A note from Mrs Whitechurch
Upcoming School Holidays
As Term 3 draws to a close, I would like to thank all our students who have achieved so much learning during this term. Our leadership team is continually impressed each day with the work and learning that we see in all of our classrooms. Thank you to our staff, your dedication and commitment to your teaching is much appreciated by all at Rosanna PS. Thank you also to all our families for your support and involvement in our school each day. One of the special things about Rosanna PS is our community!
We dismiss for the holidays from a final assembly tomorrow that will commence at 1:45pm. During the school holidays, there will be a number of workmen onsite as the roof and the floor of the Administration Building is under repair. We recommend staying away from that area during this time. School resumes for Term 4 on Monday October 2, with Mr Jackson back in the principal’s chair. A huge thankyou to Mrs Kate Arnot and Mrs Zoe Pappa for their work with 34S during the last few weeks.
Professional Learning
This term has seen many teachers being involved in a range of professional learning experiences. Our dedicated teaching staff are fully committed to improving their teaching expertise by participating in a variety of professional learning. These experiences include:
- Safe Schools PD
- Science of Language and Learning Course
- Literacy Local Leaders Course
- Maths Coaching Workshops
- Anti-Racism Workshop
- Making Space for Learning PD
- Respectful Relationships PD
Our teachers are to be commended for their passion and dedication to their craft!
Teachers' Professional Learning Community (PLC) Focus on Math:
This term, teachers have been fully committed to the Professional Learning Community and dedicated to improving student outcomes in mathematics. Through ongoing collaboration, our educators analyse student data, identify effective teaching practices, and refine their instructional approaches. This collective effort is yielding promising improvements in math education across the school.
Updated Policies
Recently, the Education Subcommittee of the School council reviewed and updated the Rosanna Primary School Digital Learning Policy.
This policy ensures that all students and members of our school community understand:
- our commitment to providing students with the opportunity to benefit from digital technologies to support and enhance learning and development at school
- the expected student behaviour when using digital technologies including the internet, social media, and digital devices (including computers, laptops, tablets)
- the school’s commitment to promoting safe, responsible and discerning use of digital technologies, and educating students on appropriate responses to any dangers or threats to wellbeing that they may encounter when using the internet and digital technologies
- our school’s policies and procedures for responding to inappropriate student behaviour on digital technologies and the internet
- the various Department policies on digital learning, including social media, that our school follows and implements
- our school prioritises the safety of students whilst they are using digital technologies
A number of other School Policies are now available for the community to read on our Rosanna Primary School website.
These include:
- Administration Of Medication Policy
- Duty Of Care Policy
- Health Care Needs Policy
- Yard Duty and Supervision Policy
Please don’t hesitate to contact the office if you have any queries or questions concerning our School Policies.
Footy Frenzy Day
Passionate supporters cheering, singing and chanting could be heard yesterday at our Footy Frenzy Day. A huge thankyou to Mrs Cartelli, Mrs Tyler and our JSC representatives for organising this event. Thanks also to Sharon for the making our yummy lunches possible.
School Holiday Program Yarra Plenty Library
The Yarra Plenty library offers a range of activities for all ages over the school holidays. There are nine branches, providing engaging, interesting experiences. Try something new, be active, connect with culture, get hands-on and make new friends!
A word from YRL
‘Parents! We get it. Sometimes you just need to get out of the house! It is so rare to find something to do in the school holidays that is FREE, indoors, climate controlled, entertaining and sneakily educational.
Your local library is here for you. We have all kinds of interesting activities happening, we have space for you to relax for a while (maybe grab a beverage?) and plenty of fun things you can take home too!
For more information, go to the YPL website:
https://www.yprl.vic.gov.au/explore/programs/school-holiday-program/
Wellbeing Update
Today is R U OK? Day! It is our National Day of Action when we remind Australians that every day is the day to ask, ‘are you OK?’ and start a meaningful conversation.
R U OK? Day is for everyone. At Rosanna PS we will be supporting our friends, classmates and colleagues by asking R U OK?.
Below are the 4 steps for starting an ‘R U OK?’ conversation!
Student Wellbeing
We know that a term of school can be exhausting for students and families. Its so important that we give our students time to rest and recover over the holidays. However, not all holidays are blissful. Below is an article from the Kids Helpline which is a great resource for families over the holiday period.
Please see https://kidshelpline.com.au/ for more information!
Coping with family holiday stress
Why are holidays sometimes so stressful? Here’s how you and your family can ride it out together.
Holidays can be really stressful
There can be a lot to juggle when it comes to the holidays. As a parent you might be trying to manage:
-Multiple family get-togethers
-Having family and guests stay over
-Buying and planning gifts and meals
-Changes to the kids' usual routines
-Your kids' energy levels and moods
-Splitting time with your kids with an ex-partner
Recognising signs of stress in kids
For some kids, the holidays can be an anxious, upsetting or stressful time. Some kids miss the routine of school or get bored easily.
Here are some signs of stress to look out for:
-Frustration and irritability
-Difficulties sleeping
-Mood changes or crying
-Headaches or stomach aches
-Less co-operation and more complaints
-Wanting more attention
Helping minimise the kids' stress
You might find these suggestions helpful for keeping the kids calm and happy over the holidays:
-Plan ahead: Try to have a plan for difficult situations (eg. travelling, shopping, family gatherings) and let the kids know what’s happening and what’s expected of them.
-Be on the same page with your partner or the other parent: It is important for both parents to know what is happening. For separated parents, a co-parenting plan could help you decide how time with the kids will be spent.
-Stick to routines as best you can: Things will change as holidays approach but having a general routine can help eg. having breakfast together each morning, bath time at the same hour every night.
-Talk things through: If you notice emotions are high, try to choose a calm time to check in with the kids. Giving them a chance to talk about their feelings helps them feel calm and supported.
-Plan down time: This goes for both yourself and the kids. Plan some winding down activities, especially if there’s been a lot happening. This might be watching a movie together or reading a book.
-Bring the focus back to family time: Have some fun with family traditions or create new ones. Holidays are a great opportunity to create some happy family memories.
I hope everyone can find the time to rest and revive, ready to return to school refreshed for another term of learning.
Go Blues!!!
Lynda Whitechurch
Acting Principal