28 May 2021, Week 6 Term 2
Principal's Message
One of the big things we have been working on is having student voice and agency within our school community. As such we have formal processes and structures in place in classrooms such as a class meeting, a restorative circle or just discussion time to seek feedback. We also have our SRC which allows for student voice opportunities as well.
I was reflecting this week that the voice has really extended beyond these more planned opportunities. I often have a student come into my office and request to see me to present an idea that they have to contribute to enhancing our community. I just love that they feel safe and confident to do this.
On Tuesday during recess I supervised the “Get Together Club” which was a student initiative developed by Shanti-Rose. She has organised days and activities for students to do at lunchtimes. Whilst I was supervising, I observed students working together and making new connections with other students they may no know as well. What Shanti is doing is to be commended as she is someone who is thinking of others and giving of herself to the school community. Again what a remarkable act.
Again whilst being at the “Get Together Club” I had another student share an idea about running a language class at lunch. I look forward to this too coming to fruition in the near future too. We have worked hard to achieve this goal of increasing student voice and agency and it is affirming to see these signs of success. Why would you want to be anywhere else? The kids are doing so well.
Kindergarten 2022 Enrolments
We are now taking bookings for Kindergarten Enrolment Interviews and Tours for 2022. Please pass this information on to any one you know who is planning on enrolling in Kindergarten nex year. During many of the recent Enrolment Meetings families have expressed that they have been given excellent recommendations from our existing families. Thanks so much for those families for your recommendations, please continue to do so!
School Fees
Please note that Term 1 & 2 fees are overdue, if you have outstanding fees we ask that you address this as soon as possible.
Principal Awards Week 4
Principal Awards Week 5
Assistant Principal's Message
Our school code...
Respect, Self-Responsibility, Effort & Safety!
Our school code provides guidance for our children in all of the choices they make each day. Both on the playground and in the classroom. The code is the benchmark and every decision made and or action taken can be measured against the code. It is simple but so effective.
Recently the Gaga pit has become a really popular playtime game again. It seems to be seasonal. Winter time is Gaga time. Gaga is a great game for many reasons, however, probably its greatest feature is its inclusiveness. Anyone can play and enjoy a game of Gaga and just about everyone does.
Gaga is a great place for children to build their capacity to follow the school code in the heat of a game situation. Lots of self-responsibility is required to take it out when you’re out! Playing safely is important as there are often many children in a confined space. Respectful speaking is not always easy when there may be a disagreement over what happened to who, when?
This game, like most games, has rules to follow. As such it is a great safe space to learn how to manage and cope well in the real world where later on down the track the stakes will be much higher.
GAGA PIT PLAY
SRC News The play first and eat later trial has been conducted and the students have been surveyed by our wonderful SRC members...the results are in and guess what? The children have decided that they prefer to eat first and play later. So, we have returned to our former lunch and recess system of sitting and eating for ten minutes at lunch and five minutes at recess before hitting the playground. Thanks to the SRC team for their excellent leadership in this trial.
Teaching & Learning
Kindergarten Learning from their Playworld
Kindergarten Shared their learning from their playworld with their parents. The Students had been investigating how to save a stranded whale. They designed and made machines that helped get this very heavy animal off the beach and back into the ocean. The staff from Seaworld were very impressed with their creative problem solving. We have some young engineers in the making!
Kinder Sharing their playworld with Parents
RE NEWS
Our Lady Help of Christians Mass
On Wednesday the 26th of May, Kindergarten prepared and led a whole school Mass to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady Help of Christians.
Each country of the world has a ‘patron’ saint, that is: someone who is special to the people of that country for some particular reason. All saints are special friends of God and so we pray to that special saint and ask them to intercede on our behalf with God. Mary, Help of Christians is Australia’s special patron, and we can pray to God through Mary to hear our prayers.
Our Lady Help of Christians Mass
Sacrament of Confirmation
Please pray for our seven students from St John’s who are preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation at St John’s Church on Saturday, 20th June. It is a very special time in their lives in taking the next step in becoming full members of the Catholic Church.
SPORT NEWS -
ATHLETICS CARNIVAL Save the date for your diary; Tuesday the 15th of June will see us holding our annual athletics carnival at the Cavanbah Sports Centre in Byron.
Stage 1 News
Vistal Arts: In Visual Arts this term, Stage One has been experimenting with colour, shape and line in their artworks. Through the use of watercolor paints, pencils, oil pastels and crayon, students are recognising the different visual effects these materials have, and why artists use them.
History: So far this term, students have been busy identifying and researching local historical landmarks. Students have identified why the historical landmarks are important to the local community, the importance of preserving the landmarks for future generations, and how they can play their part in caring for these historical sites.
Visual Arts
CANTEEN NEWS
Canteen has been busy this term, with a variety of tasty, fresh options available.
Thanks to the wonderful volunteers who come and help out, it means more fresh, homemade options for our students and getting lunches out on time!
If you would like to volunteer please see myself or let Tundra know in the office.
Winter specials will be available at playtime for purchase, such as warm savoury muffins and potato wedges.
Nachos are still available to order for lunch on Mondays and Sushi on Fridays.
Pesto pasta with bolognase is a healthy, homemade option for a warm lunch- made with organic, grass fed beef.
We can look forward to having fresh produce grown from our own garden, used in our canteen soon. Thank you to Stacy for getting our veggie garden going again!
Stay healthy,
Jacki
REMINDERS
Wednesday 2 June - Stage 2 Camp
Wednesday 9 June - Stage 3 Camp
Tuesday 15 June - Athletics Carnival
NEWS
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Our birthday people
Josie, Will, Katie & Daniel
Lost Property
Please check that your child has their own jumper and hat and not someone else's. Lots of missing hats, jumpers and drink bottles at the present time.
Please make sure that your child's property is clearly labelled with their name.
COMMUNITY NEWS
