From The Principals

Hello VPS families! 

Can you believe we are heading into the final two weeks of Term 1? Where has that first term gone? There have been so many wonderful things happening the last two weeks, with many celebrations and recognition of the achievements of our outstanding student. We have had people taking part in Tennis competitions, Swimming Gala Days, excursions, Peer Mediator training and of course, NAPLAN for our Year 3 and 5 students. We have also had our first week of Parent Teacher Interviews, with one more day to come next week. Of course we encourage parents to be in regular contact with teachers at any time, but Parent Teacher Interviews offer a great opportunity to discuss your child's progress socially, emotionally and academically. I'd like to thank the teachers for all the time and extra special effort that goes into the preparation for these interviews, as well as committing time after school (and time away from their own families and children) to share all the great things your children are doing at school! 

NAPLAN

The last two weeks have been very busy for all of the Year 3 and Year 5 children. They have done a terrific job and they were all eager to try their best. The last day is Monday 27th of March for any last minute catch ups. We will contact parents as soon as the results are available. We would like to thank the Year 3 and Year 5 Teachers for facilitating these assessments and to Mrs Shoebridge and Miss Strachan for their co-ordination through this assessment period.  

Colour Run

We are very much looking forward to our Colour Run next Friday. All the information you need about the day can be found in the Colour Run tab (the next page). Please touch base with your child's teacher if you have any questions, and remember to click on the links to set up a Fundraising Profile Page, or to indicate your availability to assist on the day. We have almost reached our fundraising target!! We can't wait! 

Parent feedback QR codes

Vermont Primary School has their 4-year review coming up next term. This is an important process that all schools go through, and we are excited to reflect on the amazing progress and achievements over the last 4 years. 

To help us gather as much information as possible, we are asking parents to prove us with feedback on particular subjects. Around the school you will see some colourful posters with QR codes on them, linked to feedback portals for areas such as Facilities, Learning, Wellbeing and Engagement. We would love for you to take a few minutes and provide us with some feedback. These posters will be placed in high traffic areas, and only take a few minutes to fill in. You can choose to provide feedback on an area that you are interested or passionate in (you don't need to do them all!). 

The importance of good sleep

Recently, we have noticed that there are a number of children coming to school who appear to be, and are expressing that they are tired. 

While we know sleep is essential for good health, research shows that many children and young people are not getting enough sleep on school nights. This can affect thinking, concentration, memory, reaction times and mood.

Research shows about 12% of primary school-aged children, a quarter of 12- to 15-year-olds and half of 16- to 17-year-olds don’t get enough sleep on school nights. The recommended amount of time to sleep for primary school-aged children is 9 to 11 hours. For teenagers, it’s 8 to 10 hours.

Signs that your child is not getting enough sleep can include:

• low mood and irritability during social interactions
• reluctance or arguing about getting off devices and going to bed
• falling asleep during the day
• difficulties waking up for school and sleeping in late on weekends to catch up
• changes to communicating or interacting at home.

You can help your child to improve their sleep by:

• establishing a regular sleep pattern and consistent bedtime routine
• supporting them to avoid using electronic devices such as smartphones before going to bed and in bed
• encouraging your child to exercise and spend time outside in daylight, steering clear of vigorous activity in the hour before sleep
• encouraging them to wind down and relax before going to bed.

If your child is still having trouble sleeping, has persistent problems with low mood, excessive daytime sleepiness, restlessness in bed, severe snoring or wakening un-refreshed, despite getting adequate length sleep, they should see a doctor.

For more information on sleep health, you can refer to: 

· Sleep tips for children and Facts about sleep for parents and school staff, from the Sleep Health Foundation 

· Why sleep is so important, from the Kids Helpline’s 

· Sleep explained, from the Better Health Channel.

Thanks everyone, see you around the school! 

Jess, Joy & Jacci