School News
Year 7
'Digital Citizenship' Unit
This week, during our Year 7 Digital Citizenship lessons the topic of ‘sleep’ and ‘bedtime’ were raised and discussed by a number of students. It became clear through class discussions that some of our students are not getting enough sleep. This sleep deprivation is having a negative impact on not only their academic progress but also their social interactions. According to experts, teenagers, in particular, need between nine and ten hours sleep each night, yet most are lucky to get seven or eight hours sleep. Some of our students are getting less.
It is very important for all students to have plenty of sleep if they are to make the most out of their time at school. Some Year 7 students have admitted to staying up until midnight, playing or socialising on their phones. Some are also gaming late into the night and early morning, students stating that their parents and caregivers are often aware of what they are doing.
There is much research focusing on the need for sleep as a necessary component for a health body and mind. Professor Harlene Hayne, head of the Psychology Department at the University of Otago, revealed that increasing the amount of sleep children receive is one of the most powerful strategies for improving their mental health and well-being.
Sleep tips from expert Michael Grose mention having a 45 minute wind-down time before bed. This includes: removing TV, mobiles and other electronic devices, limiting food intake (and caffeine for teens). The wind-down time informs the body clock that sleeping-time is near and can also include reading and teeth-cleaning.
Keeping bedrooms for sleep is important. It gets tricky with mobile phones and other information technology, but it is smart to keep mobiles and laptops out of teenagers bedrooms at sleep-time.
Please speak with your children about their sleep habits and this might help with some positive sleep patterns.
Mrs Tarley Jones
Teacher Middle School
Allergy and Anaphylaxis
We are asking for your help to support the students in our school who are at risk of anaphylaxis.
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that is potentially life threatening.
Food allergies are the most common cause of anaphylaxis. There is no cure for food allergy; therefore avoidance of known food allergens is crucial. Peanuts and tree nuts are the foods most likely to cause anaphylaxis.
The school is supporting students at risk of anaphylaxis by:
- Training staff
- Encouraging students to wash their hands after eating
- Educating students about food allergies
- Choosing not to sell foods in the school canteen which have peanuts or tree nuts (e.g. hazelnuts, cashews, almonds, etc.) in the main ingredients list
We ask you to support students at risk of anaphylaxis by:
- Not sending food which has peanuts or tree nuts (e.g. hazelnuts, cashews, almonds, etc.) in the main ingredient list. Note: products containing traces of peanuts or tree nuts can be sent to school.
- Teaching your child not to share food with friends that have a food allergy
- Encouraging your child to wash their hands after eating
- Asking your child to get help immediately if their allergic schoolmate gets sick
- Explaining to your child that teasing a student with an allergy or tampering with their medication is bullying and could be life-threatening
With your help we can provide a safe environment that meets the needs of all our students.
Ms Janelle Wilkinson
Teacher Student Services
Chinese Study Tour
Henry Kendall High School is hosting a group of students from China in August. They will be visiting us for one week to experience life in Australia and improve their English skills. We are looking for volunteer host families from the Henry Kendall community to welcome one or two of these students into your home. This is a wonderful opportunity to make lifelong friends. Please see Mrs Travica in the Middle School staffroom or A1 at break times for more details.
Mrs Raegan Travica
Teacher LOTE
HK's Got Talent!!
Henry Kendall's Got Talent is returning to the MPC, Week 9 2019, and with it comes a panel of expert judges and an exciting new host. The new season of HKGT will showcase mind-blowing acts in front of a live audience, with the winner being awarded prize money. All talented acts are welcome, from acting, juggling, singing and music. Fill out an Audition Form, which is available from the CAPA staffroom. A gold coin donation is required to watch the acts with all funds going to support mental health. See you there!!!
Permission Notes
Permission notes must come back to school for each excursion! Henry Kendall High School's website has an Events page which contain links to permission notes. Please keep an eye on our Events page so you don't miss anything coming up!!