Tomorrow night, Monday 15 February, there will be a GHKC session at 8:30pm in the bottom floor kitchen that features two yummy Australian recipes...
Lamingtons and ANZAC biscuits!
To read more about these Aussie sweets, look here: www.taste.com.au/news+features/articles/433/all+about+anzac+biscuits and here: http://www.puckles.com.au/pages/a-history-of-lamingtons
English mathematician Ada Lovelace is widely considered the world's first computer programmer for her invention of the computer algorithm. Born in 1815 to the poet Lord Byron and Anne Isabella Byron, Lovelace's mathematical talents led to an ongoing collaboration with mathematician Charles Babbage, who called Lovelace the "Enchantress of Numbers." While translating an article by an Italian engineer on Babbage's Analytical Engine, a proposed early version of a mechanical general-purpose computer, Ada added her own extensive set of notes which contained a tremendous breakthrough -- the first computer program or algorithm.
Lovelace is also credited with making the conceptual leap to develop a vision of the potential of computers to go beyond simply running calculations; in her notes, she raised questions about the possibility of individuals and society using technology as a collaborative tool. For example, in 1843, she speculated on the potential use of computers in music composition, writing: "Supposing, for instance, that the fundamental relations of pitched sounds in the science of harmony and of musical composition were susceptible of such expression and adaptations, the engine might compose elaborate and scientific pieces of music of any degree of complexity or extent." Source: amightygirl.com
Matilda, a modern fairytale that mixes hilarious humor with the magical message of love. Mrs. Doubtfire's Mara Wilson stars as Matilda, a super-smart little girl who's woefully misunderstood by her parents (Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman), her brother, and an evil school principal. But with the help of a brave best friend and a wonderful teacher, Matilda discovers she doesn't have to get mad to get even.
This film is based on the fantastic book Matilda by Roald Dahl.
DeVito takes a highly stylized approach that is sometimes reminiscent of Barry Sonnenfeld (director of Get Shorty, a DeVito production), and his judgment is not the best in some matters, such as letting the comic-scary sequences involving the principal go on too long. But much of the film is delightful and funny. -- Tom Keogh
What films would you like to see feature here?
Do you have a favourite film, or could you review one for our blog?
Is there a film you would like GH to purchase to add to our collection?
Be considerate at all times and treat others the way you would like to be treated yourself
This is the very first line of our Code of Conduct here at Chetham's and remains the Golden Rule in all that we do!
How do you make sure to follow this as you go about your day?
Here are some quotes/thoughts for your reflection and inspiration:
We learned about gratitude and humility - that so many people had a hand in our success, from the teachers who inspired us to the janitors who kept our school clean... and we were taught to value everyone's contribution and treat everyone with respect.
Send me your own thoughts and anything you would like to add- indiamerrett@chethams.com
Eight 60-Second Anxiety Relief Tools for Kids Big and Small
Keep this list handy in case you’re in need of a quick stress fix. These tools can be used in one minute or less to help bring down levels of stress and anxiety. Used repeatedly, these coping skills become habit.
'All it takes is 10 mindful minutes' When is the last time you did absolutely nothing for 10 whole minutes? Not texting, talking or even thinking? Mindfulness expert Andy Puddicombe describes the transformative power of doing just that: Refreshing your mind for 10 minutes a day, simply by being mindful and experiencing the present moment. (No need for incense or sitting in uncomfortable positions.) Follow the link to watch Andy Puddicombe's TED talk: http://www.ted.com/talks/andy_puddicombe_all_it_takes_is_10_mindful_minutes
Did you celebrate Chinese New Year? 2016 is the Year of the Monkey!
Follow the link below to see the celebrations that took place around Manchester!
Mindfulness is a type of meditation (a focused relaxation); but it’s more than relaxation, it’s a purposeful awareness or a way of being. It’s about doing one thing and knowing that you’re doing it.
Mindfulness practice doesn’t try to ‘do’ anything to you, or force you to believe anything. To be ‘mindful’ basically means to pay attention to the moment; to focus on the here and now, and be more aware of how the here and now is affecting the ‘whole’ you. This has real benefits as the present moment is often a lot less stressful than the fears and worries we have about the past or the future.
WATCH THIS SHORT ANIMATION: IT'S A BEAUTIFUL DAY!
Why should young people practice ‘mindfulness’?
We all have times when our thoughts and feelings get in the way and our worries take over, making it difficult to focus on what is really happening. When this happens, it’s important to be able to find a place of calm and stillness within ourselves. Mindfulness can help us to do this. Mindfulness helps us to let go of the things that may be causing us to feel sad, frustrated or angry; and helps us improve our focus and concentration, allowing us to see more clearly the positive thoughts and choices that we have available. Mindfulness rocks!
As exercise and healthy food help our bodies, mindfulness activities feed and exercise our hearts and minds. 1 – 10 minutes of ‘mindfulness’ a day can make a positive difference to your well-being by helping you to:
Step back and see or notice things more clearly
Better understand your emotions
Let go of negative and stressful feelings
Increase your attention and concentration
Have positive thoughts and make more positive choices
Improve your relationship with others
Improve your overall mental and physical health
The great thing is that learning mindfulness is simple. It can be practised by anyone, any time, anywhere.
However, it is important to know that mindfulness is not about you putting up with painful or upsetting things that are happening. If you’re having painful or upsetting worries or experiences then it is important that you ask for help.
So how does ‘mindfulness’ work?
There are lots of ways in which you can practice mindfulness. Two easy ways to think about it are formal and informal practice.
Formal mindfulness basically means planning a set time in your day when you will practice mindfulness. This could simply mean allowing yourself 10 minutes, in a quiet and comfortable place, where you will sit and focus on your breathing, just paying attention to the in and out flow of your long deep breaths, and the feelings and sensations that this brings. Sometimes you may notice that you’re distracted by other thoughts or worries, that’s ok; notice that they are there, then turn you focus back to your breathing. (Using a small alarm clock can help you to make full use of your time and lets you keep your focus on your breathing activity).
Informal mindfulness simply means to be mindful in your regular daily activities. This could be anything from walking to the shops, eating your dinner or getting a shower. It basically means, being aware of what you’re actually experiencing and how the experience affects you. Being truly aware of the experience means to make full use of your five senses, in noticing the smells, sounds, sights, tastes and the physical sensations. You may need to slow down your breathing, to encourage you to slow down the pace of your experience, allowing you to truly notice what’s happening. As with formal mindfulness, you may sometimes notice that you are distracted by other thoughts or worries, that’s ok; notice that they are there, then turn you focus back to your experiences (your senses).
