THE BLUE AND GOLD - Friday, 9 June 2023 - Toowoomba Grammar School

Venting, Catharsis, and Anger: Understanding anger, its problems, and effective interventions

Anger is a powerful emotion that we all experience at some point in our lives. It can be a natural response to frustrating or threatening situations, but when left unaddressed or uncontrolled, it can have detrimental effects on our mental and physical well-being. In this article, we will explore the definition of anger, the problems associated with uncontrolled anger, and effective interventions to manage and channel this emotion. By gaining a deeper understanding of anger and its impact, we can pave the way for a healthier and more harmonious life.

Definition of Anger:

Anger can be defined as a strong feeling of displeasure, annoyance, or hostility, often accompanied by a desire to retaliate, or express one's feelings aggressively. According to renowned psychologist Daniel Goleman, anger is a basic emotion rooted in our evolutionary past, serving as a survival mechanism to protect ourselves from perceived threats. However, anger can become problematic when it is excessive, frequent, or uncontrolled, leading to various negative consequences.

Problems with Anger:

Unmanaged anger can have far-reaching effects on both our personal and interpersonal lives. It can impair our decision-making abilities, hinder effective communication, strain relationships, and contribute to the development of physical and mental health issues. Research has shown that chronic anger is linked to higher rates of cardiovascular problems, weakened immune systems, and increased levels of stress hormones. Furthermore, the consequences of uncontrolled anger can extend beyond the individual, negatively impacting families, communities, and even societies.

Catharsis vs venting

Catharsis and venting are two different approaches to expressing emotions, including anger. Here's an explanation of each:

Catharsis: Catharsis refers to the process of releasing or purging emotions, often through artistic or creative expression. It involves channelling intense emotions into a constructive outlet, such as writing, painting, or engaging in physical activities like exercise or sports. The goal of catharsis is to achieve emotional release, gain insight, and promote healing and personal growth. In the context of anger, catharsis involves finding healthy ways to process and transform anger into a productive form of expression.

Venting: Venting, on the other hand, typically involves the verbal expression of emotions, including anger, with the primary purpose of releasing and expressing those emotions. Venting may involve talking or complaining to others, often without seeking or expecting a resolution to the underlying issue. While venting can provide temporary relief and a sense of validation, it may not necessarily lead to long-term solutions or personal growth. In fact, frequent and uncontrolled venting can sometimes reinforce negative thought patterns and escalate anger.

It's important to note that the effectiveness of catharsis and venting can vary from person to person. Some individuals may find cathartic activities helpful in processing and managing their anger, while others may prefer venting as a means of immediate emotional release. However, it's generally recommended to focus on constructive ways of expressing anger that promote personal insight, growth, and healthier coping strategies.

For example, boxing can be a physically demanding and intense sport, but whether it is considered a healthy or unhealthy form of venting depends on various factors, including the individual's mindset and approach to the activity. While boxing can be a way to release pent-up emotions and stress, focusing solely on anger and negative thought patterns may not be the most productive or beneficial approach. It's important to understand that engaging in any form of physical activity, including boxing, can have positive effects on mental and emotional well-being. Exercise, in general, has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and promote overall mental health. Boxing, specifically, can provide an outlet for releasing tension and aggression in a controlled environment. However, if the primary focus of boxing is solely on anger and negative thought patterns “I box just to hurt someone”, it may reinforce and perpetuate those emotions rather than help to alleviate them. It is crucial to approach any venting activity, including boxing, with a balanced mindset and positive intentions. It can be helpful to channel emotions constructively by focusing on technique, skill development, and personal growth rather than solely on venting anger.

Interventions for Anger Management:

Recognising the importance of addressing anger-related issues, numerous interventions have been developed to help individuals manage and channel their anger in constructive ways. These interventions aim to provide individuals with the tools and strategies to regulate their emotions, improve communication skills, and foster healthier relationships.

Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a widely used therapeutic approach that focuses on identifying and modifying unhelpful thoughts and behaviours. In the context of anger management, CBT helps individuals become aware of the triggers and automatic negative thoughts associated with anger. By challenging these thoughts and replacing them with more rational and adaptive ones, individuals can gain better control over their emotional responses. Additionally, CBT equips individuals with effective communication and problem-solving skills, empowering them to express their needs and concerns assertively rather than aggressively.

