Welcome!

Dear members of the St Raphael's school community,

A warm welcome back to the final term of 2017. It is hard to believe that we are entering the last term of the year. We have many exciting initiatives, programs and events planned for this term and we look forward to celebrating the children's achievements throughout the year.

Bushdance "The Country Comes to the City"

Next Friday 20th October we are celebrating St Raphael's Feast Day and have organised a Bushdance on Greenland. We are calling the evening "The Country Comes to the City". This event has been organised by Ms Annie McNaughton and is an important part of the Physical Education program. Dance is part of the Victorian Curriculum and we look forward to inviting all families and friends to this wonderful celebration of the children's learning throughout the year. We would love to see as many parents join in as well! We are lucky to have secured the services of the legendary Australian band, The Bushwackers. Many of you will know the song "I am Australian" which was co-written by the lead singer of the Bushwackers, Dobe Newton. The Bushwackers have been around for many years and continue to entertain crowds at festivals all over the country. I was recently at a Bushwacker's concert and the whole crowd - young and old - were up and dancing! It will be great to have them perform for us and call the dances.

The evening will start from 5:30pm and there will be a large animal farm, pony rides, face painting and even a professional whip-cracker who will give us demonstrations and an opportunity to crack the whip! Entrance and activities will be a gold coin donation. Raffles will also be held throughout the evening. Prizes will be awarded to the best-dressed children and family on the night! There will also be food trucks so bring along camp chairs, picnic rugs and your dancing shoes for what promises to be another fun, family-friendly St Raphael's community event.

Important Parent Evening Information Session

In response to recent parent feedback and as part of our School Improvement Plan, the Student Wellbeing Staff Action Team have identified the need to build resilience in the children at St Raphael's. In a rapidly changing, technological, fast-paced world how can parents prepare your children for the future? In order to realise this, we need to work together to ensure that we are meeting the needs of your children.

We have been fortunate to book Ms Christine Daicos to present at a Parent Information evening on Monday 23rd October from 7 - 8pm in the school hall. Chris is a highly-regarded educational expert who will be discussing parenting in today's world and building resilience and supporting your child's social and emotional wellbeing. This invaluable information session will give all parents an insight into how to:

Building Resilience in Children and Adolescents
Parenting With a Strengths Based Lens
Fixed and Growth Mindsets
Teaching Children the Language of Optimism
Why Wont They Do As They Are Told?
Is Your Child a Bully or the Victim of One?
How To Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk.
Are You Ready For ADOLESCENCE??

A letter was sent home with your child today and we ask that you RSVP by Wednesday 18th October to confirm your attendance and reserve a place.

School Education Board

Minutes of Meeting 15th Aug 2017