A message from Margie
Inclusive
We are continuing our INCLUSIVE focus this term by talking about the importance of celebrating our differences. We know that sometimes children (and adults!) can feel uncomfortable when they are confronted by people who look, sound or act differently than they are used to. We are excited to use this term as an opportunity to help our students to better understand what others are going through, and to value others for all of the qualities they bring.
Firstly, we want to better understand the challenges and strengths experienced by those living with disabilities. We will be teaching the children about a number of disabilities and conditions in the coming weeks so that they can be aware and consider how we can work together to make everyone feel included. I will be talking to the students about being hearing-impaired myself, and how grateful I am when others go out of their way to make me feel included. We will be going forward with curiosity and kindness to explore how we can be inclusive of everyone feel included.
Many people may have seen or heard about Hugh Van Cuylenburg's Open letter to parents of Neurodivergent children. This was sent to us by a school parent, recommending it for other parents to watch. It highlights the need to be understanding and accepting of the different complexities people may be facing at different times. This aligns well with our inclusion focus over the next few weeks.
Next week's National Reconciliation Week is a perfect opportunity to explain the role of inclusion in our reconciliation journey, walking hand in hand with Aboriginal people towards a greater acceptance and understanding.
We are working hard to make sure every child and adult feels welcome and included at Uraidla Primary School.
Mother's Day Posies
On Friday, week 2, we saw a flurry of students running out of the gates to give their mums or special people in their lives a beautiful bouquet of flowers. This was a fantastic sight to see, and the joy it brought to many people.
We have some special thanks to give. Firstly, thank you to all who donated an amazing range of flowers to the P&F, which allowed these beautiful posies to be created. Thank you once again to the fantastic helpers in Parents and Friends who spent the morning creating these and then collecting money and distributing them to classes. Your hard work is greatly appreciated, and we hope this is a tradition that continues for many years to come.
Walk Safely to School Day
On Friday, the 16th May, students participated in Walk Safely to School Day. Students were able to walk from different locations within the community, including Summertown Church, Greenhill Road bus stop, Swamp and Parish Hill Road and the corner of Gully Road. It was a great opportunity for children, families and staff to be active by walking in the brisk weather. It's always a great opportunity to promote road safety when crossing the road. Students were greeted by staff who applied tattoos to students who wanted them, and a tasty fruit snack was provided back in class. We look forward to this wonderful event next year.
RAP survey - what does Reconciliation mean to you?
Next week we are celebrating National Reconciliation Week at Uraidla Primary School. The week will begin with a special Immersive Welcome to Country by Jade Brook, which families are welcome to attend. This will take place on Monday from 11:45-12:45 on the school oval. There will be many reconciliation activities in students' classrooms throughout the week, a focus on picture books by Aboriginal authors on the Wednesday and of course our much-anticipated mixed-aged group activities run by teachers and "Auntie Dee' on the Friday.
The Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) committee are seeking some feedback around reconciliation in our community in the lead up to next week's celebrations. If you have a spare minute or two, we'd love you to fill out the short three-question survey via the link below.
Here’s a terrific Acknowledgement of Country filmed by our Year 5/6 class, to start off our week: Acknowledgement of Country Year 56 2025 1.mp4
I wish you a wonderful fortnight - and may your houses stay warm and cosy! 😊🍂🍁🌿
Margie