According to Dr Aaron Beck, the pioneer of cognitive therapy, "Anger, resentment, and jealousy do not change the heart of others; they only change yours." Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, have gained significant attention in recent years for their effectiveness in managing anger. By cultivating present-moment awareness and non-judgmental acceptance of one's emotions, mindfulness helps individuals develop a sense of calm and detachment from their anger triggers. This allows for a more thoughtful and measured response, rather than a reactive outburst. Research has shown that regular mindfulness practice can reduce anger intensity, improve self-control, and enhance overall emotional well-being.

In the words of Carl Jung, "What you resist persists, but what you look at disappears." Anger, though a natural emotion, can become problematic when left unmanaged. Its negative impact on our mental and physical well-being, relationships, and overall quality of life necessitates effective interventions for anger management. Cognitive-behavioural therapy and mindfulness-based interventions are two proven approaches to help individuals regulate their anger, improve communication, and foster healthier relationships. By incorporating these interventions into our lives, we can gain a better understanding of our triggers, develop healthier thought patterns, and enhance our ability to respond to anger in a constructive manner.

Remember, anger is a normal human experience, but how we choose to express and channel it is within our control. As we navigate the complexities of life, let us strive to find healthy outlets for our anger, communicate assertively, and foster understanding and empathy in our interactions. By doing so, we can create a more harmonious and compassionate world for ourselves and those around us. If you find it challenging to manage anger or if it negatively impacts your well-being or relationships, it may be beneficial to seek professional support from a therapist or counsellor. They can provide guidance and help you develop effective anger management techniques that suit your individual needs.

Bibliography:

Beck, A. (2003). Anger, resentment, and jealousy do not change the heart of others; they only change yours. Retrieved from https://www.goodreads.com/quot...

Kabat-Zinn, J. (n.d.). You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf. Retrieved from https://www.goodreads.com/quot...

Jung, C. G. (n.d.). What you resist persists, but what you look at disappears. Retrieved from https://www.goodreads.com/quot...

I had the privilege of attending the Years 3 and 4 camp recently, the boys spending three days at the Currimundi Recreation Centre on the Sunshine Coast. We were incredibly fortunate with the weather, perfect days of sunshine making the outdoor activities a delight. As you might expect with a camp at the coast, we body-boarded in the surf, canoed along the river and swam at the beach. The recreation centre also provided rock climbing, archery and team building experiences which were just as popular for the boys as the beach activities. In the evening we enjoyed mini-Olympics activities and a movie night. It was an action-packed adventure with many highlights and stories to share. Later in this edition of The Blue and Gold there is a Year 3/4 camp article with more details and photographs.

The activities were wonderful, and particularly the ocean-based experiences that our boys don’t typically access on a regular basis. The truly wonderful experiences with camps though are not necessarily the list of things we ‘did’, rather it’s the personal growth development that occurs within a very short period of time. I’ve mentioned the value of ‘little leaps forward’ for young people in their learning, the same is also true for camps and experiences outside of the regular school and family environment. For many students, this camp was their first trip away from home outside of staying with family. There’s a sense of adventure when travelling away from home, this requires courage to take that step and trust in your friends and others to support you along the way. Managing your own belongings whilst away is perhaps another first for many students, making sure they had their items ready for the day ahead and organising their own bag is a great experience for personal responsibility. There will also be moments, inevitably, where things don’t quite go as expected, perhaps the food isn’t exactly the same as at home, or sleeping in the same room as others is unfamiliar, or any other number of things that our young campers weren’t quite expecting, these experiences grow our ability to be flexible, adapt to the environment around us and demonstrate the resilience to move through a complication with the confidence that we will be ok. Going on a camp with our mates is a terrific experience for building strong friendships through shared experiences, but also the close connections formed when you help each other through a difficult moment. Perhaps someone in their circle of friends was a little homesick, or feeling nervous about a particular activity, these are great moments to offer support and encouragement that we’ll be ok, together.

