Principals Message

Good afternoon everyone.  

Welcome to term 3.

Over the next few weeks, we will be running an informative series in the school newsletter, written by Australian Child Psychologist, Michael Hawton.  Michael (a former teacher himself) has spoken with hundreds of school leaders nationwide through a range of workshops addressing child and teen anxiety. Based on his close work in the education

sector for many decades, Michael believes that far more parents are prematurely jumping in to fix a problem on their child’s behalf than was the case a generation ago.

Over the next six weeks, we will be exploring what anxiety looks like, what parents can do to alleviate anxious behaviours in children, and how ’jumping in’ to fix a perceived wrong-doing to a child may in fact be reducing a child’s ability to resolve problems independently. The articles will also include some tips and strategies for parents to address anxiety early.

We hope you enjoy the upcoming series.  Please go to the Mental Health & Wellbeing page of this newsletter for the first article on recognising anxiety in children.

We wish the following students all the best for their upcoming Sacrament of First Eucharist over this weekend:  Clancy, Samuel, Liam,  Elena, Gus, Isaac, Nevin, Harlow J, Hunter, Nathaniel, Ida, Tully S & Evan.  

Please note that the First Eucharist Mass time for the  Sunday 27th in Leongatha is 11am.

What a fantastic way to start the term off.   Hopefully this term won't be as busy as last term...fingers crossed.  

Next Wednesday 30th July, the Social Justice Team is running a Pyjama Day in support of World Friendship Day.  Children can come to school in their cosiest PJ's and bring a gold coin.  The SJT is raising money to help create a 'peaceful play' area.  This will be a special quiet place for students to go and relax during break times if they need a calm place to go.  Wear your PJ's and share your kindness!

Book Week is not far away.  This year it will be held  from Wednesday 6th to Wednesday 13th of August. The Book Week dress up parade will be on Friday 6th during morning assembly. The theme this year is ' Book An Adventure' which sounds exciting.  Children can come dressed as their favourite book character.  You don't need to buy anything special.  Outfits can be made up from whatever you have at home...think outside the box.    Morning tea will follow for parents and friends in the library after assembly.  Everyone is most welcome.  You can browse the selection of books on offer and purchase if you wish to. These would make great Christmas presents or birthday gifts.  EFTPOS facility will be available on the day.

Our Parents and Friends are holding their next meeting on Monday 28th July at Bairs Hotel at 6pm.  Please come along and join us.  

To fill our legal obligations, I remind  families that they are required to fill out a Holiday Request form before taking children out of school during term time.  Please read about this on the 'School Information' page of this newsletter.

A reminder that our next school closure is set for Monday August 18th.  Staff will be reviewing/using data to drive School Improvement on this day.

Have a fantastic weekend and we will see you all again on Monday.