News From Mr Smith
Dear School Community Members,
As a dad of four children, I am regularly seeking ideas, tips and advice on parenting. Goalcast is a regular source of mine and one that provides me with timely and practical ideas on developing my capacity as a parent. One of the most influential and powerful Goalcasts I have viewed is titled, ‘How to raise an independent and Free Thinking Child’ by Dr Justin Coulson. In this four-minute videocast, Dr Coulson shares his advice on creating independent children, and in turn a happy and harmonious family, by developing agreements and rules through autonomy rather than control. Dr Coulson states, “Great relationships build autonomy, which allows us to leverage trust, which builds massive influence on our children ......” Each time I watch this short clip, I am reminded and motivated to create agreements with my children rather than set rules. This videocast is well worth watching.
Congratulations – Kalina Greville:
We congratulate Kalina on being awarded a scholarship to North Geelong Secondary College. Kalina was awarded her ‘sports’ scholarship at assembly on Monday by North Geelong Secondary College Principal, Mr Dawson. Congratulations, Kalina !
Congratulations – Jace Veale:
We congratulate and wish Jace all the very best for her upcoming challenge. Jace is participating in “Nedd’s Uncomfortable Challenge” of running 50km in 10 days. Nedd Brockman is the founder of the “Nedd’s Uncomfortable Challenge” initiative. Nedd ran from Perth to Bondi raising money for the homeless. Nedd has challenged others to complete something that is outside their comfort zone for 10 days straight. Jace is training hard in an attempt to run 5km’s for 10 days straight each morning at 6.30am. Jace will start this challenge on Monday (20th October). Jace is hoping to raise $2000 for the homeless. To get behind Jace, please click on the link below:
https://www.neddsuncomfortablechallenge.com/s/12476/11197
Good luck, Jace! We are proud of you!
Swimming Program:
Following the huge success of the Grade 3 and Grade 4 swimming program, our Junior swimming program is running extremely smoothly with incredible growth of all students. Once again, I acknowledge Jessie, Mr Quinlan and our staff for their dedication in coordinating a highly effective program. I also thank our wonderful parents for ensuring our students are well prepared each day for their swimming lesson – thank you!
Mano Colour Run – Thursday, 6th November:
Planning for our Colour Run is in full swing! On Thursday, 6th November, our students will engage in a fun afternoon with a Colour Run thanks to our wonderful Parents and Friends committee. Details regarding our Colour Run were sent home last week – thank you to the many families who have registered their child and begun fundraising. A reminder that all money raised from the Colour Run will be directed to our ‘School Ground Improvements’ program.
Staff Professional Learning – Child Safe Standards:
Each week, our staff engage in professional learning activities to build our capacity and to maximise each student having access to high quality instruction. Led by our Child Safe Champions, Mrs Grant, Mrs Bath and Mrs Charter, our staff participated in a session focussed on Victoria’s Child Safe Standards. This session was the second of a series of three that will continue to build on the significant work we have completed on the Child Safe Standards. We encourage families to familiarise themselves with our policies related to the Child Safe Standards that are available on our website.
Christmas Concert – End of Year Celebration:
I am pleased to inform you that the date and details for our Christmas Concert and end of year celebration has been finalised:
Date: Thursday, 18th December
Time: 9:15am – 11:00am
Each Learning Community (Year Level) will perform a ‘song’, our Term 4 Unleashing Potential awards will be presented, along with some other awards and announcements. We look forward to sharing with you further details as we get closer.
2026 Planning:
To assist with our planning for 2026, if your child will not be attending Mano in 2026, please advise the office ASAP.
Safety – Parking at Drop off and Pick Up:
Recently we have had families report dangerous driving behaviour, especially in Purrumbete Ave. Parking on or encroaching the pavement or footpath does compromise the safety of our students.
Local By-Law Officers will be present over the coming weeks to monitor our school surrounds at ‘pick up’ and ‘drop off’ times.
Let’s all work together to maximise the safety of our community.
Thank you for supporting our school and have a great week.
Christian Smith