A Note from Emily

Term 3 is coming to an end and so is our community-minded focus for this term. As part of Art Club, a lunch-time group I run every second Monday, our next project will be ‘Community Affirmation Stones’. The aim of this project is for students to write or draw on the stones affirming and encouraging messages or pictures. These stones are then placed around the community of Uraidla to affirm and encourage others in the community who find them along their travels. Although this is a small, simple way of showing kindness to the community, it can often cause a ripple effect of kindness. People walking by may see them, look at them and walk on, others may stop and take pictures to show others, some move the stones to other places, towns, communities where others see them, some may pick one up and keep it for a while then pass it along. The ripple effect may not always be clear and done in one specific way, but it can have a profound effect on many people without us being aware of it. A similar project to this called ‘The Kindness Rocks Project’ in the United States created kindness rocks to help assist children with social and emotional regulation. The project found that there were fewer behavioural problems, lower emotional stress and academic success from developing stronger social and emotional skills and resilience. Often it can be the small things that can make a profound difference in people’s lives. I encourage you all, with your families, in the holidays or a quiet day to create your own affirming or kindness stones and put them out in your community. Not only is this a great family activity, but it can also be another way to teach our children other ways to show kindness, encouragement and compassion to their community.

Emily Morgan, Pastoral Care Worker

OSHC News

Hi all, we've had a great term so far - making the most of the sun when it's out and playing all sorts of sports on the courts and oval. We've also been doing a lot of ... baking! But not normal baking - sand pit baking! I've seen all sorts of cookies, cakes, layered pies and jellies made entirely out of sand and the creativity levels are through the roof! We'd love you to come and join our bakery - because we are always desperate for new recipes.

Our vacation care program is now ready! Click on the link below to download. We are trying to be mindful of COVID-19, so the program may be a little close to home again in terms of activities. Needless to say - we will still be having lots of fun! Bookings will be open from next week - so get in quick! Remember, for vac - bring hats, recess + lunch and come with sunscreen ON!

See you all soon!

- Andrew.

End of Term Disco

The School Disco is on Thursday 23 September, 6-7:30pm (Week 10), in the school hall. Tickets are $5. Return your order form and money with your child. Tickets can also be purchased from the front office. Last day to buy tickets is Monday 20 September.

Please BYO drink bottle and fruit if they would like that for a snack. We will also provide a fun snack of chips (with gluten free option).

Fancy dress is encouraged.

This event will be supervised by Margie and members of the Parents and Friends Committee.

Parents will need to drop off children and collect them but due to COVID restrictions will not be able to stay. There will be a queuing system to ensure social distancing for adults during drop off and collection so we meet COVID requirements.

This is a great chance for kids to have some fun and raise money for the school. Looking forward to seeing all the kids there!

Cybersafety evening for families

Cyber Safety Parent Information Session at Uraidla Primary School

School Hall November 2 at 6:30pm

We would like to invite all parents and carers to a Cyber Safety information session which will be held in the school Hall (OSHC room) on November 2. The session will be run by Cybersafe Families, a provider endorsed by the eSafety Commissioner, to share the latest research and best practice approaches to online safety education for families. The evening session will provide parents and carers with strategies to help make home environments cyber safe. All Cybersafe Families presentations are delivered by professionals in the field, who have an understanding that all children are at different stages in their online journey. Parents are encouraged to bring their device to the presentation, and will be guided through how to check the security settings.

You can find out more about cybersafe families on their website:

https://cybersafefamilies.com.au/

The parent information session will include:

Materials and Services fees

Every year we are required to poll our community with regards to our Materials and Services fees. (See attachment below). Prior to this, we approve the recommended fees at a Governing Council meeting. Parents / caregivers are invited to attend the meeting where the proposed Materials and Services Fees will be discussed or they can express their views in writing to the chairperson rather than attending the meeting. This will be 7:00pm on Monday 25 October 2021.

COVID restrictions

Please be aware of the ongoing current COVID restrictions:

Pick up and drop off

Please do not enter the school grounds, unless you have business that cannot be conducted by phone or email.
Wear a mask at all times when picking up or dropping off students. Please note that students in Primary School do not need to wear masks.
We will be asking students to leave the school grounds as soon as you are there to collect them, rather than playing in the playground after school.
Please remain in your car until students are dismissed at the end of the day at the bell at 3:10, and maintain the required physical distancing from others when picking up your child.

If you do need to enter the school grounds, please check in with the displayed QR code, wear a mask and keep the required distance from others. If you need to speak to your child’s teacher, please make contact through the SeeSaw app and they will ring you back. Meetings about children’s learning will take place online or over the phone until further notice.

Activities that can continue for students:

Instrumental music lessons
Support services (OT, speech, etc)
Maria’s Kitchen lunch orders
Assemblies

Activities that are cancelled or on hold for now:

Parent attendance at assemblies

As always, students and staff must stay home if they are unwell. Please err on the side of caution.

Students are being asked to fill up their drink bottles from taps in preference to drinking directly from the taps, so please make sure they have a labelled bottle every day.

Date	Event
Wed 15 Sept - Fri 17 Sept	Year 2-5 Camp
Wed 15 Sept	Lightning Carnival - Mt Barker
Thurs 16 Sept	Readers Cup 6.30
Thurs 23 Sept	Chess Tournament - Norton Summit
Thurs 23 Sept	Knockout Netball finals - ETSA Park
Thurs 23 Sept	R-5 Cricket Clinic
Thurs 23 Sept	Disco 6-7.30pm
Fri 24 Sept	End of Term 3. School finishes 2.10

Important dates