I suspect that our boys will remember the awesome wave they caught or ‘big one’ that dumped them on the sand, or perhaps the fish they spotted whilst canoeing or ringing the bell at the top of the rock-climbing wall. These are tremendous memories, each with a story to tell that is valuable. Don’t underestimate though the untold stories from the experience of just being away together, these are slightly less glamorous but arguably more valuable in the long term as they help shape and define the character of our young people. The moment of packing my own bag on the final day of camp to make sure I had everything; this demonstrates being organised and responsible for my own belongings, a truly valuable skillset for life. The moment of reassuring a friend or inviting someone into your group; demonstrating social skills development that is the bedrock of working with others successfully. Camps offer so much more than what the itinerary outlines. Well done to our young campers, we couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Our sincere thanks to all the teaching staff, and the Currimundi Recreation Centre staff for their preparations and efforts throughout the camp.

In other happenings as we close out the final few weeks of Term 2:

Music opportunities for instrumentals with String Out event and Singers' Trophy Concert.
House Athletics program with 800m this week leading into the full day carnival next Wednesday, 14 June.
Charity events - Pyjama Day for Guide Dogs Queensland and World’s Greatest Shave for the Leukaemia Foundation.
MATES House activities and Assembly to conclude a very full semester.

Learning progress continues right through to the final day of term. Our classes and teachers are working on exciting projects and experiences that culminate learning units. Just the past week I’ve enjoyed watching Year 5 testing their coding and design skills with a run of their Sphero bots powering paddle boats. I’ve also enjoyed listening to Year 6 learning about the parliamentary process and how legislation is created and passed. Our youngest students enjoyed a trip to the Darling Downs Zoo to extend their learning about animals and their habitat. The diversity of learning experiences in a school is marvellous.

In the first week of the school break, Semester One reports will be issued to families. Mrs Chantelle Bauer – Deputy Head of Junior School Teaching and Learning provides more detail in her article. These learning updates provide a great opportunity to see where your son’s learning journey is currently, and what their next steps will be in the year ahead. These are always lovely conversations to have at home, talking through with your son about their learning progress. Mrs Bauer’s article also shares the value of automaticity in learning, when the foundational skills are embedded for easy access so thinking energy and effort can be devoted to higher level thinking tasks. Also, the value of broad-based experiences for young people to support their growth and development. The connections formed between experiences are often difficult to define but incredibly valuable.

Lastly, we wish for every family to enjoy a restful mid-year break. Whether your plans are to spend the time at home or travel away, take care and rest up. We all value a recharge moment as individuals and as a family.

My sincere best wishes to everyone for a restful break period.

With warmest regards, and appreciation as always,

Ken

Ken Raven
Head of Junior School

Striking a Balance
We understand that, as parents, we aspire to provide our children with the best education and opportunities for growth. Within the Junior School at Toowoomba Grammar School, we believe in fostering a love for learning while enabling your son to reach his full potential. In this article, we would like to emphasise the significance of automaticity and basic skill practice in extending your child's learning journey, while emphasising the importance of respecting their individual pace.

Automaticity plays a crucial role in enabling effortless task performance without conscious effort. It forms the bedrock for higher-level thinking and problem-solving abilities. By assisting your child in developing automaticity in core areas such as reading, writing, and mathematics, you equip them with the tools they need to excel academically and beyond. Encouraging regular practice and providing opportunities for repetition not only solidify these skills but also instil confidence and independence in their learning process.

However, it is vital to recognise the importance of allowing your child to progress at their own pace and avoid undue pressure. Every child has their unique developmental timeline, and it is essential to respect their individual journey. While it is natural to desire your child to excel, it is equally important to adopt a balanced approach to learning. Pushing children too hard or expecting them to master advanced concepts before they are developmentally ready can lead to frustration and a negative attitude towards learning. By fostering a supportive and nurturing environment, we enable children to flourish at a pace that is right for them, preserving their love for learning.

In extending your child's learning, it is essential to strike a balance between providing opportunities for growth and allowing for downtime. Engaging in extracurricular activities, reading for pleasure, and pursuing hobbies are equally vital for their holistic development. These experiences broaden their horizons, enhance creativity, and promote social and emotional well-being. Remember, learning goes beyond the confines of a classroom. Encourage exploration, curiosity, and a lifelong passion for learning that extends beyond academic boundaries.

At Toowoomba Grammar School Junior School, we strive to create an environment that nurtures the whole child. We acknowledge and celebrate the uniqueness of each child's learning journey. By focusing on developing automaticity and practicing fundamental skills, while respecting their individual pace, we can cultivate a lifelong love for learning. As always, thank you for your unwavering support in creating an environment where your son can flourish academically and emotionally.

