Chaplain's Spot

Every Child is Important … part 2.

Child’s Play

Here is my second instalment of gems from the ‘Every Child is Important’ booklet.

“Play is one of the most important needs children have. At the heart of play is fun. It is through play the children do much of their learning. 

Play fuels all aspects of healthy development –

# Running, kicking, and throwing balls helps children develop balance and co-ordination.

# Singing and rhyming games help with language development.

# Puzzles and problem solving games help children’s intellectual development. 

# Turn-taking and sharing in play help important relationship skills and self-control.

 Play is an important way that children can express and work through their feelings. Through watching and joining in child’s play, you can gain insight into how your child is feeling and thinking.

Parents play a crucial role in children’s play – 

# Joining in play builds positive relationships between you and your child in a climate of fun. 

# Playing with your children promotes opportunities for you to support them as they experiment with new skills. The most positive reinforcement for children comes from the approval and praise of a parent. 

# The most important play for young children is play with parents – make sure you make some time for play every day.

Playing with children – 

# Playing activities should be at the right level for your child. Too easy and your child may get bored. Too hard and your child may get frustrated. 

# Let your child lead the play. Don’t take over.

# Make sure the play is safe.

# Ask your children what they would like you to do as part of the play.

# Allow enough time for play.

# Don’t compete with young children. This can discourage them from wanting to play. 

# Be patient if your child wants to repeat the same play over and over. New skills require lots of practice! Stay enthusiastic. 

# Appreciate and encourage their efforts, no matter what the outcome. 

# Look for opportunities to engage in play at any time. For example, join your child in making up rhymes or songs about normal daily activities, like making the bed. 

MOST OF ALL HAVE FUN AND LAUGH WITH YOUR CHILDREN!

Community wellbeing:  

Toast Tuesday: Our free breakfast program runs weekly on Tuesdays at 8.30am, and is open to all students. Remember that all other days, students cannot be at school until 8.45 when staff supervision is available. We always need to ensure our students are safe. 

On Tuesdays, students need to be with their parents or stay around the SPC until supervision starts at 8.45. 

Woolies Eastland supports us with a monthly gift card for our spreads.

We would like to add a couple of emergency extras to our helpers roster. The rest of term 3 is filled, but if you would like to come and check out what is involved feel free to drop in and see our team during Toast Tuesday.

Baker Delight goods: We are thankful to Bakers Delight Heathmont, for their generous provision of loaves for Toast Tuesday. If you would appreciate regular bakery items, please email me, or see me at school. 

Second-hand uniforms etc:

Thank you to all who have donated uniform back to us. Please don’t cut off the tag showing the size, and please wash items before returning. If you have any non-GRPS shirts or jackets, please take them to the Opp Shop, as well as the old style dresses. We need to supply only current GRPS items. Thanks! 

We have plenty of smaller sizes in shirts, especially size 4 – great for spares in the winter wetness. There are others in size 6, 10, 12, 14, 16. In jackets we also have many size 4, plus 6-12. Pants are mostly size 4-8, plus 10. 

Contact: Feel free to contact me about anything that is of concern for you or your family, whether emotional, social, spiritual or practical. 

Regarding students, I can meet with them once, and for further contact we ask parents to sign a Consent Form. If you would like a form, I can send one home or email one to you. 

Alan Silverwood: Chaplain - Pastoral care for our community. [Tuesday & Friday]

[alan.silverwood@education.vic.gov.au]

Supporting the School community in emotional, social, spiritual and practical wellbeing. 

Our Chaplaincy program is funded by the Federal Government’s ‘National Student Wellbeing Program’, the GRPS School Council and donations.