MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

    It seems like only yesterday that we were welcoming in 2004. But now, the leaves are falling from the trees and the air has turned cold. Suddenly, the “new year” isn’t so new any more. In fact, it is rapidly drawing to a close. Our trip to Chudhleigh’s Farm was fun and educational. Thank you for all the parents who joined us that day. I hope all of you had as much fun as the students have.

   Are you tired of bargaining with children just to get a little cooperation? Are you frustrated by their lack of respect? If so, then you are not alone. Millions of parents and teachers share your concerns. They worry that far too many children are becoming manipulative and defiant.

  Here are the keys for raising responsible children without all the deal-making, arguments and confrontations.

Learn how to:

-         Deal effectively with defiance.

-         Get children to do the jobs you assign.

-         Decrease stress through the use of prevention.

-         Teach courtesy and respect.

-         Prepare children for independence.

Join us on November 19^th for our workshop “Secrets of Discipline” that can help you avoid these problems. 

The Little Red Theater will be putting on their rendition of the ‘Little Red Riding Hood.” This play is a part of our drama program. The Elementary and Casa students will begin the drama program with Miss Lisa on Nov. 11. Thus, arts and crafts will be replaced by drama.

The virtues that will be taught this month are “assertiveness” and “caring.”

   The following is a poem that I’ve found. Hope you enjoy it.

Yours,

Madame Marie

 MY DEAR CHILD

(Author unknown)

I gave you life,

But I cannot live it for you.

I will teach you things,

but I cannot make you learn.

I will give you direction,

but I cannot be there to lead you.

I will allow you freedom,

but I cannot account for your actions.

I will take you to a spiritual place,

but I cannot make you believe in a higher power.

I will teach you right from wrong,

but I cannot always make decisions for you.

I will buy you beautiful clothes,

but I cannot make you radiate beauty from within.

I will offer advice,

but I cannot make you follow my advice.

I will give you love,

but I cannot force it upon you.

I will teach you to share,

but I cannot force you to be generous.

I will advise you about friends,

but I cannot choose them for you.

I will teach you about chastity

but I cannot make you pure as the snow.

I will tell you about the facts of life,

but I cannot build your good reputation.

I will warn you about the evil effects of drugs,

but I cannot say no to drugs for you.

I will tell you about lofty goals,

but I cannot achieve them for you.

I will teach you about kindness,

but I cannot force you to be generous.

I will warn you about negative consequences,

but I cannot make your positive and wise choices.

I will love you as a divine child,

but I cannot make your place in divine nature.

I will tell you about the beauty way of life,

but I cannot make you walk on the beauty path.

I will teach you about a great spirit,

but I cannot make the great spirit your guide.

I will teach you how to live,

but I cannot give you eternal life.

Printable version of the full newsletter in Word format here.