Dear Parents, Caregivers and Friends of

St Mary’s School,

Today is the winter solstice, midwinter's day, the shortest day. Last Sunday people leapt into the sea for the annual polar plunge and this Saturday is the midwinter festival in the Octagon.

I read a quote recently that said that the effect that we as parents had on our child was immense and life long. Not what we say but rather what we do. Think back to your own parents attitudes, values and how have they shaped you?

A vital component that young people need if they are to succeed in our modern future is to be life long learners. To achieve this they need your support, this doesn’t mean that you have to become another classroom teacher but rather you teach by the actions that you model: read in front of your children, play games with them,

discuss events with them and most importantly answer their questions, even when you are busy or tired.

Our children are only young for a short time and soon enough they stop asking you questions and start telling you the answers (as the parent of any teenager will know).

If you don’t know the answer to a question then, say I don’t know but lets find out together. With children most of the fun is in the finding out.

So if someone in your class asks what the solstice means, or they ask why do people march around the Octagon on a freezing night and you aren’t 100% sure, find out with your child together.

This shows that that even the people that they respect most ,are still learning, so it’s a good thing for them to continue to learn too

Have a great week

Mike Brosnahan