Deputy Principals' Report

Dear Parents and Friends,

It was an exciting day on Tuesday when our new Prep students officially started their school careers. There were some big smiles, lots of nerves and a few tears....and that was just the parents.  It is Day 3 today and the Preps are already starting to settle into their new routines. We can't wait to see the Preps flourish as the year progresses. 

Seesaw

At St Finbar's we use an App called Seesaw to showcase student learning,  and it is a great way to forge a link between home and school.  Seesaw can be used as a conversation starter about the learning that is taking place in the classroom if children are reluctant to talk about what they did at school that day, especially if they claim that they did "nothing" or "I can't remember" when asked about their day. If you were connected to your child's account in 2019, you are automatically connected in 2020.  It is also possible to connect grandparents or other family members, contact class teachers for a QR code.  We love it when family members write comments about students' work as well, and the students get great delight out of knowing that their parents have seen their work minutes after it was posted.  

Star of the Week

Our new Star of the Week posters are ready for 2020 and once again these are to be completed as a home activity.  It would be great if you could spend some time working on the posters as a family, discussing your child's strengths and interests and choosing a photo together. This should be returned to school as soon as it is completed and will be displayed in the classroom the week of your child's Star of the Week award. 

New Psychologist - Ellie Nicolay 

We warmly welcome Ellie Nicolay, our school psychologist to St Finbar's this year. Ellie has a wealth of experience and will be a great asset to our community. Ellie will be at school on Mondays to work with our students, starting Monday 10th February.  If you would like more information please contact Cathy Ferrari - Wellbeing Leader - cferrari@sfbrightoneast.catholic.edu.au or call school. Please read Ellie's biography below. 

Bio: Ellie Nicolay 

Ellie is a psychologist who has a strong interest in supporting the wellbeing and positive development of young individuals and is passionate about working with children. She holds a Masters in ‘Educational and Developmental’ Psychology from Monash University, and has had experience working in primary school, secondary school and private clinic settings. Ellie provides a holistic, family-centred approach to therapy and draws from a range of evidence-based treatments including cognitive behavioural therapy, play therapy and mindfulness. She believes that a collaborative approach involving the child, their parents, teachers and other allied health professionals, is integral to achieving the best outcomes. In her other world, Ellie is also a Mum of three adolescent boys, and enjoys family time as well as reading for pleasure, cooking and walks with her Labradoodle Oscar.  

Wellbeing 

Our Year 6 wellbeing leaders Alexia, Tess and Emma have been doing a wonderful job supporting the students in the Thomas Sherry sandpit. It has been wonderful seeing the children playing with all of the sandplay equipment and making new friends.

Cathy Ferrari and Michelle Hill

Deputy Principals