Reporting
Early next term when receiving your son’s report card, you will notice a slight change in the wording for the achievement levels. They are as follow:

Academic Learning

Code	Explanation
AP	Applying – The student applies the curriculum content and demonstrates a thorough understanding of the required knowledge. The student demonstrates a high level of skill that can be transferred to new situations.
MC	Making Connections – The student makes connections using the curriculum content and demonstrates a clear understanding of the required knowledge. The student applies a high level of skill in situations familiar to them and is beginning to transfer skills to new situations.
WW	Working With – The student can work with the curriculum content and demonstrates understanding of the required knowledge. The student applies skills in situations familiar to them.
EX	Exploring – The student is exploring the curriculum content and demonstrates understanding of aspects of the required knowledge. The student uses a varying level of skills in situations familiar to them.
BA	Becoming Aware – The student is becoming aware of the curriculum content and demonstrates a basic understanding of aspects of required knowledge. The student is beginning to use skills in situations familiar to them.

Please note that students receiving a ‘Working With’ descriptor are operating at the expected level for their cohort.

Work Ethic

Teachers use a four-point scale to indicate how each student ‘Displays a positive approach to learning’ for each of the Learning Areas.

The Work Ethic section provides details about your child’s Homework, Classwork and Effort, Organisation, Behaviour and Respect.

Code	Explanation
E	Exceeding Teacher Expectations
M	Meeting Teacher Expectations
O	Occasionally Below Teacher Expectations
R	Regularly Below Teacher Expectations

A general comment written by your child’s classroom teacher is also included in this section of the report.

Warm regards,

Chantelle Bauer
Deputy Head of Junior School - Teaching and Learning

On Wednesday, 24 – Friday, 26 May, Years 3 and 4 boys travelled to the Sunshine Coast for a beachside camp experience. On arrival, boys organised their cabin groups and set up their rooms before having lunch together. They were all very excited to have their very own pin code to enter their cabins, but it did test their memory skills to recall the six-digit code!

After lunch the groups moved off into their first round of activities which included:

Body boarding
Canoeing
Rock climbing
Teamwork and circus skills

The body boarding activity required a 20 minute walk to the beach, plus some time on the sand learning about the features of the ocean like rips, sand bars, swell, sweeps and all the different flag signals. Then a quick lesson on the basics of body boarding and they were away into the surf. The weather and swell were perfect for our group with just enough waves to make it interesting but easy enough to stand up at any point.

Canoeing was a beautiful paddle down the river towards the ocean, passing by the sandbars where stingrays tend to congregate. Sadly, no stingrays were spotted on this occasion, but we had amazing fun paddling along the river.

Rock climbing was one of the favourite activities of the boys, they climbed on an internal wall at the recreation centre which had fancy electronic abseiling ropes that brought the climber slowly back to the ground once they reached the top.

Teamwork and circus skills were loads of fun with a range of equipment and challenges to test everyone’s co-ordination and co-operation.

On the first evening, the group participated in a mini-Olympics which involved:

Mini soccer
Frisbee goal
Obstacle course
Ring Toss
Fling-a-majig catch

There was also a dance competition which displayed the most impressive skills of the evening!

On Thursday, the groups moved through all the activities mentioned on day one, so everyone had that experience. In the evening, the boys enjoyed a movie night together in the camp hall. On Friday morning, it was clean-up and pack-up time before boarding the buses again to return home.

Well done to all the boys for a fantastic camp. Your energy and enthusiasm made for a tremendous experience for everyone. Thank you to class teachers Mrs Wharton, Mrs Kruger and Mrs Casey for organising such a great camp, and thank you to Mrs Dixon and Mr Doherty for their support of the camp also.

