Leadership skills and more....

Dear Parents and OLF Families,

In  the  recent January/February  issue  of Harvard Education Letter (vol.28/number 1) an article by Laura Pappano suggests the transfer of leadership skills from a young age on:

 "....Researchers involved in four studies say they can predict which students may be leaders as adults based on the behaviors and experiences of their youth. Factors found to be predictive of future leadership included the tendency to engage in response to a new situation and an inner motivation to try new things and gain skills. The studies suggest teachers encourage leadership skills in students by allowing them to pursue mastery and success through real-life experiences, rather than relying on rewards such as test scores and classroom prizes."

If indeed, exposure to new situations develops leadership skills by promoting flexibility and adaptability, educators have their work cut out. Most tasks in traditional classrooms demand mastery of routine tasks and repetition, not creativity or inquiry. Real-life learning experiences or  "authentic learning" is essential for success in the 21st Century, where students are required to solve problems, navigate information, "connect the dots" and assemble new knowledge.  

As parents we have tremendous influence on how our child reacts to change and unfamiliar circumstances. If as parents we express distress, discomfort or disappointment, because we are in a new situation or environment, our children pick up on our stress level. If instead we approach the situation with a smile and the opportunity to learn, we instill not a "fear of the unknown", but curiosity and inquiry, two key ingredients for success as a life-long learner and leader.    

Blessings,

Mrs. Beate Nguyen, M.A. Ed.,

Principal 

upcoming events

Thursday, February 9

Friday, February 10

Saturday, February 11

Thursday, February 16

We had a great turnout for the Parent Meeting last week. However, there were multiple families who did NOT RSVP for childcare but brought their children. We had to hire an extra person at the last minute, because our numbers exceeded the 30 child maximum! We are glad to provide this service in the future if cooperation is given. It is our responsibility to ensure legally acceptable limits. In the future, we ask that you please remember to RSVP. We will not be able to accept your child/children into childcare once our numbers reach thirty. Thank you!!

• Think safety first!
• No double parking at any time during morning drop-off ....
• Carefully load/unload our "most precious cargo", a.k.a. our children!
• Avoid cell phones on the parking lot, as this may distract you!
• Remember, every child and adult of our leaning community is considered a "blessing" here at OLF!

This is to notify you that Our Lady of Fatima School will be conducting the Family Life Program in Grades 4 - 8th:

• begins February 13th
• addresses the overall well-being of the child
• talks about the Christian family
• introduces concepts of student's growth and physical development
• parents in 5th Grade can opt out of this program in writing (see 5th grade letter in yellow envelope)

At OLF we respect everyone's privacy and personal time! Staff and teachers should not be contacted at home unless specifically requested! All teachers and staff members can be reached by email using the first letter of their first name, their last name and @olfschool.net, i.e., cclark@olfschool.net. The OLF School Office number is (949) 492-7320. Please do not hesitate to call us during office hours!

 

...Bring your flyer from OUR LADY OF FATIMA!

Parents, please be sure to turn in those box tops and empty ink cartridges that you've been collecting! DEADLINE is next Wednesday, Feb. 15^th.  You may turn them in at the clinic.

S.O.A.R

 (Study, Organize, Achieve and be Ready)

4 Academic Success!

Click HERE for S.O.A.R flier!