So…let’s talk pasta; but not just any pasta. Let’s talk the rarest of all pasta; the one that’s mentioned in hushed tones, spoken in secluded spaces that you’ll not easily find. Only a privileged few get to sample this delicacy.
Su Flilndeu is a unique form of pasta from the Barbagia region of Sardinia (Italian Province). Made from semolina, salt and water, the dough is pulled and folded into very thin threads, which are laid in three layers on a tray called a fundu and dried to form cloth-like sheets. These dried sheets are then broken into pieces and served in a mutton broth with Sardinian Pecorino cheese.
Su Flilndeu was only served to pilgrims after walking the several miles between the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary in Nuoro (a small town in Sardinia) to the Church of St Francis of Assisi in Lula (also a small town in Sardinia). The recipe and making of the pasta for the soup, done exclusively by hand, is passed from generation to generation of Lulan women. Today, there are only ten women who know how to make the pasta, so…very rare.
On the other hand, there’s not much more common nor better than, a customary spaghetti. In the Celegato household this can sometimes come as a traditional Spaghetti alla Bolognese — true Italian fare. The pasta, prepared al dente, is tossed in a rich ragu of slow cooked beef, pork, onions, carrots celery, a bit of wine and of course tomatoes, magnifico! Mind you, my family isn’t so high end as to be beyond the Aussie version, Spag Bog. Not as ethnically correct but tasty, hearty and filling.
Spaghetti, literally translated “little strings”, is one of many forms of pasta. Depending on who you want to believe, this delectable mix of flour, water and eggs originated in either China or Italy. My money’s on Italy, but hey, I’m biased.
There’s long pasta, Spaghetti, little strings (mentioned before), Linguine – flat, narrow ribbons, Fettuccine – flat, thick ribbons, Pappardelle – very wide ribbons, Bucatini – thick spaghetti with a hole through the centre, Tagliatelle – like fettuccine, only narrower and Vermicelli – (translates as little worms) thinner than spaghetti.
If you’re not into lengthy bites there’s short pasta, Penne – tubes with diagonal cuts, Rigatoni – large, ridged tubes, Maccheroni – small, curved tubes, Fusilli - spiral shaped pasta and Farfalle – they look like bow ties. Of course, you’ve got soup pasta, Stelline and Risoni as well as stuffed pasta, Ravioli and Tortellini and who could forget the baking pastas Lasagne and Cannelloni!
As numerous as these varieties are you can, with not much effort, find any of this vast variety of shapes and textures in your local supermarket or deli. This is their beauty; they might be found in most households and if not, they’re reasonably easy to obtain.
Today’s assembly saw us celebrate academic achievement in Years 5 and 6. As a team it’s important to support our young men to make the most of the talents they have and the skills they can build. It’s also important that we do so from as early as possible. You may ask, how can I do this? The rare and obscure ways of study and success are difficult to manage in a busy house. Fear not! Unlike Su Flilndeu, you can pick and employ the following helpful tips as easily as you can grab a pack of No. 5 Barilla from your local supermarket.
5 Psychology-Informed Tips for Academic Success
1. Foster a Growth Mindset
Psychology Insight: Carol Dweck’s research shows that students who believe intelligence can be developed (a growth mindset) perform better than those who believe it’s fixed.
Parent Tip: Praise effort, strategies and persistence—not just results. For example, say “I’m proud of how hard you worked on that project, instead of “You’re so smart.”
2. Create a Consistent Routine
Psychology Insight: Cognitive psychology highlights the importance of executive function — skills like planning and time management — thrive in a structured environment.
Parent Tip: Help your son to establish a daily schedule that includes time for homework, breaks, meals and sleep. Consistency reduces stress and improves focus.
3. Encourage Active Learning
Psychology Insight: According to constructivist learning theory, students learn best when they actively engage with material—through discussion, teaching others or applying concepts.
Parent Tip: Ask open-ended questions like “What did you learn today?” or “Can you teach me how that works?” This reinforces understanding and memory.
4. Support Emotional Wellbeing
Psychology Insight: Emotional regulation is linked to academic performance. Stress and anxiety can impair working memory and concentration.
Parent Tip: Create a safe space for your child to talk about their feelings. Teach calming techniques like deep breathing or mindfulness, especially before tests or presentations.
5. Promote Healthy Sleep Habits
Psychology Insight: Sleep is critical for memory consolidation and cognitive function. Adolescents especially need 8 – 10 hours of sleep per night.
Parent Tip: Limit screen time before bed and encourage a wind-down routine. A well-rested brain is more alert, focused and ready to learn.
Not every Eddies Man will achieve A+ nor does every Eddies Man need to. However, every Eddies man can learn, develop his skills and seek to improve. At the end of the journey this will make the difference — strong, kind, gentle and independent of us.
