Dear McAuley Families

Watching the Paralympic Games is certainly providing many of us with inspiration at what some would deem as “impossible” to become an award-winning feat of endurance and performance.

An article in “The Guardian” recently lists 5 traits that young people can learn from Paralympians and translate to their own lives:

1. Self-regulation: our own self talk makes a big difference in our performance. Some stress and anxiety is helpful to learning but our positive mindset makes a big difference.
2. Mental toughness: Being highly motivated and coping with setbacks are vital. We call this “grit” – passion and perseverance.
3. Vigour: High levels of energy, effort and drive are vital. It is impossible to teach this – it must be innate. Work and learn with a sense of purpose.
4. Optimism: Athletes at this level have been found to be more optimistic than the common person. We can measure a person’s levels of optimism through their outlook… “today was the worst day…” or “I’m no good at anything…” are pessimistic statements.
5. Control: Our brains struggle with uncertainty. Not knowing what could happen causes us stress.  Students can work on “controlling the controllables” by developing exam and study routines and creating strategies that reduce confusion and doubt.

As a “village” (an expression used a lot in the Paralympics broadcasts) we all have a duty to build our student’s and family’s confidence and reduce fear of failure. We know that an optimistic outlook brightens all aspects of our lives and should be celebrated. Winston Churchill reminded us “…Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference…”

Our college motto “Believe, Strive, Achieve” gives us the verbs to do these things in our homes, our sporting and cultural endeavours and our personal lives.

Mary our mother look after us.

Eamonn Moore

Principal