From the Deputy 

Dear Families,

Welcome to another great week of Distance Learning!  Believe it or not we are at the half-way mark of the term and there is so much to celebrate.  For our Prep class it's time to acknowledge their 100 days of school. Congratulations to our superstar Preps on this fantastic achievement.  Another highlight has been the launch of the Captain's Corner on the Student Distance Learning Hub.  Please encourage your children to check this newly developed area of the DL hub out.

Today saw the first of five parent-led Wellbeing Workshops. We congratulate and thank Eileen Sexton who led the students (and staff) through some wonderfully relaxing yoga which developed body awareness and deep breathing skills.  It was great to see so many students from Prep to Year 6 participating.  

Tuesday 11th August

Tomorrow we have an expert in the art of paper plane construction leading a session for our students at 12.30. By day, Dan Clohesy is a mild mannered lecturer, parent and member of the School Advisory Team (SAT) but, just after midday, he becomes an expert on aerodynamics and making paper fly.   We are so looking forward to learning Dan's secrets tomorrow and developing our skills in the art of paper folding.

At 1pm our students can release their inner author in a workshop with Kate Buick which looks to develop seeds for writing pieces be it poetry, fiction or even non-fiction.  Kate is a literature enthusiast, keen wordsmith and engaging presenter.  Thank-you Kate for developing our children's self-expression and creative talents further. 

Wednesday 12th August

Wednesday's workshop is focused on the power of laughter and the happy hormones that flow when we laugh freely and without restraint. Laughter strengthens your immune system, boosts mood, diminishes pain, and protects you from the damaging effects of stress. Nothing works faster or more dependably to bring your mind and body back into balance than a good laugh. Humor lightens your burdens, inspires hope, connects you to others, and keeps you grounded, focused, and alert. Thanks to Dan Clohesy for leading this session as well.  I have it on good authority that he's a fungi (I couldn't resist).

Following this, Mrs Carlei demonstrates her fantastic language skills as she tells the story of Ecco Pinnoccio at 1pm. This is the best of both worlds coming together as Mrs Carlei shares the delights of her Italian heritage and a well-know story with her engaging storytelling skills.  

Thursday 13th August

Thursday's workshop will put MKR and Masterchef to shame when we see the culinary skills of Margo White in action as she makes her famous flapjacks.  The Wellbeing Workshop slides have a link to the ingredients and equipment students will need if they want to cook up a storm at home.  Bon appetit!

At 1pm, Mrs Linda Di Camillo goes live, telling tall tales like never before.  For those of you who know Linda's passion for teaching and her engaging personality, this is one workshop you don't want to miss.

Friday 14th August

We end the week on a musical high with the Matthew's family live in concert for our final workshop session on Friday  at 12.30pm. A huge thank-you to Angela and Dave for taking time to share their creative talents with us and help support all of our wellbeing. 

Research suggests that music can stimulate the body’s natural feel good chemicals (e.g. endorphins). It can help energise our mood and provide an outlet for us to take control of our feelings. Music can even help us work through problems in our lives. For example music can help us to:

• Manage stress
• Express feelings
• Enhance memory
• Improve communication
• Promote wellness
• Promote physical rehabilitation
• Alleviate pain (Did you know that focusing on music reduces your brain’s perception of pain?)

Join us on Friday for some music, fun and a fantastic finale to our Wellbeing Week.

Once again, thank-you to our parents for putting themselves forward to be a part of this week.  All of your efforts and energies are greatly appreciated.

Have a wonderful week everyone.

best wishes,

Peta Overbury

Deputy Principal

Wellbeing Leader