Gospel Reflection

Last week’s Gospel reading focused on the concept of obedience. It is fair to say that the concept of obedience has changed since Jesus’ time on Earth. Today, it could stir up many emotions online with extremely differing views on how obedience should be seen. I don’t wish to stir up a hornets nest there.

There is a great deal of research into best practice. Building an authoritative relationship, one that is warm but carries high expectations and clear boundaries is essential in supporting children to be the best they can be. However, when focused on obedience, we should support our children to want to be ‘obedient’. To do this, they must understand their actions on others. They must have care for others. They must understand ‘the why’ as to why rules are in place. Jesus himself challenged boundaries. He challenged authority. He sought to push social norms and how people were viewed. Therefore to be obedient using Jesus as a model, is to really consider what is right and just. We want our students to challenge us, however, it also needs to be from a view of what is in the best interests of all. Jesus challenged rules and laws not for himself, but for a greater good.

As we move into a new year, my vision is to seek to have students who are ‘obedient’, through clear boundaries, supportive relationships and a clear understanding of the impact of their actions on others.

School Saving Bonus:

I have had numerous queries about this, and unfortunately I don’t have many answers, though we have sought clarification. I understand that our Governing Body MACS and The State Government are still finalising how the money can be used.

What we know:

Families must have a current Health Care Card
If you haven’t registered your health care card, you need to do so through providing us a copy and completing a form for us. This must be done each year.

I met with Gabrielle Williams MP last year to advocate that all of our families should have received the bonus. Our Executive Director Ed Simons was on all news channels also advocating for our families. We were very disappointed that some of our families missed out. However, what you must know is that any family experiencing hardship should see me and we will attempt to help. All conversations are confidential.

School Closed

Our school will be closed on the 17th of February for a Staff Professional Development Day. You may have noticed that we started before many of our fellow local schools, knowing this was coming and I do apologise for any inconvenience.

After School Care and Late Pick Ups

I wrote about this last year, but unfortunately we are still having some students picked up well after school. After School care is available for families until 6pm and can be used Casually. You must be enrolled to go though.

Our staff work hours are from 8.30am to 4:30pm Monday to Wednesday and to 3:40pm Thursday to Friday. From 3:30 to 4:30 Monday to Wednesday staff have meetings or compliance tasks. Students not going to aftercare must be picked up by 3:35pm.

Whilst we understand problems happen, we have commitments to pick up our own children, as well as legal obligations. Therefore, I will be speaking with families who do this a second time, or do not contact us. I have already contacted our head office to understand the actions available to us. I ask for your assistance and understanding with this.

Academy Learning

Wednesday will be academy learning. This will mean students get to choose a focus for their learning. The focus of this is to tap into what the students like, and what they are good at. This helps build autonomy and mastery, which is critical to students' success. It fosters confidence and self efficacy. Each block will be 4-5 weeks, and have a specific focus. The first five opportunities are:

Cross Country Running
Gardening/ Cooking
Social Justice Community Outreach
Chess
Visual Arts- Drawing

The feedback from the first block was very positive, though some who chose cross country found it a bit harder than they anticipated!

Possum Plate

We would like to again thank the wonderful support our school receives from Possum Plate.

They supply us with sandwiches twice a week for our students to enjoy toasted in Breakfast Club and they are available at lunch time for students when needed.

This is a wonderful gift we greatly receive.

Uniform and Hats

We are still waiting for the uniform shop to be completely restocked with polos and hats. The new polos look great, however, there is no pressure to immediately change over. Students can wear any hat at the moment while we wait for stock, but they must have a hat. Our office has no spare hats left!

Kitchen Garden Academy