From the Principal

Dear Families

On Sunday we celebrated Pentecost Sunday. This takes place 50 days after Easter and it commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus. We mark this day as the beginning of our Church as we know it. 

Last week our children participated in Cyber Safety sessions with the Cyber Safety project. It was appropriately aimed at each level and our children gained a deeper insight into the need to be conscious of others when online. They also learnt strategies to ensure they are looking after themselves and how they are feeling when they are using technology.

I have noticed that many children are bringing mobile phones to school. The following are our school’s guidelines:

• Students are not to bring mobile phones or smart watches to school unless parents have given permission on Operoo. 
• Students are able to bring personal mobile phones to school for health, safety or personal reasons
• Once students enter into school grounds, phones should be switched off and put in their school bag for the remainder of the day
• When emergencies occur, parents or carers should reach their child by calling the school office
• If a student is seen to be using a mobile phone during school hours, the phone will be confiscated for the remainder of the day. Second and subsequent offences will result in the phone being confiscated and retained until a meeting between the Principal, student and parent/s
• At the end of the day students are able to check their messages or contact families while on school grounds but features such as audio/video recording or apps should not be accessed until they’ve left the school ground
• The school accepts no responsibility for replacing lost, stolen or damaged mobile phones
• If a student is wearing a smartwatch that has features similar to a phone, phone calls and messaging features need to be disabled while at school. Students who are using their smart watch to play games or access other applications during school hours will have their smart watch confiscated and returned to parents at the end of the day. 
• Mobile phones will not be connected to the St Anne’s Primary School network

I have highlighted the areas of concern and I ask that you support us and remind your children about our expectations. 

The closure of Gap Rd at the railway is causing traffic issues which I am sure you are fully aware of. School traffic is always busy so we do understand that on some days you may be late dropping off or collecting your children. In the morning our yard and surrounding areas are supervised from 8.30am. If you are late parents are expected to sign their children in at the Office. After school our teachers are on duty until 3.35pm. If you are caught up in traffic please call the Office so we can let your children know you are on your way to collect them. This will save your children stressing and wondering if they will be picked up! 

On Friday June 17 you will be receiving your child’s first semester reports. A video will be sent home to explain the format and marking system. When you open your child’s report there are a few things Michael Grose suggests;

• Are your expectations inline with their ability?
• Do you believe children learn at different rates? If so avoid comparing your child with siblings or friends' children. The key is to look for growth from last year.
•  Be prepared to be positive and encouraging as possible

When you read your child’s report focus on the following;

• Focus on the strengths and your child’s efforts and attitude
• Look at your child’s progress as a team member in his or her class. How do they get along with their peers? How independent are they? How well do they cooperate?
• Our children in Year 3-6 write a self assessment so take note of this as they are generally very honest and perceptive.

Discuss the report with your child. Know their opinion and how they think they performed this semester and what they can do to make further progress next semester and then celebrate the successes with a special treat and let them know that holidays are quickly approaching!

COVID Update

A reminder that your child can attend school if they are deemed to be a close family contact. They are required to wear a mask if they are over 8 years of age as well as completing a RAT test five times within the 7 day period. You are also asked to contact the school to let us know.

Children only need to be tested if they are showing symptoms. You will continue to receive RAT test kits until the end of the term. 

A reminder that we are experiencing a lot of difficulty replacing our teachers who are sick with emergency teachers. Therefore we have been forced to split children into other classes. This is not our preferred option and will only do this if we cannot cover teachers who are absent. 

Positive Behaviour For Learning - PBL

Over the next few weeks we will be focussing on using Friendly language. If we do this then we are being RESPECTFUL towards our friends. Our children will be encouraged to use ‘I Messages’ when they are experiencing a problem with their friends. The sequence of sentences the children will be encouraged to use are;

I feel………

When you …………..

Because ………………………

Can you please ……………….

You can support us at home by assisting your children to use I Messages when they are having difficulties with their siblings or friends. Hopefully, the children will learn to solve their problems without your help!

God Bless

Ms Noelene Hussey