Week 6 ICT OHS and PE Newsletter Report

ICT News!

We are getting closer and closer to the end of the year!

Again, I want to congratulate the majority of students on looking after all the equipment associated with their learning through the technology lens.

As mentioned above we are getting closer to the end of the year and I ask that if you can please note that all Year 5 and 6 Students will be ceasing to take their Chromebooks home after FRIDAY 8th DECEMBER.

If you are planning on leaving on holiday before that date and will not be returning to school until the new year, please make sure you hand in your Chromebook and bag to your Grade 5 or 6 classroom teacher. This will ensure a smooth transition of all technological equipment for the beginning of the school year in 2024.

If you can please be sure to have the charger, chromebook and chromebook bag as clean as possible before you hand it in that would be greatly appreciated.

For students in Grades Prep to Year 4 you will have a chance at school to wipe down your keyboards and screens onsite at school.

If you have any further questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me fpiccione@sogsgpark.catholic.edu.au.

Occupational Health and Safety

Once again, congratulations and thank you to the parents and caregivers who are following the instructions and allowing traffic to flow freely after school but NOT TURNING RIGHT out of the school gates. By following this rule and being courteous to others it has allowed for a more free and less congested end to the school day.

We also ask to be very vigilant when driving into school and observe the speed limit as we have witnessed a few parents exceeding the recommended speed limit which could lead to a disastrous and sad consequence.

Can we also please ask that when walking into the school via the car park, that you please stick to the pathways and crossings assigned. We have witnessed many parents and caregivers blatantly ignore the paths and crossings, walking through the traffic to get to their cars or to the office. Please remember that we are the role models for our children and they copy everything we do.

Please continue to be vigilant and report any traffic related hazards, slippery areas or tripping hazards on the playground to fpiccione@sogsgpark.catholic.edu.au.

Physical Education and Health / School Sports!

The AFL Education Summit Meeting which I was fortunate to attend was held on Friday 27th October at Marvel Stadium. It brought together educators, sports professionals, celebrities and enthusiasts to discuss critical topics related to education, physical education, and inclusivity in classrooms. The summit covered three main areas: Women in Sport, Professional Teaching Standards in Physical Education, and the Diverse and Inclusive Classroom.

Women in Sport:

The first segment of the summit focused on the inclusion and promotion of women in sports. The discussions highlighted the following key points:

Promoting Female Participation: Encouraging and facilitating greater female participation in sports, including Australian Rules Football, was a central theme. This includes providing equal opportunities for girls and women at all levels.

Role Models: The importance of female athletes as role models for young girls was emphasized. Their success stories can inspire and motivate the next generation of female athletes.

Gender Equity: Promoting gender equity in sports leadership, coaching, and administration was recognized as crucial for the development of women in sport.

Education and Awareness: The need for educational programs and awareness campaigns to break down stereotypes and biases was discussed. It was proposed that schools play a vital role in promoting these values.

Professional Teaching Standards in Physical Education:

The second segment of the summit delved into the standards of teaching physical education. The following highlights emerged:

Quality Physical Education Programs: Ensuring schools offer high-quality physical education programs that align with professional teaching standards is vital. These programs should emphasise skill development, physical fitness, and holistic well-being.

Teacher Training: The importance of ongoing professional development for physical education teachers was emphasized. Teachers need to stay updated on the latest pedagogical methods and teaching techniques.

Assessment and Evaluation: There was a consensus on the need for standardized assessment and evaluation procedures for physical education. This allows for consistent measurement of student progress.

Inclusive Approach: The summit discussed the importance of adapting physical education to cater to the diverse needs and abilities of all students, including those with disabilities.

The Diverse and Inclusive Classroom:

The third segment of the summit focused on creating diverse and inclusive classrooms where every student feels welcome and supported. Key points included:

Cultural Competency: Educators should be equipped with cultural competence to better understand and accommodate students from diverse backgrounds.

Inclusive Curricula: Developing curricula that represent diverse perspectives and experiences, and encouraging students to share their cultural backgrounds, was highlighted as important.

Anti-Bullying Programs: Promoting anti-bullying programs and conflict resolution skills can create safer and more inclusive learning environments.

Professional Development: Offering professional development opportunities for teachers to enhance their skills in creating inclusive classrooms.

The AFL Education Summit emphasised the need for ongoing dialogue, collaboration, and action to bring about positive changes in these areas. It is hoped that these discussions will lead to meaningful progress in sports, education, and inclusivity.

If your child has achieved any sporting accolades (e.g. Taekwondo Black Belt, Soccer Championship, Netball Best and Fairest Awards etc) please email them to me on fpiccione@sogsgpark.catholic.edu.au so that we can celebrate them as a community!

Learning Diversity

Lorna Stranieri