Fairview

           Ms Kerrie Neophytou

What Does “NO” Mean?

“NO” is an empowering word, however, it depends on how we view it. On many occasions, I have explained that responding with NO to a child is empowering, providing them with options and encouraging an opportunity for them to understand their environment. NO should not mean the end of a conversation, it is the beginning of engaging in dialogue concerning the issue. NO in this context means:

New

Option

Next

Opportunity

When we respond with NO it allows us to focus on the options and opportunities our children may have, it is a learning step. By encouraging dialogue and providing an understanding of actions, we are developing:

• options
• choices
• resilience
• independence
• and self-regulation.

A Well-Balanced Diet!

All children require a well-balanced diet. Parents are required to provide their children with a variety of food types to develop excellent eating habits. This stage in children’s development is crucial.

We are reinforcing a healthy diet with good habits in Fairview. We are encouraging children to have the following in their lunch boxes:

• two to three pieces of fruit or vegetables
• “brain food”
• a healthy and nutritious sandwich or equivalent
• healthy snacks are encouraged (e.g. cheese slices)
• one treat per week
• a bottle of water (not cordial).

I appreciate the difficulties a supermarket trip may be with young children, they become extremely excited when you walk down their favourite supermarket section. It is our responsibility to monitor what the children eat and ensure they are being provided with a balanced healthy diet. We must endeavour to instil healthy food habits in our children and this will directly influence their learning capacity.

Fairview has made a commitment to a healthy diet. We will be monitoring the content of the children’s lunch boxes. We all deserve a treat and please remember that one per week is appropriate for the children. Therefore, it is crucial that we think about what your child will bring to school and whether their diet appropriately matches the food pyramid.

The Fairview children are not permitted to visit the canteen before school begins. We only encourage lunch purchases. Siblings are not permitted to make purchases for younger siblings in Fairview. It is also imperative that all parents explain to their children that they are not permitted to share food with other children. This is due to anaphylaxis and allergies.

Bedtime!

Young children utilise and need quite a lot of energy and concentration during their school day. It is crucial that they are provided with a healthy food diet and adequate rest and sleep. Late nights can have an immediate or a delayed impact on the children; they feel lethargic and lack concentration. The Fairview children require a reasonable bedtime. Prep children should be in bed between 7.00pm and 7.30pm. Year 1 and Year 2 children should be in bed no later than 8.00pm. Adequate rest has a great impact on how children learn and relate to their learning environment.  Please be firm with consistent bedtimes and if you require assistance, please speak to the Homeroom teacher.