From the Principal

Welcome back to school and into the final term of the year. Term 4 is traditionally a very busy one and this term will be no exception as you can see from the calendar of events listed at the commencement of this newsletter.

The term commenced with balmy warm weather which quickly turned to cloudy and wet days. 

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE FROM SCHOOL

It’s most important to remember that teachers do not commence duties until 8:45am and this is when yard duty supervision commences. This means students should not be arriving at school before 8:45am. Even though many staff arrive before that time, they are busy preparing lessons and resources needed for the day. Likewise at the end of the day, supervision ends at 3:45pm by which time students should have left the school grounds. Students who remain in the school grounds, (without their parents to supervise them) are brought to the office to await the arrival of their parents. 

SUNSMART REMINDER

All students should be wearing an appropriate hat at all times when outside.  Students without a hat will be instructed to play in the allocated shaded areas. Students are also reminded to wear a hat (and sunscreen) by their teachers before leaving the classroom and once in the yard, they are not allowed to re-enter the building. 

A sunsmart hat is available in the following styles:

• broad brimmed hats – with a brim of at least 7.5 cm
• bucket or ‘surfie-style hats' – with a deep crown and brim of at least 6 cm
• legionnaire hats with a flap that covers the neck. The side flap and front peak should meet to protect the side of the face.

Appropriate hats are available through PSW located on North Road Ormond.

SCHOOL UNIFORM 

Our students are expected to wear their school uniform every day. Our school does however have a wonderful tradition where a student is allowed to wear casual clothes on their birthday. 

This year, we have seen an increase in the number of ‘non school uniform’ items being worn including different hats, hair pieces, jackets etc. We realise students need warm jackets over the winter, so a maroon coloured jacket is preferred. 

The ‘Student Dress Code’ policy can be found on the school website: https://www.murrumbeenaps.vic.edu.au/source/Build/Student-Dress-Code.pdf  and outlines the dress code expectations. 

The policy is due to be reviewed by the Canteen and Uniform sub committee of school council so if there are any changes to the policy, the sub committee will provide an article in a follow up newsletter. 

WE ARE AN ACCREDITED ESMART SCHOOL

Being an eSmart school entails meeting a number of guidelines as set by the eSmart initiative. The goal is to educate students and ensure strategies are in place to manage cyber risks, bullying and cyber bullying issues so students feel safer and supported.  Our students undertake a series of lessons at the commencement of each year which results in them attaining their ‘Digital Licence’. In addition our students and their families discuss the ICT (Information Communications Technologies) Agreements which refer to every student using devices responsibly and ethically. 

When a student makes an error in judgement, they are involved in a reflective discussion to understand the impact their misuse has had on themselves or others. Our ICT policies are also available on the school website. 

BYOD – Bring Your Own Device (ipads)

Students live in a digital age and technology is a big part of the PYP and Victorian Curriculum. Our aim is to help our students develop skills that allow them to be successful on whatever path they choose to follow. 

We would like to welcome all parents, but particularly parents of year two students to attend an information evening where we explain the aspects of the BYOD program. 

The evening will include presentations from students across year 3 to 6 who will show you how ipads are used in their classrooms. 

We hope to see you next week on Thursday 12 October 5:30 – 6:30pm in the library or hall (pending attendance numbers). 

CURRICULUM DAY 

Our Curriculum Day will be held on Monday 6 November (the day before the Melbourne Cup).

The curriculum day is a ‘pupil free day’ so there will not be any school attendance.

The teachers will be working together to moderate judgements against the achievement standards in readiness for end of year reporting. When determining the achievement standard, teachers use a range of information sets, including, but not limited to: participation in lessons, submitted student work and analysis of a range of assessments.

ANXIETY WORKSHOP (for parents) Wednesday 25 October (6:30 – 8:00pm) 

The school is privileged to have special guest presenter Karen Young running a workshop designed for parents which translates the neuroscience of anxiety and everyday life into meaningful advice for all ages. 

We are hopeful that parents with children who suffer anxiety, even on some occasions prioritise their attendance. 

Please reserve your place via Try Booking https://www.trybooking.com/CMDZE

About the Workshop

Understanding why anxiety feels the way it does and where the physical symptoms come from is a powerful step in turning anxiety around. Anxiety explained, kids empowered.

Anxiety is a really normal human experience. Sometimes it can become too big, and when children get caught in the tail whip of anxiety, it can swipe at their belief in themselves, their engagement with the world, and the glistening unfolding of their potential – but it doesn’t have to be this way. Anxiety is very manageable, and any important adult in the life of a child has a profound capacity to strengthen children and teens against anxiety and towards courage and resilience. With all anxiety, comes opportunities to strengthen children and teens with a mindset, skills and qualities that will lead them towards deeply fulfilling, brave, whole-hearted living. This workshop talks about how.

Karen Young’s BIO

Karen began her career as a psychologist in a private practice. She has worked extensively with children, teens and families, and in educational and organisation settings. She has lectured and has a Masters in Gestalt Therapy. It is through her work with children, teens and families, that she learned the power of solid information when it is placed in the solid, loving hands of parents or any important person in the life of a child. 

Karen created Hey Sigmund, an internationally popular online resource, as a way to provide contemporary, research-driven information on the art of being human, and being with humans. The website has a particular emphasis on strengthening the mental wellness of children and adolescents. It attracts millions of readers each year worldwide. The articles have been translated into a number of languages and have been published on various international sites.

Karen is often invited to comment by Australian and international media outlets, including The Project, and as a regular guest on ABC Radio. She is a sought-after speaker and consultant and works with schools, government bodies, and child and adolescent-focused organisations, both in Australia and overseas to build resources, implement procedures, and support the professional development of staff 

Chellee Plumb