St James Learning and Teaching 

Wellbeing

Hello Everyone,

On Monday night we held a parent information session with Susan McLean Cyber Safety expert. Her knowledge and experience working in this space is hard to beat. Here is some information that I gathered that I thought may be of some interest to you:

Screen Time:

• It’s about the content rather than the time-what are they consuming? 
• Two hours of positive online interactions is better than 30mins of accessing damaging content.
• Get devices out of bedrooms and bathrooms. 
• Separate the non negotiable from the optional. Eg School work v social
• No screens in the hour prior to sleep.
• Use whatever tools you need to to manage technology in your home. 

Top Tips:

• GET-devices out of bedrooms and bathrooms.
• Rules- have a family online contract and rules for use- for school and for socialising
• Know-your child's passwords and passcodes. 
• Talk-talk early-talk often
• Filtering- use a filter to limit inappropriate content. 
• Screen Time-look at what they are doing online!  Not all screen time is bad and they will be online more.
• Be there-learn about the sites and apps they use-be there with them.
• Use- all security settings and parental controls.
• Friend-Only add people that your child knows. 
• Location-know where your child is online. 

Susan also has a Facebook site which has some great posts and useful content. 

Mrs Georgia McNamara

Deputy Principal - Student Wellbeing Leader

Maths

Bebras Maths Competition

Last week students in the middle and senior school had the opportunity to participate in the second round of the Bebras Maths Competition. They once again worked in teams to develop their computational thinking and problem-solving skills. The students did a fantastic job with some teams receiving distinction and merit awards. Congratulations to all students who participated.

Miss Bridie Slater

Maths & STEM Leader

Sport

Hello Everyone,

Unfortunately our Bike Education Program had to be cancelled on Friday 18th October due to the inclement weather. This had been rescheduled for all Year 3-6 students to Tuesday 10th December. Can I please ask all students to bring their bikes and helmets in on this day. Sorry for any inconvenience. 

Our first session of Yoga with Jackie took place on Friday 18th October. Jackie is amazing in the way that she teaches and interacts with the students. Their next session will be this Friday 1st November in the morning and then Friday 8th November. Ask your children what they learnt? 

St James Swimming Program:

The St James Swimming Program for Prep-Year 5 will be held from Monday 18th November to Wednesday 27th November except for the planning day which is Friday 22nd November. The Year 6 Program will be held from Monday 25th November until Wednesday 27th November. Year 6 will also participate in a surf lifesaving program on Thursday 21st November. Information in regards to this will be sent separately.

It is expected that all children participate in the Swimming Program, as it is recognised as an important part of their personal development and their attainment of life skills.  If a child has to miss an individual session, an email will be required stating the reason for their absence.  If a child cannot participate in the program at all, it will be necessary to provide information to classroom teachers and myself as to why this might be the case.

Teachers at the swimming school will try to ensure that the level of the program will suit the child's individual needs.  In order to support students being placed in the correct groups please complete the following google form by the end of Term as soon as possible.

Bluefit Swimming Program Survey

The program will be held at Sandringham Leisure Centre - 150 Tulip Street Cheltenham - Phone: (03) 9584 3777, where the St James Swimming Carnival will also be held on Thursday 28th November. 

Further information in regards to the swimming carnival will be sent separately. 

Bus schedule and lesson timetable is as follows:  

During the swimming program, appetites usually increase and the younger children often get very tired, as there is a great deal of energy expended. Particularly at this time, it is very important that all children get to bed early. House coloured caps are compulsory for the actual swimming carnival and are available for purchase from the office @ $8:00 each. They are not required for the lead up swimming program, but it is recommended that students wear a swimming cap at all times when in the pool. Swimming goggles are also a necessity for swimming lessons. Over the two week program, all students wear their Sports Uniform for ease of changing. Please ensure your child wears their bathers under their sports uniform, as this ensures a fast start to our lessons. Whilst children must wear runners to school, they also need to bring thongs or slides to change into before they depart on the bus. All clothing & possessions are to be clearly labelled i.e., towels, bathers, sports uniforms, underwear and thongs. Please ensure that all swimming belongings are in a bag other than the school bag and that this bag has your child's name clearly visible.

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to discuss with your class teacher.

The St James Swimming Carnival will be held on Thursday 28th November.  An Operoo has been sent with all details. A further Operoo has been sent to all parents of students in Year 2-6 in regards to swimming in 50m events. If you would like further information in regards to this please do not hesitate to contact me. 

Mrs Georgia McNamara

Deputy Principal - Sport Co-Ordinator/ Senior Physical Education Teacher

Superspeak

The Year 5 students have been engaging with the course from SuperSpeak.

They have learnt how to change voice pitch in order to gain increased attention when delivering a poem for entertainment or a persuasive piece to persuade their audience.

They also enjoyed storytelling, impromptu speaking, and formal persuasive presentations they initially wrote and then presented using specific templates.

They also considered facial and the use of hand gestures when delivering their presentations.

It’s difficult to know who enjoyed this morning more today, the parents or the students.

The students are also on the way to prepare for the Leadership roles for 2025 and this course sets them on the correct path.

Mrs Maree Fatouros

Year 5 Teacher