Principal
Aaron Cox
Principal
During the term break I was privileged to attend Mr. Teizo Kato’s wedding in Okinawa. I then escaped to a gorgeous group of islands around Miyako Island. It was a stunning location filled with numerous beaches, coral and abundant sea life. I am already planning my return.
As for school, it was generally a very calm beginning to Term 3. Whilst doing a walkthrough, it was great to see a number of year levels looking back at their routines and expectations. Constantly coming back to these is a great reminder for students. I won’t say anything about the weather for the past week and a half. The only person happy about the weather is Mrs Sharon Lomas as the weather reminds her of the English Summers!
Facilities - Here for the students
I am excited to announce that an employee grant from Dulux has been approved and so the Cosentino hall will be painted in school colours providing a well needed refresh. Thank you to Joanne Petrovic (mother of Aaron, Year 6) for her efforts in submitting the grant application. If anyone is a painter and would like to join the volunteer team, please let the office know. Additionally, The Dulux dog will be visiting our school for a photo opportunity.
During Term 3 there will be some ongoing works in the new gym and the Cosentino hall. From the 5th to the 9th of August, we will see the biggest disruption as we have a scissor lift onsite for the week as we paint the interior roof of Cosentino hall and install a half court net in the new gym. Cosentino hall will undergo a transformation over the rest of the term as we turn it into a teaching and learning space.
Staff Member Promotion - A place to shine
I would like to congratulate Michelle Jeffery on her promotion to the Department’s central office as a School Finance Liaison Officer. We have been lucky to have Michelle with us over the past year and a half. I thank Michelle for her contributions to the school over that time. Michelle will leave us around the 20th of August to take up her new position. Michelle’s departure will see the return of Catherine Palmer to her former position as Kingswood’s Business Manager.
Meet Principal Class - Connected to community
I would like to try something new moving forward. On the weeks we have assembly, I would like to make principal class available in the gym foyer from the end of lunch (2.20pm) until the beginning of assembly. I would hope this increases our connection to community. During this period coffee and all other hot beverages from our machine will be free.
School Uniform Policy - Connected to community
Over the coming weeks school council will engage with both our Student Representative Council and Parent Association to gather views of the proposed new Uniform Policy.
Parenting Support - Michael Prose - Parenting Toolbox
Parenting Alert: 20 Jobs to Ditch Before Your Child Hits Double Digits.
Prepare your child for independence so they don't end up living with you when they're 40!
Most parents want their children to become independent. But so often we do too much for them because of expediency.
We have good intentions, life gets in the way, and doing a job yourself is easier. After all, this way, you can avoid an argument and ensure that the job is done well, right?
As a teenager told her father when he asked for help, “You’ve done pretty well without my help until now. Why do you suddenly want me to help now that I’m fourteen?” Yikes! But Ms 14-year-old has a point!
The key to independence-building in kids is to start young with small tasks and build from there.
Where to start?
In the spirit of building autonomy, here are twenty tasks that children could and should do for themselves by age ten.
20 jobs kids should do before they turn 10.
1. Get themselves up in the morning using an alarm.
2. Pack their own school bag each morning.
3. Make telephone calls about simple requests, such as asking if a store has an item in stock.
4. Look after the rubbish, including putting bins outside, emptying rubbish and recycling.
5. Prepare healthy snacks before, during and after school.
6. Make their own breakfast.
7. Cook one evening meal a week.
8. Walk to the shops on their own.
9. Tidy their own bedroom and make their bed.
10. Clean their part of the house, including tidying, sweeping and vacuuming.
11. Keep clothes and shoes clean including using a washing machine and an iron. At the very least, put their dirty clothes in the laundry basket.
12. Care for personal items such as toys, technology, sports and leisure equipment.
13. Take messages to school, including delivering excursion notes and other important messages to the front office.
14. Take responsibility for personal hygiene, such as brushing teeth, bathing, and keeping their face and hands clean.
15. Feed and look after pets on a regular basis.
16. Pack and unpack the family dishwasher or, alternatively, wash and dry the dishes by hand.
17. Prepare the weekly family chores roster.
18. Choose clothing each day within suitable limits.
19. Make their own in-store purchases and shop for some personal items.
20. Manage their own simple expenditures such as lunch money, entertainment expenses and personal items.