Wellbeing Report 

A huge congratulations to all our students for their outstanding performances at last week’s dance concert! The confidence, teamwork, and joy they brought to the stage were a wonderful reflection of their hard work and creativity. It was fantastic to see so many families in the audience cheering them on.

 

As we close term 3 and head into the final term of the school year, many children begin thinking about what next year will look like. While moving to a new grade and year level is exciting, it can also bring a mix of nerves and questions. Parents can play a key role in helping their child feel prepared and confident. Here are a few simple ways you can support them at home:

  • Talk positively about change – Focus on the opportunities a new grade brings, such as making new friends or learning new things.

  • Celebrate this year’s growth – Reflect on the skills and achievements your child has developed, no matter how big or small.

  • Encourage independence – Give your child age-appropriate responsibilities to help build confidence for the year ahead.

  • Maintain routines – Keeping sleep, play, and homework routines consistent helps children feel secure during times of change.

  • Listen and reassure – Let your child share their feelings and remind them that it’s normal to feel a little nervous.

By working together, we can help children approach their next grade with resilience, optimism, and a strong sense of readiness.

If you are looking for ideas to fill the upcoming school holidays, head to:

https://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Our-services/Early-years-and-preschool/School-holiday-activities for some ideas provided by the council.  

Careful what you call them

Lot’s of people give their kids nicknames, all in the name of fun but parents also call their kids names, usually out of frustration. My little daughter was a screamer, it was someone’s joke at the baby shower for my first to give me earplugs. I didn’t think that was necessary, I had worked with babies for 10 years before she was born and never needed ear plugs. But, then came the second. As soon as she woke from her nap or sleep she wanted feeding, straight away the ear piercing scream began, all through the very necessary nappy change, all through the dressing, carrying, preparing, I was moving fast, but not fast enough! I decided the best plan to get through this time was to call her a ‘little blessing’, even if I said it through clenched teeth, I said it to her over and again as I hurried and cooed her. Over the years she has grown to fit that name, it is unbelievable how many people tell me that she is delight to be around, both adults and kids, naturally I find her to be a delight too.

 

In tense moments I have heard parents call their kids some pretty harsh names, even just saying cheeky to a little one can encourage them to be cheeky, which is not so cute when they are older than 2. Have a think, what do you call your kids? How will your names shape them as they grow? What could you change today to help them live a better tomorrow?

Breakfast Club

At breakfast club we have small bowls of cereal and can spaghetti, toast with 4 spread options, fresh fruit, milk and fruit cups. Breakfast club will open again on the first Monday back to school for term 4. Students have requested that the can spaghetti continues even when the weather warms up.

Pantry

Please feel free to visit the Community Pantry on a Wednesday afternoon. Items available include canned food, cereals, honey, vegemite, UHT milk, food pouches of soup. Gluten Free and Lactose Free items are also available. If you would like a whole hamper of food please contact the wellbeing team and we can deliver a box to you at the kiss and drop.

Craft Club

We have continued making Dream Catchers in Craft Club. It is very popular, everyone is enjoying wrapping their hoop with different colours of wool and there has been a lot of decorating happening. Some students have made multiple Dream Catchers. 

Kids Of Gold Camp

The next Kids Of Gold Camp is going to run between the 24th  and 26th of October. Sign up for students in grade 4 – 6 or those in grade 3 are welcome if they turn 9 years old before the camp dates. This is a Level 1 camp so it is great to start the series of 3 at this camp to build confidence and self esteem in you child.