Cumberland

     Ms Karen McArdle

Cumberland Athletics Carnival

It was a beautiful day for a carnival with warm temperature, clear skies and sunshine. The students were excited to perform and we certainly had some fabulous performances. The students were able to choose from a wide variety of events including both track and field events. The new timing apparatus enabled staff to accurately time track events; however, getting students to stay in their own lane while competing proved difficult! The Aitken College sports staff and VCAL students worked tirelessly throughout the day and deserve high praise for their efforts. The level of sportsmanship displayed by students was impressive, with students competing against each other, yet acknowledging their efforts and successes. Thanks to all parents who attended and helped make the day such a success. Congratulations Cumberland students!!! 

Year 4 Camp

We wish the Year 4 students the best time at camp next week as they ride mountain bikes, try rope courses, the flying fox, unravel the maze, canoeing, cook damper and marshmallows and generally have a fabulous time! We cannot wait to hear all about it.

Uniforms

All students are now expected to be in their full Winter uniforms. Uniform inspections will be held regularly to ensure all students are wearing the full and correct uniform. We will also be looking to make sure all students have neatly brushed or combed hair, correct earrings and hair ribbon for girls and trousers in good repair for boys. We ask for your assistance in checking your children before they leave for school each morning. Thank you.

Research:  Lack of Physical Activity

A recent study into the physical activity habits of 1,600 Perth preschoolers revealed that they are not getting the recommended minimum of 3 hours per day.  Associate Professor, Hayley Christian, from the University of Western Australia states that this is alarming as physical activity is important for not only physical health but also for brain development. “A child that develops well physically also does well cognitively.” The study that traced the physical activity of children using monitor belts,  found that on average they were physically active for 160 minutes, falling short of the minimum by 20 minutes. While this does not seem much, it is the collective loss across a year that shows the real short fall of 7,300 minutes (122 hours) per year. While some students do become more physically active as they get older, joining sporting teams etc., many do not.

The accumulative effects over the 7 years of primary education, Prep – Year 6, could be a short fall of 854 hours or 35 days.

Triple P: Positive Parenting Program

Parenting is a tough job! The role of parents is to ‘parent’ their children. “To raise your children properly, your duties are not limited to food, shelter and protection, but also require you to teach and educate them, to shape knowledge and character, to prepare your child to face the real world.” Often parents make the mistake of believing their purpose is to always make their children happy or to be their best friend. This view has many pitfalls and often leads to children believing they have an equal say in decision making, and the same, if not more, rights than their parents. This is particularly problematic in the primary and early secondary years when children need their parents to guide, set standards for behaviour, teach them right from wrong and what it is to be a good, respectful person. In these formative years, it is essential that you ‘parent’.

Over the many years in which I have taught, I have often been asked by parents about strategies they can use when various issues arise with their children or programs they can attend to learn more.  One of the programs that has been around for a while and I have had parents say helped them is the Triple P Program. If you are interested you can go to https://www.triplep-parenting.net.au/au-uken/triple-p/

Upcoming Events

May

15 -18    NAPLAN testing

16-18     Year 4 Camp

June

11       Queen’s Birthday Holiday

13       Junior Winter Soiree

15       Cumberland Dance Party

21       Cumberland day of Excellence:  Technology

21       Term 2 Ends