What a gift it is to share in the learning journey of every student. We aspire every day to help our students to become capable, creative, confident, respectful and empowered individuals … ones we hope continually experience laughter in their lives as the old saying goes … laughter is the best medicine; and it is a gift that comes to us free of charge, and in these days of high inflation – what a bonus that is (hope you laughed here).

Anyway, laughter definitely puts the joy in learning – as we all know, we remember things that make us laugh and smile. Plus, a hearty giggle helps us develop positive relationships and connect with each other, especially when we have limited things in common. And, it teaches us many lessons – it provides opportunities for us to recognise boundaries, to learn about empathy and see each other as ‘real’ human beings who, too, experience the same feelings. Or it can be a simple positive release of emotion that boosts our energy.

So, I am advocating for more laughter – in the classroom, in the playground, in the corridors and, of course at home! Adults, we have a lot to learn from our youngsters who can laugh up to 300 times a day, as opposed to our measly count of between 4 – 20 laughs per day. Here is my new challenge - next time things go wrong – laugh … at yourself, at the circumstances, at the spilt milk.  And in walking my talk, next time I’m faced with yet another puppy toileting accident on my new $40 couch (the other one didn’t outlast the puppy phase) I’ll laugh uproariously – and the world, I am sure, will be brighter (albeit in shades of yellow or brown).

What inspired my spiel about laughter, you ask – the highly knowledgeable Mrs Michelle Pearce, who has joined our team for 3 days a week this year, said to me earlier in the week, after hearing peals of laughter from somewhere within the school. “The laughter in this school is such a beautiful thing to hear – what a wonderful environment to work and learn in.” Kudos Havenview Primary School – creating a culture of happiness and joy as well as learning and aspiration!

With laughter in mind, here is hoping that Mr Nichols and his class will experience much fun, learning and laughter as they practise for their play, Aladdin that they will present in Week 9 for our viewing pleasure – I’m betting they will regale us with many glorious guffaws during their performance.

Other happenings, which are difficult to miss – the redevelopment. I’m sure, you are all joining us in eagerly anticipating the opening of the garden section which will better cater to our students’ needs in their outdoor learning and gardening experiences.

Finally, in speaking of gardens, please support us by reminding your children of the need to respect our outdoor environment, and that it is only fallen twigs and branches that can be used during play. Play that is ladden with laughter.