Principal's Report

Hi Everyone,

April is Autism Awareness Month

Every April we can celebrate World Autism Month, beginning with the United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day on April 2. This year marks the 16th annual World Autism Awareness Day.

Throughout the month, we  will focus on  providing opportunities to increase understanding and acceptance of people with autism. 

We believe we can be more inclusive of all disabilities simply by becoming more aware of the different and diverse ways each of us engages with our world. This understanding allows us to make small adjustments that recognise, and are inclusive of, those differences.  

For more information please go to

https://www.autismspectrum.org.au

This year, Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) asked the Autistic community what they would like people to know if they find out that a person is Autistic. The most important message is that no two Autistic people are the same and that autism may not be what you think it is. It’s not a one-size-fits all approach and there is so much misunderstanding out in the public. Fitting in can be exhausting. The environment and people’s attitudes can often be more of a barrier for people on the autism spectrum.

We can encourage everyone to:

• Ask if they can help
• Be kind
• Listen closely
• Show respect

Prime Drinks

It has come to the attention of staff and parents that there are a number of students arriving at school with Prime Drinks. If you look at the information on the bottle, even in its mildest form it states that these drinks are not suitable for children under 15 years of age. Newham Primary School supports this. 

 We request that parents refrain from sending these drinks to school.

There are also students using empty Prime bottles as their water bottles. With many alternative water bottles available to our students (including our own branded bottles, available at the office) this is unnecessary.

Below is a link to an ABC article on Prime.

https://amp.abc.net.au/article/102154550

No matter the drink whether its Prime, Red Bull, V, Monster or even sports drinks such as Gatorade, Maximus or Powerade! 

Primary School children with their age, size and body weight do not exercise at the elite level these drinks call for.

We will recycle empty Prime bottles used for water in our recycling, otherwise full drinks will be sent home to parents. 

We welcome your support in this matter.

School Review

All schools must participate in a school review every 4 years. The school review informs the development of the school’s 4 year School Strategic Plan (SSP). The school review also provides assurance of ongoing compliance with the Minimum Standard related to curriculum and student learning. In Term 2 Newham P.S. will be undertaking the review in early June. Further information will follow on the School Council news page as the process gets underway.

Library Thankyou

A huge thank you to Christabel, Karlie, Narelle and the 5/6 students for completing our Library update and audit. It is a BIG job and the support of parents is always appreciated.

Music Room 

We have a new carpet in the music room that is designed to support student wellbeing by allowing them to select a spot to sit on if they wish. This is called a campfire carpet.

Easter break

Finally I hope that everyone has a lovely Easter Break, perhaps by getting away from the hustle and bustle. Maybe there are even some Easter eggs coming your way.  

Happy Easter!