Deputy Principal's Report

And That's a Wrap... well for camps

We are pleased to share the remarkable success of our final campers in 2023 during their time at Lady Northcote Camp. We've been thrilled to hear about their achievements in various activities, from conquering bike riding to stepping out of their comfort zones on the flying fox, engaging in canoeing, enjoying the giant swing, and even mastering the art of yabby fishing!

Witnessing our students wholeheartedly embrace camp is incredibly rewarding. The anticipation leading up to camp may stir mixed emotions, but the beaming smiles on their faces and the stories they have to share remind us of the significance of these experiences. Congratulations to our Year 4 students for their remarkable support of one another, enabling each of their peers to reach new heights. Being away from family and embracing new experiences can bring a mix of emotions, and it is a testament to our St Finbar's families that our students are able to wholeheartedly engage in these experiences.

A special shoutout to the dedicated Year 4 camp team, consisting of Bianca, Callum, Jo Fraser, Michelle Hill, and Liesl Willcocks, for their thorough planning and commitment to ensuring a fun and successful camp.

Now, we can look forward to all the rest of the exciting activities that Term 4 has in store!

Free eSafety Webinar for Parents

Parents and guardians are encouraged to register for some of the free eSafety webinars run by the eSafety Commissioner. More information about the topics and the times they take place can be found at https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/webinars

The Struggle With Homework

If you are one of those families where homework is one of those battles we have some tips to help you out. We know that kids are more successful in school when parents take an active interest in their homework as it shows them that what they do is important.

Of course, this is tricky when you are juggling so many other things and we are definitely not expecting kids to spend hours hunched over a desk. Parents can be supportive by demonstrating study and organisation skills, explaining a tricky problem, or just encouraging kids to take a break.

Here are ten tips from kidshealth.org to help you out:

Know the teachers — and what they're looking for. Attend school events, such as parent-teacher conferences, to meet your child's teachers. Check out our homework policy and how you can be involved.
Set up a homework-friendly area. Make sure kids have a well-lit place to complete homework. Keep supplies like paper, pencils, glue, scissors within reach.
Schedule a regular study time. Some kids work best in the afternoon, following a snack and play time, wheras others may prefer to wait until after dinner.
Help them make a plan. On heavy homework nights or when there's an especially hefty assignment to tackle, encourage your child break up the work into manageable chunks. Create a work schedule for the night if necessary and take time for a 15-minute break every hour, if possible.
Keep distractions to a minimum. This means no TV, loud music, or phone calls. (Occasionally, though, a phone call to a classmate about an assignment can be helpful.)
Make sure kids do their own work. They won't learn if they don't think for themselves and make their own mistakes. Parents can make suggestions and help with directions. But it's a kid's job to do the learning.
Be a motivator and monitor. Ask about assignments, quizzes, and tests. Give encouragement, check completed homework, and make yourself available for questions and concerns.
Set a good example. Do your kids ever see you diligently balancing your schedule or reading a book? Kids are more likely to follow their parents' examples than their advice.
Praise their efforts. Post a big projet they worked hard on or art project on the refrigerator. Mention their achievements to relatives.
If there are continuing problems with homework, get help. Talk about it with your child's teacher. Some kids have trouble seeing the board and may need glasses; others might need an evaluation for a learning problem or attention disorder.

Medically reviewed by: Eric J. Gabor, JD

Thanks again for all your support,

Peggy McDonald & Steele Anderson

Deputy Principals