'Commitment to Catholic Education transcends the lifespan of individuals and generations. We are the beneficiaries of a past where we did not labour and the trustees of a future we will not enjoy. But there is a special reward of participating in an endeavour that is larger than the sum of our individual lives."
- J' O' Hare Former President Fordham University, New York
Read the article below in one of the weekend newspapers during the holidays.
"My children love to play outside. They'll run, climb, jump, and splash about all day. They are fascinated by nature; animals and insects, plants and rocks. They have no idea how to unlock an Ipad. Sometimes they watch a bit of television, but overall, they are exempt from the virtual world so many people (children and adults alike) live in today.
Think back to your own childhood. How much time did you spend outside?
How much time did you spend inside playing with toys, reading, drawing and the like?
Do you know many kids now don't know how to hold a pencil, no idea to use scissors when they reach school?
Many children today lack basic motor skills, their counterparts possessed five years ago.
Most modern parents are quite happy to hand over the iPad for a few minutes of peace. There are so many other ways that can make this happen.
Just remember whatever you choose, that you are responsible for teaching your child about the world.
Do you want this childhood to be spent on ipads oblivious to the real world around them, or do you want to remember the connection you shared and the fun you had together?"
I have always been earlier adaptor of technology and embrace it in elevating how I operate in my roles. As a parent with children now 15, 13 and 12 it is increasingly obvious to me of reducing and limiting their use of technology as a replacement for being creative in play, to avoid being bored or replace actual face to face interactions with peers and our own family. When this happens it is also increasingly obvious how their emotions remain more consistent and they are open to spending quality time with other members of our family.
As educators we can see the children arriving in our Kindergarten classes with increasing gross and fine motor needs, increased social/emotional concerns as well as speech and oral language needs.
We need to embrace technology and like a healthy diet make sure we have a balance of all the 'nutrients' we need to live a healthy life.
Ripple Effect of MJR Conference
Photos from Mitch showcasing how St Paul's in Rutherford are implementing ideas in their school from this year's MJR Conference:
Sue & Carla with the 'Affirmation box" where the staff put little affirmations of staff living SOJ and they are put on the notice board in the staff room
MJR sign at St Paul's Meeting Place
Finger post signs from Cheryl Tilley's presentation have been placed in the prayer garden where staff & students can do their MJR lessons, reflections and RE
Teachers from 3 schools meeting at St Paul's talking and discussing MJR and how they hope to implement it in the future
Photos from the recent North and North West
Network Meetings
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