Wellbeing News
Keeping Well
This term has been challenging in regards to health. I am sure either yourself or someone you know has either been affected by Covid or Influenza. We know that the effects of both illnesses can be difficult to shake off with some continuing symptoms being fatigue, runny noses, coughs and a ‘fuzzy brain’ - finding it hard to focus. With this in mind, we ask that you take care of yourself and family members by pacing yourself accordingly. It’s ok to limit extra curricular activities, to have afternoons on the couch, an easy dinner or even an early finish or rest day from school.
To support our students at school, we ask that you remind your children to cough into their arms, wash hands with soapy water and avoid touching their face.
The following websites have information about Influenza.
Parent/Teacher Interviews
Parent/Teacher interviews are a way to find out and understand how your child learns best. It is a shared conversation where all members engage to find out more about your child - how they learn, what is challenging, further support, how your child interacts with peers and other adults. To prepare for these interviews, it is worth reviewing the school report and writing down questions to seek clarification and what you have identified on the report as strengths and challenges. As time is limited, it is important to come prepared. Further information about booking appointments with your child’s teacher will be provided via the newsletter (see the link in important dates) and Opperoo.
Preparing for Parent/Teacher Interviews
Valuing Respect
As a school that values respect, we are greatly disappointed in the number of students swearing. Students are swearing out of anger, frustration, as part of everyday talk, while playing games and even when they hurt themselves. Students are exposed to all sorts of language through TV, movies, gaming, sport and hanging with their peers - with very little education about it.
Many students have reported that they do not like this use of language, in particular our younger students, who find the tone and use of such words frightening and threatening. We are asking for parent support, as role models and educators. Please teach your child about choosing appropriate settings, if they need to swear, the choice of better words to use and the impact that this has on others. As a role model, please be mindful of your own use of language as when asked ‘who do you know speaks like that?’ The common answer is mum and dad, followed by big brothers and sisters.
The following article from Raising Children explains the motivation behind swearing and offers a few practical suggestions for teaching your child the appropriateness of swearing.
https://raisingchildren.net.au/school-age/behaviour/common-concerns/swearing
Tournament of the Minds
Tournament of Minds (TOM) is a well- respected educational program developed to engage teams of bright and creative students. The team members work together for six weeks on the four challenge disciplines : LanguageLiterature; Social Science; STEM;or The Arts. They endeavor to develop a creative way to communicate their solution to a panel of judges and an audience.
The Tournament of Minds’ objectives are:
- to promote the stimulation of real, open-ended challenges
- to develop creative problem-solving approaches and techniques
- to foster cooperative learning and teamwork
- to promote knowledge and appreciation of self and others
- to encourage experimentation and risk-taking
- to expand and reward creative and divergent thinking
- to stimulate a spirit of inquiry and a love of learning
- to develop enterprise
- to celebrate excellence
This week I will be meeting with students who would like to participate in Tournament of the Minds. Families will need to be committed to the experience as students will practise every Monday after school until 4:30. They will also need to ensure that they are available for presentation at La Trobe University on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st August. Your support is very much appreciated.
