Principal Reflections

A Short Message from Dr Jake

Dear Parents & Friends,              

Have you noticed that the Christmas media is getting earlier and earlier each year. Endless debates on when to erect the christmas tree! Arguments over when is the best time to start hanging decorations? Our retailers hoping to cash in on early christmas present purchases!

From a school perspective, such distractions can be extremely detrimental to learning. Teachers report more off task behaviour and lower levels of engagement from students during the lead up to Christmas. While there are a number of strategies that teachers can implement to help minimise the negative impact of Christmas on learning, parents also have a role to play. As parents, we can support our children’s learning by ensuring that Christmas does not become a distraction at home.

Here are a few websites that may be useful to you as you help us to ensure your child is focused on learning: 

• An End of School Year Guide to Parents
• 5 Parent Tips to Keep Children Engaged at the End of the School Year
• 50 End of School Year Tips
• Tips to get your kids through the end of the school year

Our school's Christmas festivities are scheduled for the final week of the school year. Please help us to ensure that your child is ready to learn and engaged each day as we work towards December 16.

Should you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to us as we are only too happy to help.

Peace & Best Wishes

Dr Jake Madden

(Principal, St Edward's Primary School)