples.

During the excursion, students investigated the timeline of food in Australia — from traditional First Nations food practices, through the arrival of the first European farmers, to the influence of successive waves of migration, and finally to the contemporary reintroduction of Indigenous ingredients into modern cuisine.

Students explored the traditional diets of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, learning how food choices were deeply connected to location, climate and seasonal availability. They examined how foods were gathered, hunted, collected and processed using sustainable methods that demonstrated deep environmental knowledge and respect for Country.

A highlight of the experience was learning about both traditional and contemporary cooking methods. Students discovered how native ingredients such as bush herbs, seeds and fruits were prepared historically, and how these same ingredients are now being incorporated into modern Australian cuisine in innovative ways.

Students sampled a range of bush foods, gaining firsthand appreciation for the unique flavours that are once again becoming prominent in Australia’s culinary landscape.

We are proud of the way our Year 9 and 10 students engaged thoughtfully and respectfully throughout this experience.

Mrs Sharon Abrahams
Head of TAS

Students were inspired by the incredibly high standard of musicianship and the creativity on display. Seeing what is possible at the culmination of the HSC journey provided valuable insight into the dedication, refinement, and individuality required to achieve at the highest level.

For our Year 12 students in particular, the experience offered clarity and motivation as they continue to shape their own performance programs. They were able to reflect on repertoire choices, stage presence, and the importance of dedicated practice — all crucial elements as they prepare for their final year of HSC Music.

We look forward to seeing this inspiration reflected in our own performances throughout 2026.

Mr Rohan Miller
Head of Music

We are currently undertaking assessments to help identify the students who would benefit most from this additional support. Once this process is complete, parents and carers of selected students will be contacted directly with further information. As the program will run before school, participating students will need to be available to arrive early each morning. Holding the program before school allows students to learn in a calm and focused environment without missing valuable classroom learning time. It also provides a positive start to the day, helping students build confidence and feel well-prepared for their learning.

We look forward to partnering closely with families as we begin this exciting initiative and supporting our students as they grow in their literacy skills.

Mrs Nicole Collins
Learning Support Coordinator

Throughout the sessions, students are introduced to a range of cricket skills, including batting, bowling and fielding techniques. These skills are put into practice during games, where students are working together as a team and encouraging one another along the way. It was pleasing to see the great sportsmanship, teamwork and effort shown by all students.

Inter-school sport is a great opportunity for students to develop their skills, stay active and represent our school with pride. It is a great afternoon of fun and friendship.

Next term, students will have the opportunity to take part in a Rugby Experience as part of our inter-school sport program. More information will be sent home towards the end of this term.

Miss Ashleigh Hackfath
Junior Sports Coordinator

They certainly rose to the challenge. Many swimmers cut valuable seconds off their personal best times — an incredible achievement that reflects their hard work and dedication. In such a competitive field, every second counts, and our students gave their absolute best in every race.

The CSSA carnival will be one we remember for years to come after the venue was evacuated for close to two hours. A huge thank you to the parents and families who patiently waited in the heat for the venue to reopen. Our swimmers ended up racing much later than expected, and I could not be more proud of the way they handled the situation and performed in the pool. We would also like to thank the CSSA organisers for running a fantastic event in record time to ensure every race could still go ahead.

Well done to all swimmers for representing our school with pride and determination!

Miss Ashleigh Hackfath
Junior Sports Coordinator

Families can set up an account online or via the app using the instructions provided . Please set up a profile for each child to help us distribute the food.

Orders can be placed up until 8am on the day of delivery, an added convenience for families, now able to decide at the last minute to order lunch for their children. This time will be reviewed and adjusted if demand requires, and parents will be notified in advance by email.

While limited snacks are available on the School Fuel menu, parents should be aware that with delivery later in the day to keep the food fresh, snacks should still be provided for Break 1.

Junior School students will have their orders brought to their classroom. Secondary School students can collect their order during Break 2 (12:27pm) in the Year 12 area outside Student Services. Secondary students are responsible for collecting their orders from this location.

We hope this arrangement will provide a healthy convenient option for our families.

Each stage will respond to its own theme:

Junior School (K–6): The View From Here
Students are encouraged to draw, paint or photograph what they see from their own perspective – whether it’s a favourite place, a familiar view, or a meaningful memory.

Secondary School (Years 7–12): One Moment in Time
Students are invited to create an artwork that captures a single meaningful moment – an event, feeling or everyday scene frozen in time.

All students may use any medium, including drawing, painting, photography or mixed media.

Entries close: Tuesday, 21 April

We look forward to seeing the unique perspectives and creative talents of our students as they reflect on the world around them.

The students will be in homestay for eight nights, attend school for three days, visit Tokyo Disneyland, volunteer in community projects, tour Tokyo, travel by Shinkansen to Kyoto (or alternative).

Applications to travel close 12 April 2026

INFORMATION AND APPLICATIONS

sutherlandsistercityexchange.org
Jacqui Perritt
0409 205 434
sutherland.chuo@gmail.com

The Autumn program features a variety of projects, excursions and Base Camp days designed to spark curiosity and imagination. Activities include creating terrariums, exploring enchanted worlds, building nature shelters, hands‑on art projects, themed discovery days and imaginative construction. Two Big Art Days also return this season, giving children extended opportunities to create, design and explore through art-based experiences.

Rocketeers offers full‑day care from 6:30am to 6pm, with Child Care Subsidy options available.

To view the full program and make a booking, please visit the Rocketeers website .