Date	Event	Location	Time
Friday, 9 - Saturday, 10 June 2023	Primary School Invitational & Secondary School Individual chess championships	Senior School Assembly Hall	5:00 pm
Monday, 12 June 2023	Boarder Parents' Support Group Meeting	Old Hall	6:00 pm
Wednesday, 14 June 2023	Big Band & R'n'B Band Extravaganza	Assembly Hall	6:30 pm
Tuesday, 20 - Thursday, 22 June 2023	Blazers Chess Clinic	Toowoomba Grammar School
Thursday, 6 - Saturday, 8 July 2023	Rugby Camp	Toowoomba Grammar School
Wednesday, 12 July 2023	Tennis Awards Presentation	Jacaranda Room	1:00 pm
Thursday, 13 July 2023	Football Awards Presentations	Senior School Assembly Hall	5:30 pm
Thursday, 13 July 2023	Basketball Season Launch	Glen McCracken Sports Centre	6:30 pm
Friday, 14 July 2023	Rugby Supporters' Group Gala Luncheon	Middle Ridge Golf Club	12:00 pm

Term 2, Week 9A


Monday, 12 June	No clubs in final week of term
	Visiting Performer: Prep to Year 6, Lucas Proudfoot Indigenous Performer
	Orchestra rehearsals, Junior School Hall, 1:10pm – 2:10pm
Tuesday, 13 June	Prep excursion to Darling Downs Zoo, 9:00am - 3:00pm
Wednesday, 14 June	House Uniforms
	Junior School Track and Field Carnival (P-6), venue TGS, 8:30am - 3:00pm
	End of term Meal Deal
Thursday, 15 June	Blazer Uniform
	Assembly, Junior School Hall, 2:15pm
	Holidays commence, 3:10pm
Friday, 16 June	Staff Development Day
	GPS Football and Tennis vs IGS
Saturday, 17 June	Basketball Camp, TGS, commences (17 - 19 June)
Sunday, 18 June	School Holidays

Term 3, Week 1B


Monday, 10 July	Basketball Camp, A Squads, TGS, concludes
	Staff Development Day
Tuesday, 11 July	School commences, 8.25am
	Football Awards Presentation, Assembly Hall, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Wednesday, 12 July	Tennis Awards Presentation, Jacaranda Room, 1:00pm
	No staff meeting
Thursday, 13 July	Blazer Uniform
	Mates program, House Groups, 2:15pm
	Basketball Season Launch, Sports Centre, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Friday, 14 July	Chess vs GT, Away (Round 1)

Ph: 07 4687 2500
International: +617 4687 2500
24 Margaret Street, Toowoomba, QLD, 4350 Australia

Under 8 - Exhibition Race - 1st Peter Donovan, 2nd Jack Beresford, 3rd Augie Westman
Under 9 - 1st Blake Fryer (new record 2.48.28), 2nd Harry Allen, 3rd Jonty Mason
Under 10 - 1st Connor Talbot, 2nd Boston Free, 3rd Andrew Reeves
Under 11 - 1st Henry Reeves, 2nd James Andersen, 3rd Isaac Tebbutt
Under 12 - 1st Patrick Gilmore, 2nd Joseph Ramia, 3rd Stirling Forster

THE BLUE AND GOLD - Friday, 9 June 2023

THE BLUE AND GOLD - Friday, 9 June 2023

In This Newsletter

P-12 News

From the Headmaster

Staffing Update

Grammar 150

It's nearly time for our annual parent, student and staff surveys

Update on school photographs

TGS Aquatic Centre rated among the best in the country

Print vs Digital

Latest Blogs

Senior School

Venting, Catharsis and Anger

Junior School

From the Head of Junior School

From the Deputy Head of Junior School - Teaching and Learning

Junior School News

Junior School Music News

Junior School Sport News

Year 3/4 Camp - Currimundi Recreation Centre – Sunshine Coast

Upcoming Events

Senior School Events 5-16 July 2023

Junior School Events - Term 2, Week 9A and Term 3, Week 1B

Sport and Activities

Footloose - The Final Call

TGS Army Cadets deployed on Exercise Greenhorn

TGS Tennis

TGS Football

GPS Rugby

From the Rugby Supporters' Group

TGS Volleyball

Blazers - Gary Lane Chess Camp

RnB and Big Band Extravaganza

Blazers Cricket Academy

Notices

TGS Aquatic Centre - Diving Clinic

Football Supporters' Group Raceday

School TV

Sorry To See You Go...

TGS Child Protection Responsibilities

P-12 News

Senior School

Junior School

Upcoming Events

Sport and Activities

Notices

P-12 News

Senior School

Junior School

Upcoming Events

Sport and Activities

Notices