A message from the Acting Head of Primary School
Believing Before They Do: The Power of Confidence in Parenting
Last night, I stood at the airport and waved goodbye to my 18-year-old daughter as she set off on her gap year adventure to Europe. Like many significant parenting moments, it was filled with excitement, pride, and just a little apprehension. Watching her head off into the unknown reminded me of the many moments over the years where my role as a parent has simply been to stand back, trust in her abilities, and let her take on a new challenge.
I thought back to the determined two-year-old climbing to the top of the playground tower for the first time, the brave ten-year-old taking on the waves at Trigg Beach, the nervous sixteen-year-old learning to drive, and the seventeen-year-old staying up late studying for exams. Each moment came with uncertainty, challenge, and growth. And in every one of those moments, my message was the same: I believe in you. You can do this.
It struck me that this is one of the most important gifts we can give our children - the belief that they are capable of trying new things, stepping outside their comfort zones, and embracing challenges with courage.
In the primary school years, children are constantly presented with opportunities to stretch themselves - whether that’s in the classroom, on the sporting field, in friendships, or through new experiences. While success is always encouraging, it is often in the trying that the most important growth takes place.
When children “have a go,” they build resilience. They learn that not everything comes easily the first time and that perseverance, practice, and a positive attitude are key to growth. Just as importantly, when the adults around them communicate confidence in their abilities -through our words, encouragement, and support - we help shape their own self-belief.
At school, we are passionate about creating opportunities for students to challenge themselves in safe and supportive environments. The ELC's Mini-Cross Country and this week's Junior School Interhouse Cross Country are wonderful examples. For some students, running a race is exciting and energising. For others, it may feel daunting. Regardless of where they finish, the real achievement lies in stepping up to the start line, giving their best effort, and finishing with pride.
Over the coming weeks, many of our students will have similar opportunities to embrace new experiences. Our Year 3 students will take part in their AQWA sleepover - an adventure that will no doubt bring excitement, curiosity, and for some, the challenge of spending a night away from home in a very different environment. Our Year 5 students will also represent the school at the Winter Sport Lightning Carnival, where teamwork, courage, and sportsmanship will be just as important as the results on the scoreboard.
As parents and educators, our role is not to remove challenges for children, but to stand beside them and remind them: You can do hard things. You are capable. Give it a go.
When children know the important adults in their lives believe in them, they are far more likely to back themselves too. And often, that first brave step into something new becomes the foundation for confidence that carries them into the next challenge - and the next.
Thank you for continuing to partner with us in raising children who are willing to try, persist, and grow.
Kind regards
Mark Pressley
Acting Head of Primary School