News From Mr Smith

Dear School Community Members,

We had a number of families contact us following last week’s newsletter regarding managing their child’s screen time. As a result of this, we have begun planning a Parent Education session on ‘Managing Your Child’s Screen Time’. We are hoping to provide details of this session in the coming weeks. 

As a follow up from my Susan McLean’s keynote address on ‘Understanding Screen Addiction’, Susan highly recommends co-creating a “Device Agreement” with your children. There are many examples of ‘Device Agreements’ online that families can utilise. Some common aspects of an effective ‘Device Agreement’ are:

• Devices and technology are not permitted in bedrooms or the bathroom
• I acknowledge that parental controls will be used when needed
• Always be kind, polite and respectful when online
• Share with me/us what you’re doing online

The key to developing a ‘Device Agreement’ for your home is co-creating it with you children. 

Attached below is an example of a possible agreement.

School Wide Positive Behaviour Support Framework matrix:

School Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) is a framework that teaches students a clearly defined set of expectations and behaviours. 

SWPBS assists schools to improve social, emotional, behavioural and academic outcomes for children and young people. Mano is 11 years into the SWPBS journey and is a key feature of our school. Attached to this newsletter is a copy of the SWPBS Matrix that outlines the key foci for each week. We highly recommend that families reinforce the weekly focus each week at home.

Mano Family Picnic: As communicated recently, our annual Mano Picnic is: 

                Date:                     Wednesday, 6th March

                Time:                    4:45pm – 6:30pm

                Venue:                 Basketball/Netball Courts, Manifold Heights PS

Our Mano Family Picnic will enable families to connect with their child’s teachers in a less formal setting, and further embed the wonderful community spirit at Mano. 

An invitation has been sent via Compass.

We hope to see you all here!

Annual Implementation Plan:

Like every school in the state, we have developed our school improvement plan that outlines our key areas the school will focus on to maximise student learning and wellbeing outcomes. The plan aligns with our strategic intent of improving student achievement, wellbeing and engagement. Our key improvement strategies for this year will be:

1. Wellbeing: Embed the Mano Health & Wellbeing model to build resilience and support student wellbeing and inclusion.
2. Curriculum and Assessment: Develop and document a viable curriculum map and implement consistent assessment practices.
3. Numeracy: Develop and implement an evidence based and whole school approach to the teaching of Mathematics.
4. Writing: Implement and embed the Mano Writer’s Workshop Approach consistently across the school.

As a staff team, we are committed to achieving the targets against our improvement plan and have begun work on each of these areas. I look forward to providing our families with regular updates on our progress and achievements.

Child Safe Standards:

Manifold Heights Primary School is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people. This is the primary focus of our care and decision-making. Manifold Heights Primary School has zero tolerance for child abuse. 

We are committed to providing a child safe environment where children and young people are safe and feel safe, and their voices are heard about decisions that affect their lives. Particular attention will be paid to the cultural safety of Aboriginal children and children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, as well as the safety of children with a disability. 

Every person involved in Manifold Heights Primary School has a responsibility to understand the important and specific role they play individually and collectively to ensure that the wellbeing and safety of all children and young people is at the forefront of all they do and every decision they make. Stay tuned for regular updates on our commitment to the Child Safe Standards.

Thank you for supporting our school and have a great week.

Christian Smith