Assistant Principal Message

Dear Parents and Carers,

Thank you so much for your support and welcome on my return from leave. Whilst I was away I said prayers for each and every one of you and am thrilled to be back within our wonderful community. Thank you to Mrs Lucy Chigioni for her leadership to our school whilst I was on leave, we are lucky to have such beautiful, caring staff members here at OLSS.

Just a friendly reminder there will be no awards during the Week 9 Assembly as it will be a special Amadeus Performance starting at 8:50am. Tutors from Thursday will come to perform so all students from Years 3-6 will perform on this day. We look forward to seeing many of you on the day!

In Week 10 we will have another assembly with awards and Constable Portelli will be visiting our school to talk to parents after assembly. This is a valuable opportunity to gain insights and information on important topics relevant to our school community.

There are lots of exciting things happening at OLSS and one of them is our upcoming disco! Get your dance moves ready for Friday 1st November!

The Great Sleepover Debate

Sleepovers—those late-night adventures filled with giggles, secrets, and pillow forts—are a cherished part of childhood. But as parents, we grapple with the question: Are sleepovers safe or risky? Let’s explore the rewards and risks, empowering you to make informed decisions for your family.

Rewards:

1. Independence: Sleepovers allow kids to practise separation from caregivers, fostering independence.
2. Flexibility: Children learn to adapt to different family cultures and routines.
3. Memories: Many adults fondly recall sleepovers as cherished childhood memories.

Risks:

1. Abuse Concerns: Some parents worry about their kids being exposed to abuse while away from home.
2. Behavioural Disruptions: Sleepovers can lead to disrupted sleep schedules and behavioural issues.
3. Health and Safety: Consider food allergies, screen time, and exposure to illness.

As parents, it’s essential to examine our motivations. If fear drives our choices, we should pause and reflect. Balance safety with allowing our children to explore the world. Remember, there’s a fine line between caution and overprotection.

Some tips for a sleepover:

1. Know the Host: If your child is sleeping over at a friend’s house, ensure you know and trust the host.
2. Communication: Teach your child about boundaries, good touch vs. bad touch, and when to seek help.
3. Alternatives: If sleepovers don’t feel right for your family, find other opportunities for self-efficacy and adaptability.
4. Preparation: Actively discussing with your child how to be safe on a sleepover is recommended. Consider using the linked resources to have an interactive conversation with your child about sleepover safety.

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Trust your instincts, consider the risks, and make the best choice for your child.

Above article written by Sandy Reynolds, Manager Child Safety

Mrs Louise Fairhall

Assistant Principal