Fairview

Ms Kerrie Neophytou

School Life

When parents send their children to school they are concerned about many factors:

Is my child learning what is required?
Are they achieving set individual goals?
Are they progressing through reading and word levels adequately?
Are they making friends?
Do they have company during recess and lunch breaks?

We try to discourage parents to become fixated on reading levels and set goals; as all children will achieve at their rate. Their learning ability is important; however, what is crucial is that they are safe, healthy and happy. If children are in an environment that supports these issues, they will achieve to their fullest potential. What is important is that they are happy and feel safe. Therefore, their overall wellbeing is imperative; that is their emotional, social, physical and educational needs.

The children’s Homeroom teacher is a wonderful resource for parents; to support their queries and needs. They have the skills and ability to assist parents in identifying what they will need to focus on at home.

We encourage parents to allow the children to have time to relax at home and have fun. This is the environment that parents control; it is crucial that parents provide the children with rules and limitations. The children have access to a great deal of devices. These devices are a useful resource; however, they can occupy the majority of the children’s playtime. Establishing guidelines for technology is crucial, as children are now growing up in a world of amazing resources.

There are a few points that parents should all be encouraged to consider:

Establish a consistent time where family talk occurs e.g. dinner time - the dining table is an amazing talking tool.
Shared quiet and reading time at home.
Establishing a routine where children are expected to follow rules and limitations e.g. set reasonable bedtime.
Ensuring that children play with each other, not with technology.

Board Games

We have been discussing with families the benefits of playing board games with their children. We acknowledged that this family time brings a connection of mutual respect, fun and excitement. The following points include many reasons why board game family time should occur regularly:

Taking turns & follow instructions
Mathematics & problem-solving skills
Mental agility
Thinking ahead & planning skills
Encouraging imagination
Actions & consequences
Making tough choices
Teamwork & interactive skills
Being a good sport
Device time-out
Building a bond with family
They are FUN!

Playing board games and outdoor play is significant in a child's development, it reinforces the following:

foundation to how children learn and interact with each other
foundation to their attention, response and processing skills
they feel accepted, loved, happy and safe
building confidence, self-esteem and resilience
developing educational, emotional, social and physical skills
developing problem solving, language and communication skills
focusing on caring for others and their environment.

Establishing a routine of positive interaction and the ability to negotiate critical thinking and problem-solving is a crucial life skill. Enjoy this time with your children.

Wellbeing and Mental Health

During a Prep session, I had shared with the parents “10 ways to help your child look after their mental health”. I had suggested that parents focus on a topic per month and that a diary was kept on their reflection. Mental health and wellbeing is an area in which attention is required, and on a regular basis. The strength of developing and supporting resilient children will travel into their adulthood.

Fairview Open House

We had our first Open House on Tuesday 19 February with Year 2 and the attendance was wonderful. The children and teachers appreciated the engagement and excitement our visitors brought to the event.

Two further sessions are scheduled from 2.15pm to 3.00pm on:

Prep - Monday 4 March
Year 1 - Monday 25 February

It will be extremely busy in the afternoon, therefore, please take care and park your vehicle in the Western carpark or the Eastern carpark (next to the gymnasium). Boom gates will be lifted from 2.15pm and the Providence Gate will be open from 2.10pm.