From the
Principal
Dear Parents / Carers,
The two Buddy Benches that were recently added to our playground were the result of a grant from Stockland. The benches, labelled with a special design, were placed in a very visible part of our playground. At the whole school assembly last Friday our peer support student leaders explained that the purpose of these benches was to support all students in our school to feel included. If anyone felt lonely, they could sit on a bench, and someone would come and talk with them.
Our student leaders modelled the use of the buddy bench.
If you are alone
1. Sit at the buddy bench.
2. If someone sits next to you and invites you to play with them, say “yes” or “no, thank you.”
If you see someone who is alone at the bench
1. Join them and invite them to play, talk or walk with you.
2. If they say “no,” say “okay, maybe next time,” and walk away.
So earlier this week I undertook some research to see if the “buddy bench” concept worked. I sat on the buddy bench, and I am pleased to report that I was not alone for very long. Within a few moments Reeve came and sat on the bench next to me and asked, “why are you alone?” A minute later a group of Year Six girls also approached the bench and invited me to join them. Reeve asked me what I would like to do. The group then invited me to walk with them around the school.
The purpose of the buddy benches is to enhance school climate by adding a feature that cues students to interact with and befriend students who might otherwise spend recess alone. I acknowledge Kim Coveney’s efforts in the preparation of the application for the grant.
Friday is a very special day for our teachers. It is Australia’s World Teacher Day. Schools are now faced with the challenge of providing our students with a diverse range of learning experiences that will equip them with the multitude of skills required for
life in an ever-changing environment. Teachers play a vital role in developing the social fabric of our society.
Teaching involves moral responsibility. Precious children are handed over to teachers every day. Teaching requires an investment of time, effort, energy, and emotion paralleled only by parenting itself. During their career a teacher will influence the lives of 22-150 students every year for as long as they teach.
Teaching as a profession is undergoing a transformation from one where the teacher was the transmitter of knowledge, to a science where the teacher simultaneously links parts of a lesson and builds understanding of the curriculum whilst building ongoing relationships. It is complex work, and it needs to be complex if we are to successfully prepare students to participate in a modern and complex society.
I invite you to join me in wishing all of our teachers a very happy Teacher’s Day on Friday.
The school will be closed on Tuesday 1 November for the Melbourne Cup Day Public Holiday.
Please find enclosed the latest edition of the Friday program. A news program that is prepared by our student leaders.
Anne Babich
Principal