Fairview
Ms Kerrie Neophytou
What does “NO” mean?
‘NO’ is an empowering word, however, it depends on how we view it. On many occasions, I have explained that responding with NO to a child is empowering and leads to the future YES responses. We are providing children with options, and encouraging an opportunity for them to understand their environment. NO should not mean the end of a conversation, it is the beginning of engaging in dialogue concerning the issue/topic. NO in this context means:
New Option | Next Opportunity |
We aim to develop autonomy in our children, and this takes growth, interaction and engagement. Our modeling and ‘teaching’ explicitly supports this process.
Some parents are not comfortable in saying NO to their children, however, it is reasonable. We may not notice, however, the occasions we say YES, will be more than NO, as we add an action to the response. We add an action of responsibility:
- Yes, you may play outside after you pack up.
- Yes, you may have a treat when you eat your dinner.
The discussion of how is also important, for example asking your child:
- How can I say yes, when you need to tidy your room?
The consequence is a discussion which provides opportunities of responsibility and being a valued member of the family. The discussion is respectful and all family members are valued for their contribution.
When we respond in this manner, it allows us to focus on the options and opportunities our children may have, it is a learning step. By encouraging dialogue and providing an understanding of action, we are developing:
- options
- choices
- responsibility
- resilience
- independence
- and self-regulation.
The children grow and their dialogue and responses will have age appropriate purpose to meet their needs. Establishing a caring, honest, respectful and open relationship from a young age will be extremely beneficial as the children become young people and adults.
A Well-Balanced Diet!
All children require a well-balanced diet. Parents are required to provide their children with a variety of food types to develop excellent eating habits. This stage in children’s development is crucial.
We are reinforcing a healthy diet with good habits in Fairview. We are encouraging children to have the following in their lunch boxes:
- two to three pieces of fruit or vegetables
- “brain food”
- a healthy and nutritious sandwich or equivalent
- healthy snacks are encouraged e.g. cheese slices
- one treat per week
- a bottle of water (not cordial).
I appreciate the difficulties a supermarket trip may be with young children, they become extremely excited when you walk down their favourite supermarket section. It is our responsibility to monitor what the children eat and ensure they are being provided with a balanced healthy diet. We must endeavour to instill healthy food habits in our children and this will directly influence their learning capacity.
Fairview has made a commitment to a healthy diet. We will be monitoring the content of the children’s lunch boxes. We all deserve a treat and please remember that one per week is appropriate for the children. Therefore, it is crucial that we think about what your child will bring to school and whether their diet appropriately matches recommendations in the food pyramid, from Nutrition Australia.
Fairview Concert
All Fairview students will be performing in their annual concert incorporating music, dance and drama. This year the theme and title of the show is ‘World of Colour’. There will be two performances, the first on Tuesday 26 November and the second on Thursday 28 November. Both shows will begin at 6.30pm. Performances will be held in the Chapel and Performing Arts Centre at Aitken College.
This year, there is a maximum of six tickets per family across both performances. This is monitored, to ensure all families can receive their allocation. You will be notified via email, should any extra tickets become available for sale. Tickets (adults and children) are $5.00 and are available via the website: www.trybooking.com. The students performing in the concert do not require a ticket. Tickets will be on sale from Monday 4 November. Tickets will not be available at the door and must be pre-booked.
Please note you will need to print out your own tickets when booking.
Please refrain from leaving empty seats beside your booking and note that building regulations require all audience members over the age of 18 months to occupy their own seat.
The taking of video and photographs during the performance is not allowed. This becomes distracting to other audience members and the children performing. The performance will be filmed on the Tuesday and copies will be available for purchase.
At Aitken College, acquiring skills in all aspects of performance is important and the teachers aim to teach audience members to also display appropriate theatre etiquette. We hope that you will support us in this endeavour and ensure that your children follow the required protocol and display skills as a polite audience member or performer.