Principal's Report

Friday 19th March is a busy day.  It is the National Day of Action Against Bullying, National Ride to School Day and we are celebrating Harmony Week.

National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence

‘Bullying is an ongoing and deliberate misuse of power in relationships through repeated verbal, physical and/or social behaviour that intends to cause physical, social and/or psychological harm. It can involve an individual or a group misusing their power, or perceived power, over one or more persons who feel unable to stop it from happening.  Bullying can happen in person or online, via various digital platforms and devices and it can be obvious (overt) or hidden (covert).  Bullying behaviour is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time (for example, through sharing of digital records).  Bullying of any form or for any reason can have immediate, medium and long-term effects on those involved, including bystanders. Single incidents and conflict or fights between equals, whether in person or online, are not defined as bullying.’ (Bullying No Way website)

At Syndal South Primary School we aim to create a safe and supportive school community for everyone. Parents are an important part of our work to prevent bullying and to respond effectively if it happens. Stopping bullying involves everyone.

Parents know their children best and know the best way to tailor communication to their needs. We encourage parents to contact their child’s teacher immediately if they have concerns about their child.

The Bullying No Way campaign has a fantastic website (https://bullyingnoway.gov.au/), which provides parents and teachers with a variety of resources including understanding bullying, responding to bullying, preventing bullying, teaching about bullying and support and advice.  They provide information on all aspects of bullying, including cyberbullying.

Ride to School Day

Not only is active travel good for your health, but it’s also good for the environment too! Riding, walking or scooting to school means there are fewer cars on the road, which results in a reduction in noise pollution, reduction in energy use and reduction in carbon emissions. ‘Part Way is Okay’ - Even if families walked, rode or scooted part of the way, there would be a positive impact on the environment and traffic safety around the school.

We are encouraging students and families to ride, walk or scoot to school tomorrow, Friday the 19th March. Students will receive a piece of fruit on their arrival. We hope you can join us and take the opportunity to ride, walk or scoot to school more often, even if only part of the way. 

Unnamed Dilemma

I realise this next section will not be relevant to all families, but I am personally finding it frustrating the amount of unnamed yes, uniform but more frustrating lunch containers, snack boxes and drink bottles found out in the playground at the end of lunchtime. A system is now in place where all containers left outside are collected, named items returned to the students unnamed will be stored in a box at the Office. The box will be placed outside at the flagpole each afternoon after school and at the end of the week the containers will be disposed of. 

Easter Raffle

Thank you to all the families who have donated eggs for the Easter Raffle. With the weekend coming it may be a convenient time for families to purchase some Easter eggs, chocolates or Easter giftware.  The more prizes we have the more fun the raffle is.

Harmony Week

15th – 21st March 

The message of Harmony Week is everyone belongs. It is about inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all Australians, regardless of cultural or linguistic background, united by a set of core Australian values. These celebrations create opportunities for all of us to

think, talk about and recognise how our differences make Australia a great place to live.

Did you know?

• Nearly half (49 per cent) of Australians were born overseas or have at least one parent who was.
• We identify with over 300 ancestries.
• Since 1945, more than 7.5 million people have migrated to Australia.
• 85 per cent of Australians agree multiculturalism has been good for Australia.
• Apart from English, the most common languages spoken in Australia are Mandarin, Arabic, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Italian, Greek, Tagalog/Filipino, Hindi, Spanish and Punjabi.
• More than 70 Indigenous languages are spoken in Australia.

These facts are taken from ABS 2016 Census Data.

Tomorrow, all the students will be engaged in a number of activities to celebrate Harmony Week. Mrs Stonehouse-Melke and the Student Representative Council (SRC) have been extremely busy organising the activities for the morning. The students will be working in multi age groups during the morning on the planned activities.  The students in years 4 to 6 will also be attending a Japanese incursion that has been organised by Miss Yoo. We are hoping students will be able to wear something ‘orange’ in colour tomorrow (a gold coin is NOT required).

Welcome Picnic

Finally, a reminder about the ‘Welcome Picnic’ tomorrow night starting at 5.50 pm with activities starting at 6 p.m. I am looking forward to seeing as many families as possible here.