Dear families

We have a few important updates for everyone this week as we head into the second half of Term 1. Our Student Free Day on 10th March, Week 6, incorporated professional learning on the guaranteed and viable curriculum and intentional teaching - balancing excellence and equity in public education.

This week has seen the delivery of NAPLaN assessments for students in Years 3 and 5, a move from the usual testing period of May to March, which has added some additional requirements in an already busy term. Staff and students have been flexible and enthusiastic, for which I am grateful.

In Week 9 of this term we will have Parent Interviews in the gym and I encourage you to book a time with your child's teacher if you have not yet done so. We look forward to seeing as many families as possible and sharing your child's learning experiences and successes with you. Preschool families will be in the Performing Arts space next to the gym. Please contact us if you need any further information.

Attendance

We are asking all families for their help in increasing our current attendance rates. Let's all work together to increase children's as much access to the benefits of preschool and school. The Department for Education summarises the important key messages as follows:

Why it’s good to go to school every day

on track

children are more likely to stay on track and progress academically

social

children benefit from taking part in social and learning activities organised by the school

connected

children are more likely to have stronger social and peer connections

life skills

children learn positive life skills

safe

children are safe in the care of staff with access to support and services when needed

full potential

children are more likely to reach their full potential and have a range of opportunities in life.

Why it’s good to go to preschool often

Going to preschool helps children develop skills, which prepare them for school.

These include:

positive routines and habits
friendships and connections
communication, problem-solving and creative skills.

What happens if your child misses a day of learning

Learning is a progressive activity. Each lesson builds on the next lesson.

What your child learns today will help them with what they learn tomorrow.

Missing days or parts of days creates gaps. A child might miss out on important learning information or social activities and experiences.

Each day away from school or preschool makes it harder for your child to keep up.

Research shows that going to school or preschool every day, improves a child’s life and future.

Missed days add up – preschool and school

If your child often misses preschool, it can lead to a pattern of missing school too. These patterns can be very hard to change.

Missing 1 day of school a fortnight adds up to missing 1 year of school, by the time a child reaches year 10.

A child can fall behind after missing 1 or 2 days of school.

If they miss more days it’s even harder to keep up.

Research shows that when children miss school often, it affects them later in life. It can mean a child:

has poor physical and mental health
experiences poverty
is more likely to be involved in the criminal justice system.

There are many reasons why a child misses school or preschool. The support you need will depend on what’s happening with your family and your child.

How a school or preschool can help you

Our staff can work with you. They can talk about what might be causing your child to miss school or preschool.

You can speak with:

your child’s teacher
the school’s student wellbeing leader
the principal
the preschool director
the preschool’s community development coordinator
a family services coordinator (children’s centres only).

You can set up a time with someone at the school or preschool. You can:

phone
email
ask in person.

Your discussion will be confidential.

How you can help your child

These habits can help your child get to school or preschool every day.

Routines and being organised

Set regular bedtime and evening routines. This helps your child get enough sleep. They will be well rested and ready to learn the next day.
On nights before school or preschool, limit the use of electronic devices. Find ways to create a healthy technology balance.
In the mornings, help your child to be organised. This helps them get to school or preschool on time.
Have other transport options ready in case something unexpected happens.

Appointments and holidays

Take family holidays during school or preschool holidays.
Make appointments outside of school or preschool hours, or in school holidays.

Talk and share

Talk about school or preschool in a positive way with your child.

Show interest in what your child is learning. Ask about their progress and friends.
Regularly talk with your child’s teacher Thank you for helping us to improve attendance across the site to maximise outcomes for all of our children.

Mobile Phones

There is a ban on mobile phone use during learning time at school in Primary Schools and this is now being extended to High Schools.

When will the ban start?

By term 3, all schools will have the ban in place. Many schools have already started to transition to the new policy.

Your school will let you know about any changes and when they will start.

How can I communicate with my child at school?

Use your school’s formal communication channels in all instances during school hours. This includes where a student requires early collection from school. Speak to your school directly for more information about these channels.

Students still can use their phone before schools starts and at the end of the school day.

What if there's an emergency?

Parents and guardians should use the school’s formal communication channels. Students should be encouraged to always report to a school staff member in the first instance if they become unwell or experience an issue at school.

Schools will communicate directly with families wherever needed.

Our Mobile Phone Policy attached below and is also available on our school website under "Policies" in the Parent Info tab.

Safety

Sadly we are continuing to have road safety issues with the driving behaviours of some of our parents/caregivers particularly after school. We are working with the local council and police to increase their monitoring and follow up for anyone breaking road safety rules as these behaviours put students at risk. We understand that families may feel under pressure and frustrated at busy times but we will not compromise on safety. We have had several instances of verbal abuse towards staff this term who are following up with drivers before and after school and we urge these individuals to consider the role modelling they are presenting to children and families.

Another safety concern, as a Sunsmart school, is the matter of sun safety. It is really important for our children to have access to play outside and socialise with friends. School hats are compulsory in Term 1 and Term 4 and we have quite a few students who are coming to school with no school hat. While we do have some areas of shade this is quite restrictive in terms of childrens access to play - so important as we foster and promote daily physical activity for a healthy lifestyle. So, for the next few weeks we are having a flash sale and selling school hats (assorted styles and sizes) for only $5 from the Front Office.

It will be great to see more students with hats so that they can make the most of the Groundsplash circuits installed around the school. We have seen lots of engagement with the fitness trail and the hopscotch using Kaurna numbers.

Harmony Week

Our richly diverse community is a huge asset to Woodville Gardens School and a source of great pride in our community. Harmony Week is the state wide celebration that recognises our diversity and brings together Australians from all different backgrounds.

It’s about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone.

To participate, please encourage your child to wear orange on Tuesday 21st March to show your support. Please see the link to the government's Harmony Week website below.

Teaching and Learning