Parent News
Catholic Schools NSW Road Safety
School Refusal - Every School Day Counts
School Student Broadband Initiative
Parenting Courses Offered by Centacare and the Family Relationship Centre
World Book Online - Dyslexia support
A new feature is available on World Book Online for dyslexic students. Students can now change the font to Opendyslexic font via the Tools & Settings button in each article. “OpenDyslexic is a typeface designed against some common symptoms of dyslexia”. This feature is currently only available in World Book Student.
Our world book online log in is:-
username: stmaryscps
password: library
Real Talk Parents Free Membership
The Armidale Catholic School Office has arranged for our entire school community (parents, teachers and staff) to have free premium level access to our Real Talk Parents membership site. Click on the link below to take advantage of this great resource.
eSafety Parent and Carer Webinars
eSafety is the first government agency in the world dedicated exclusively to online safety. As the national online safely regulator, we are committed to helping all Australians have safer experiences by removing harmful content from the internet, as well as through a range of prevention, education and early intervention measures.
We help Australians deal with a range of online harms through our reporting services, for cyberbullying that targets a young person under 18, image-based abuse, and illegal online content, including child sexual abuse material.
We also provide online safety training, advice and resources to parents, educators, young people and other at-risk communities.
Our eSafety Guide also provides the latest advice on games, apps and social media sites young people are using, helping parents, carers and educators understand the age recommendations, benefits and risks.
eSafety’s website – www.esafety.gov.au – is a place where parents / educators can go to find useful and evidence-based advice about online safety.
Newsletter - Issue 6 OUT NOW!!
Cancer Council Snippets
Good for Kids
SWAP IT Healthy Lunchbox Program
St Mary's has registered with the SWAP IT Healthy Lunchbox Program. This program is currently being offered to all primary schools in NSW by the NSW Government. Each newsletter this term we will be sharing something with you regarding SWAPPING something in our kids lunchboxes. We will also be sending home with the eldest child a SWAP IT Booklet with easy ideas for healthier lunchboxes.
NECOM Singing Teacher
Contact NECOM on 6788 2135 for lesson availability
School TV
SPECIAL REPORT: Discussing War & Conflict
Children are frequently exposed to distressing news through the 24-hour news cycle and social media. These experiences can provoke anxiety, especially in young minds still forming their worldviews. Parents and caregivers should be mindful of overexposure to such content as it can lead to symptoms similar to post-traumatic stress disorder.
Children’s responses to trauma can vary, from being strong emotional reactions to being indifferent. It can leave an emotional imprint that can affect a child's behaviour and perception of danger.
Children need reassurance about their safety as they navigate uncertain times. Tailor conversations to your child's age and emotional maturity. Younger children benefit from simplified explanations focusing on peace, empathy, and cooperation, while older children can delve into historical events, root causes of conflict, and the complexities of international relations.
Before discussing these topics with your child, it is also important to assess your own emotions and comfort level. By staying calm and providing physical comfort will help your child regulate their own emotions. In challenging times, compassionate adults play a crucial role in helping children cope with anxiety and providing hope and understanding in our complex world.
This Special Report provides guidance on how to tackle this difficult topic and helping children understand there is still hope in our complex world. Please take a moment to reflect on the information offered, and as always, we welcome your feedback. If this raises any concerns for you, a loved one or the wellbeing of your child, please consider seeking medical or professional help.
Here is the link to your special report https://stmarysarmidale.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-discussing-war-conflict