How to best support children
Parents and caregivers can support their children in many ways. I provide some strategies (which you are probably aware of already), that I believe can have meaningful impact.
- Show unconditional love and support: Children need to feel loved and accepted unconditionally. Supporting our children by creating a safe and nurturing environment where they feel valued and appreciated is key.
- Encourage and support their interests: Children have unique talents and interests. Supporting your children by encouraging them to pursue their passions is important. This can involve providing opportunities for them to explore their interests and offering positive feedback and encouragement.
- Foster independence and responsibility: Teaching independence and responsibility for our actions (sometimes missing in today’s society), is an essential quality. This can involve giving children age-appropriate tasks and responsibilities, allowing them to make decisions, and providing guidance and feedback when necessary.
- Communicate openly and listen actively: We know that effective communication is essential for building strong relationships. We can support our children by listening actively, showing empathy, and communicating openly and honestly.
- Model positive behaviours: Children learn by example, hence why the need for good role-models. Support your children by modelling positive behaviours such as kindness, respect, a sound work ethic and responsibility.
- Provide educational opportunities: You can support your children's learning by providing educational opportunities such as reading together, visiting museums or other cultural institutions, and enrolling them in extracurricular activities.
Overall, by providing a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment, encouraging your children’s interests, fostering independence and responsibility, communicating openly and listening actively, modelling positive behaviours, and providing educational opportunities are the central ingredients when it comes to supporting our children.
Parent/Student/Teacher Interviews, Week 2 – early finish (1pm) on Monday 8 May
As has been previously communicated, Parent/Student/Teacher Interviews are taking place during Week 2, including the early finish for students on Monday 8 May, at 1:00pm. Interviews on this day will commence at 1:30pm.
If you are unable to collect your child/ren early on Monday 8 May, any students remaining at school will be supervised by school staff, until 3:00pm, with usual pick-up procedures in place. OSHC will also be available as per typical routine. If you are picking-up your child at 1:00pm next Monday 8 May, please collect your child from their classroom, where your child’s class teacher will sign them out for the day.
A final reminder, that if you are yet to book in a time for the Interviews, please note that the online booking system closes on Friday 5 May at 12:00pm.
Colour Blast
What a colourful and great day we experienced on the final day of Term One, for our school’s Colour Blast. The weather was in our favour, and a successful day took place. Approximately $14,000 (net figure) of fundraising was achieved. Thank you to the P&F, and especially Skye Campbell-Hand for her work involved to organise this day for the school.
New Benches and Mathematics Resources
As a result of the fundraising efforts from the Colour Blast, we have ordered new outdoor benches for students, as well as additional Mathematics resources (to be stored in individual classrooms) – all to be arriving shortly.
School Uniform, Term Two
Term Two is when the school Winter Uniform is worn. We always have a two-week transition period. However, by the start of Week 3 all students need to be wearing the Winter Uniform. If you are unsure of any school uniform requirements, please speak with your child’s class teacher, or the Front Office.
Being punctual for the start of school
Being on time counts – for work, appointments, trainings/games, events, etc. For school, it is no different. Having your child arrive at school on time each day ensures a smooth transition into the classroom and supports your son or daughter in their readiness for the day ahead.
School Gates
A reminder that the Tarcoma Avenue gate is locked from 9:30am until 2:30pm each day (for the safety of the students). If coming on to the school site during this time, please access the Marian Road or Portrush Road gate.
COVID update
Families are recommended to notify the school if their child returns a positive COVID-19 test.
Parking, road safety and driver etiquette
As communicated on several occasions, please demonstrate consideration, patience, and follow the road and parking regulations (i.e., travelling slowly around the school; not parking across driveways, double-parking, etc.).
As outlined previously, parking a little further away from the school, where you will not only find it easier to locate a parking space, but also opportunity for a short brisk walk with your child/ren, is well worth considering.
Moreover, a prompt departure after drop-off and pick-up is encouraged, as it assists with less vehicles on the road and opens up parking opportunities for others.
Mother’s Day, Sunday 14 May
I wish all the mums, carers, grandmothers and significant women in our community a splendid Mother’s Day for next Sunday 14 May. Hoping you are able to share quality time with your loved ones. A big anticipated thank you to the Parents and Friends who are organising the Mother’s Day Stall for the community next week.
Wishing you well!
Simon Mechis
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