Assistant Principals' Report 

The last week of another ‘extraordinary’ term! 

As we finish Term 3, we remind students to reflect on the term and spend time over the 2-week break to rest and recuperate.

Whilst you have been at home, we have been getting ready for the move into the new buildings at the end of the year. This includes upgrading our Media Room and getting the Mac computers reset and ready to go. The F-wing has been freshly painted and set up as with desks and new TV’s etc. In D-wing we have replaced the guttering which looks fantastic. We’ve also ordered the new furniture and fittings for the new buildings which are slowly taking shape. We are looking forward to when you can return onsite and see all the new changes.

NAPLAN

NAPLAN results have been made available to the College and it is pleasing to see that we continue to make improvements in a number of areas. This positive achievement is due to the efforts of staff and Curriculum Leaders who have worked tirelessly on improving student outcomes. While we still have much more to achieve, it is pleasing to see what can be achieved through a concerted team effort. Individual student NAPLAN results have been sent home to all students.

RUOK?

Last week was RUOK? day. You will have seen lots of material with the RUOK logo on our social sites, and on other media.    However, RUOK? should not be something we ask our friends and family on just one day of the year, especially in the difficult times we are facing at the moment. Sometimes we don’t ask because we are afraid of the answer.   The RUOK campaign provides some useful information about how to have a conversation with someone about how they are going, and I thought it appropriate to share with you here.  Check in with the people you love regularly. 

For tips on how to ask visit the website https://www.ruok.org.au/how-to-ask

Spotlight on Mental Health

How does exercise affect mental health and wellbeing?

Physical activity promotes many aspects of adolescent development, including social, emotional and motor skills.

It also supports mental wellbeing. We know that high levels of inactivity can lead to a greater risk of both physical and mental health problems. 

With the amount of time spent at home and on our computers, now more than ever it is important to make healthy choices around our physical activity. 

Physical activity: 

• Increases levels of serotonin and endorphins - the neurotransmitters involved in regulating and improving mood.
• Promotes sleep – which also helps regulate moods, increase energy levels and improve memory and learning
• Increases the connections between neurons in the brain, which improves memory and learning capacity
• Pumps blood to the brain to boost mood, concentration and alertness
• Promotes relaxation by reducing skeletal muscle tension
• Provides us with an outlet for excess energy and frustration, which relieves tension
• Provides an opportunity to socialise and meet new people, reducing loneliness and isolation
• Improves motor and cognitive skills, which can boost self-esteem
• Is a healthy distraction from negative thinking patterns

These benefits serve to improve learning performance and promote a more positive learning environment. The best part is the mental health benefits of physical activity can be felt instantly!

It’s important to check-in, both physically and emotionally, to ensure our young people are feeling energised, supported and ready for what’s ahead. Modify these tips in ways that fit in with your life - get creative!

Lockdown means young people are moving much less, not having to go from classroom to classroom or outside at lunch and recess. It is important that we do what we can to replicate this in a home learning environment. Check in with how your young people are feeling throughout the day and pay attention to sedentary patterns. Make sure you are fuelling their bodies with good food and are balancing their day with physical activity and movement.

Tips to get moving more in remote learning

• Break up the day with active brain breaks to recharge the body and brain. Get outside for a few minutes, do some star jumps, or throw on some music and move your body.
• Pay attention to posture. Sitting on a stool or back-less chair can remind you to re-set your posture. Using folded blankets, a pillow or fitness blocks can also help with alignment. Proper posture helps to lengthen the spine which alleviates and prevents back pain. Stretching and movement also helps with this.
• Plan for movement breaks with your day-to-day routine. Take a nature walk for fresh air or kick around a soccer ball at recess and lunch. Do some stretches in mini breaks.
• Get active together. Take a sibling, a parent or neighbour, or arrange to meet a friend for a walk or a bit of sport. Keeping active with friends can help keep you accountable and connecting socially – double win!
• Eat healthy, well, and regularly. Stay in a routine and carve out time for meals and snacks. Spend some time exploring food by getting in the kitchen and cooking with your family. Eat mindfully. Sitting down away from your computer is important, to

ABC of Holidays Activities- looking for something to do these holidays? Here are some isolation ideas

Take care and stay safe, 

Glenn Jenner and Rose Thomson

Assistant Principals'