Ms Kerrie Neophytou

Parent Guidance

When parents send their children to school they are concerned about many factors:

Is my child learning what is required?
Are they achieving set individual goals?
Are they progressing through reading and word levels adequately?
Are they making friends?
Do they have company during recess and lunch breaks?

We try to discourage parents to become fixated on levels and set goals; as all children will achieve at their own rate. Their learning ability is important; however, what is crucial is that they are safe, healthy and happy. If children are in an environment that supports these issues, they will achieve to their fullest potential. What is important is that they are happy and feel safe. Therefore, their overall well-being is imperative; that is their emotional, social, physical and educational needs.

The children’s Homeroom teacher is a wonderful resource for parents; to support their queries and needs. They have the skills and ability to assist parents in identifying what they will need to focus on at home.

We encourage parents to allow the children to have time to relax at home and have fun. This is the environment that parents control; it is crucial that parents provide the children with rules and limitations.

The children have access to a great deal of gadgets e.g. iPods, iPads, Nintendo, etc. These gadgets are a useful resource; however, they can occupy the majority of the children’s playtime. Establishing guidelines for technology is crucial, as children are now growing up in a world of amazing resources.

There are a few points that parents should all be encouraged to consider:

Establish a consistent time where family talk occurs e.g. dinner time - the dining table is an amazing talking tool.
Shared quiet and reading time at home.
Establishing a routine where children are expected to follow rules and limitations e.g. set reasonable bedtime.
Ensuring that children play with each other, not with technology but with each other.

Play is significant because it reinforces the following:

foundation to how children learn and interact with each other
foundation to their attention, response and processing skills
they feel accepted, loved, happy and safe
building confidence, self-esteem and resilience
developing educational, emotional, social and physical skills
developing problem solving, language and communication skills
focusing on caring for others and their environment.

Fairview Open House

We had our first Open House on Monday 19 February with Year 2 and the attendance was wonderful. The children and teachers appreciated the engagement and excitement our visitors brought to the event. Two further sessions are scheduled from 2.15pm to 3.00pm.

Prep - Monday 5 March
Year One - Monday 26 February

It will be extremely busy in the afternoon, therefore, please take care and park your vehicle in the Western car park or the Eastern car park (next to the gymnasium). Boom gates will be lifted from 2.15pm.

Year 2 and Year 4 Swimming Program

All students in Year 2 and Year 4 will be involved in a compulsory swimming program and swimming carnival during Term 1. The intensive program includes eight fully instructed 45 minute lessons. All students will travel by bus to and from Broadmeadows Leisure Centre. Prep, Year 1 and Year 3 students will participate in the swimming program during Term 2. The consent form will be sent to families.

Year 2 and Year 4 Swimming Dates:

Tuesday 6 March
Wednesday 7 March
Thursday 8 March
Friday 9 March
Tuesday 13 March
Wednesday 14 March
Thursday 15 March
Friday 16 March

Parent Helpers Information Session

The College is offering Fairview and Cumberland School parents the opportunity to partake in the Parent Helpers’ Information session. It will outline the program requirements and how parents can actively be involved in the College life. Parents who do not attend the session cannot assist in the classroom. The session is scheduled for Tuesday 6 March, from 6.00pm to 7.00pm. Interested participants can email

admin@aitkencollege.edu.au by Friday 2 March.

OSHC

Holiday Program

Reminder

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