Deputy Principal's Report

Dear Parents/Carers,

St Finbar's annual Talent Show, which began this week, has once again shown us some incredible, sometimes hidden, talent which so many of our children possess.   But as much as we can admire the bravery and enthusiasm shown by the participants we must admire the excitement and encouragement of all those who attend to provide an audience for their friends and schoolmates.  Our Senior SRC and Technology Captains play a lead role in the organization and running of the performances each lunch and snack break throughout the week.  Teachers play a very small role in this event other than supporting the student leaders to ensure they have what they need to make it a successful school activity. Well done to our SRC and Tech leaders and I am sure next year's leaders will continue the tradition and add their own creativity to the St Finbar's Talent Show.

Around the Classrooms

When asked, What have you been learning about lately?

Prep: Connor.  I've been learning to read and I can read tricky books and some medium hard books. 

Year 1: Jessica. We have been learning about the map of Australia. We learnt that there are lots of cities and we live in Melbourne.

Year 2: Leah & Isabelle.  We have been learning about pushing and pulling. We've been doing little experiments in the John Ashe and our classrooms. We have also been learning how to give instructions to someone so they can try and draw something that someone else has drawn.

Year 3: Scarlett. We have been learning about mass and capacity. We learnt that some things are heavier than others and some things weigh the same. We have also been learning about poetry and choosing interesting words.

Year 4: Elise. In Faith Life Inquiry we have been learning about the world and different cultures and we are having an expo. I've been learning about Canada.

Year 5: Tom. We have been doing 'Big Write & VCOP' and learning how to be good writers. I've been learning about good openers and it has helped me with my punctuation and writing.

Year 6: Hope. I've really been enjoying our unit on Government. We have been learning how to pass a Bill and we have also been learning about the different types of Parliament, such as Federal Parliament and State Parliament and the different roles they play. 

Student Wellbeing

Our Week 7 and Week 8 Values, SEL & Catholic Social Teaching focus will be: 

• Respect
• Relationship Skills
• Dignity of the Human Person

Peaceful Parents

I have spoken with Angie who would facilitate the Peaceful Parents program here at St Finbar's and we are hoping to be able to put something in place in 2019. Ms Cathy Ferrari who will take on the role of Wellbeing Leader next year will follow this initiative up in the new school year.

What is Peaceful Parenting?

'Peaceful parenting is using intentional, gentle ways to guide children using empathetic and cooperative solutions versus trying to control their behavior with bribes, yelling, and punishments. It involves working with children by listening, understanding, responding, and communicating with intention.' 

SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST AVAILABLE:

Ms Stacey Dellas is available for students who may be experiencing difficulty emotionally. Stacey is a highly qualified Psychologist with many years’ experience working with children and their families.  This service is completely covered by Medicare. To access this service please speak to your child’s teacher or you can email or speak to Mr Nigel Rodrigues ~ Deputy Principal who will provide you with details on how to refer your child.  nrodrigues@sfbrightoneast.catholic.edu.au