Celebrating our amazEducation Support Staff

This week we celebrated our Education Support Staff and acknowledged the important work they do to support the students at our school. We are very fortunate to have such a wonderful team of ES staff who are all dedicated to ensuring the students are supported to reach their full potential. This includes our Intergration Aides, Office/Admin Staff and School Maintenance.

To all our Education Support Staff, a sincere thanks from all the staff and students at Cheltenham East Primary School. We couldn't do what we do, without you.

Bunnings BBQ

A sincere thank you to all of our parents/caregivers who volunteered their time to support our recent Bunnings BBQ in Mentone. This fundraiser would not have been possible without each and every one of you. Thank you also to all the families who supported the day by turning and buying a sausage and drink.

To be successful, these events require significant amount of planning and organisation. A huge shout out to our Parents Committee, led capably by Tracey, our Admin Staff (Sue, Belinda and Tara) and our Assistant Principal Leisel, for their efforts in the lead up to, and during the event. Due to the efforts of all involved, we were able to raise over $3000. What a great result!

New Passive Play Space

We are excited to be moving closer to the construction of our new passive play space. We are just awaiting the final tick of approval from the Victorian Schools Building Authority (VSBA). The VSBA will be the primary source of funding for this project, however our Parents Committee will also be co-contributing from their fundraising efforts. Supporting future school fundraisers will provide important funds towards the build of this exciting new space.

Passive play spaces in school yards play a crucial role in fostering the overall development and well-being of students. These spaces are designed to provide a calmer and more relaxed environment where students can engage in activities that promote reflection, social interaction, mental rejuvenation and imaginative play. The importance of passive play spaces in school yards can also include positive promotion and development of the following:

Mental and Emotional Well-being
Social Interaction
Creativity and Imagination
Cognitive Development
Physical Health
Support for Different Learning Styles
Connection to Nature

Below are the draft sketches of the new space.

Student Safety

We are in the process of installing soft closing hinges on our school gates to increase student safety whilst at school. We are also exploring options to secure our car park entrance during school time. We do ask parents/caregivers not to tie open the gates in support of our students' safety.

School Hats - As the weather starts to warm up again, we ask that students bring their hats to school to wear during recess and lunchtime breaks. The wearing of hats will be necessary from the commencement of Term 4, with the remainder of this term being a transition period.

School Reporting Review

As a school, we are continually reviewing a number of our process and procedures to ensure they meet the needs to our students, staff and families. On this occasion, we are in the process of reviewing our reporting process so that families can be better informed of their child/ren's academic and social/emotional growth.

Our school leadership team is currently in the process of reviewing our existing reporting processes, however we are also eager to canvas the insights of our families. We are providing two opportunities to be involved in this process:

Student Reporting - Parent Forum - Monday 4 September 3.00-3.30pm (click link to book)

Student Reporting - Feedback Survey - (click link to complete)

We do value the input of our families, so please consider engaging in one or both of the above options.

R U Ok? Day

R U OK? Day 2023 is Thursday 14 September and is our national day of action when we remind Australians that every day is the day to ask, 'are you OK?' and start a meaningful conversation whenever they spot the signs that someone they care about might be struggling with life. This day serves as a reminder that our words and actions can have a big impact on the people around us. Let's take a moment to learn more about this special day and how we can support one another.

What is R U OK? Day? R U OK? Day is a day dedicated to promoting open conversations about mental health and well-being. It encourages us to reach out to our friends, family, and classmates to ask if they're doing okay and really listen to their response. Sometimes, people might be struggling silently, and a simple question can make a world of difference.

Why is it Important? Just like we take care of our physical health, it's equally important to look after our mental health. Sometimes, people feel sad, worried, or stressed, and talking about these feelings can make them feel better. R U OK? Day reminds us that we're not alone – we're a supportive community that cares for each other.

How Can We Participate? Participating in R U OK? Day is easy and fun! Here are some ideas for how you can get involved:

Ask the Question: Reach out to someone you care about and ask them, "Are you okay?" You could do this in person or through a kind message.

Listen Actively: If someone opens up to you, listen without interrupting. Show that you care by giving them your full attention.

Be Kind: Small acts of kindness, like giving a compliment or sharing a smile, can brighten someone's day.

Spread the Word: Talk to your friends, classmates, and family members about R U OK? Day. The more people who know about it, the more we can create a caring community.

Remember, You're Not Alone: It's important to know that we all face challenges at times. It's okay to ask for help when we need it, and it's okay to offer help when others need it too. R U OK? Day reminds us that we're part of a supportive network that looks out for each other.

As we celebrate R U OK? Day, let's make an effort to connect with those around us and show that we care. A simple question can have a big impact, and together, we can create a world where everyone feels supported and valued. So, go ahead and ask, "R U OK?" Your kindness could make someone's day brighter and their journey easier.

Regards,

Robert Ridgway

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