Primary School

This week we find ourselves already in Week Five, halfway through the term and nearly three-quarters through the school year. Each year, so much within a school can change, and today we wanted to talk about the role of adaptability in a child’s life. Throughout a student's journey, their environment will continually evolve. They are likely to witness shifts in industries, advancements in medicine and significant technological changes. 

To successfully navigate this dynamic world, adaptability becomes crucial. But is adaptability a skill that can be taught? And what impact can it have? Regarding coping with change, a lot of the research around it has concentrated on resilience and the ability to cope with challenges, and less attention has been given to adaptability. 

Resilience focuses on overcoming adversity, while adaptability pertains to handling uncertainty, change and new situations. Australian studies have revealed three key components of adaptability: behavioural, cognitive, and emotional. 

Behavioural adaptability involves modifying your actions in response to new or uncertain situations. Cognitive adaptability refers to adjusting your thought processes, while emotional adaptability relates to managing your positive and negative emotions. 

So, how can we nurture adaptability in students?  In school, students face various changes, such as new lessons, teachers, group dynamics and academic challenges, and if we break adaptability down into its behavioural, cognitive and emotional components, we can provide targeted support and seek to create experiences that foster the ability to adapt. For example, in terms of behaviour, students are encouraged to seek additional information or try different approaches when encountering new situations. This might involve asking a teacher for additional help on a new topic or using their critical thinking through our inquiry units. 

Encouraging students to view change as an opportunity rather than a setback can also be beneficial. Helping them manage disappointment, enjoy new experiences and maintain composure in success can make a significant difference. We, as teachers, constantly guide students through transitions, such as moving to a new year level or tackling a new concept. Young people benefit greatly from clear and supportive guidance from adults who care about their development which, in our Primary School, we pride ourselves on.  

Sickness  

Sickness, in various forms, has been making its way through the Primary School. Thank you for your ongoing support in keeping your child home or collecting them when they are unwell.  

ECC Briefing  

Star Awards 

The following superstars have worked beautifully and received a Star Award for their efforts.  

Kindergarten: Oscar Weatherill 

Pre-Primary: Hargun-Singh Chahal  

Year One: Amaia Scott 

Year Two: George Grosshans  

Value Awards  

We recognise the following students for their commitment to displaying integrity in our school.  

Kindergarten: Eric Chen 

Pre-Primary: John Stone 

Year One: Max Moir  

Year Two: Harry Vesey 

Primary Briefing  

We recognise the following students for displaying commitment in our school.  

Year Three: Ellie Murnane 

Year Four K: Gracie Williamson 

Year Four L: Appin Rivers 

Year Five: Roxanne Harvey 

Year Six G: Ellah-Rae Warne 

Year Six N: Amy Lee 

Upcoming Events 

Week Five 

Friday 16 August, Year Four K Assembly, in the Hall, 2.20pm to 2.50pm 

Week Six  

Tuesday 20 August to Friday 23 August, Year One to Year Six Paperbark Book Fair  

Thursday 22 August, Book Week Dress-up and Parade  

Week Seven  

Thursday 29 August, Kindergarten to Year Two ECC Father's Morning, 9.00am to 10.45am 

Thursday 29 August, Year Six Girls (selected students) Dockers Cup AFL Competition, North Rd Ovals, 9.15am to 2.30pm 

Friday 30 August, Year One Assembly, in the Hall, 2.20pm to 2.50pm 

Week Eight  

Tuesday 3 September Year Five to Six Boys (selected students), Dockers Shield AFL Competition, North Rd Ovals, 9.15am to 2.30pm 

Thursday 5 September, Kingfisher Concert Rehearsal Day, AEC 9.00am to 3.00pm 

Thursday 5 September, Kingfisher Concert AEC, 7.00pm to 9.00pm 

Saturday 7 September, P&F Bogan Bingo, The Western Pavillion, Albany Showgrounds 8.00pm to 10.30pm 

Have a wonderful weekend  

Mrs Hayley Ranger and Miss Carys Nichols | Acting Heads of Primary