Wellbeing Report
Andre Campbell
Step Up Day 13th December
On Tuesday 13th of December, the children will get the experience of spending half the day with their next year’s teacher and grade. This transition experience will reduce student fears as the classroom programs are an opportunity for everyone to get to know each other. New relationships will be formed which will provide a foundation of trust. This will allow opportunities for children to connect emotionally and intellectually with the teacher and each other and this will deepen when they come back in Term 1. This experience will set up the climate for a safe, happy and positive classroom environment. So parents, set the tone now, prepare your child, talk through worries and reassure your child that they will have an amazing time with their new grade. At home, continue to follow routines, have clear boundaries and limits, your child getting plenty of sleep and eating healthily supports good physical and mental health and will continue to help your child continue to have a successful school experience next year.
12 Days of Christmas Kindness Campaign
We have a fun campaign planned to involve all the students to help them reach the end the year on a high as well as promote kindness, generosity and thoughtfulness to others. Students have been making Christmas chains where they have been writing acts of kindness or how they are being a good friend to others. In craft club at lunchtimes the children have been making Christmas craft including decorations, cats eyes, angels, micro pom poms using a fork and peg dolls. At the welfare office near the hall students will come up with their own list of good deeds and we hope they will do at least one good deed per day to finish the challenge. Santa’s elves, Jinxie and Alfie will be watching and reporting directly back to base! We really hope these activities will shine some light and spread the Christmas cheer. Please chat to your children and ask them how they have helped someone and the values of compassion and kindness.
Woori Gift Giving Tree & Hamper Community Appeal-
This year, some of our families have experienced some tough times and we really want to help them have a happy Christmas. Our Christmas tree and hamper collection point is now set up in the foyer near the hall. For parents looking to donate a gift, you can pick a tag from the tree to match the gift to a child’s gender and age. We are wanting to give age appropriate gifts and to match the presents with the children and our tags range from the age of 6 through to 13. We are also hoping to give extra gifts to the Orange Door in Yarra Junction. At the end of the term, the Orange Door will distribute the gifts and hampers to local families in crisis. Our school community has a proud history of supporting our families in need and if you wish to take part in our appeal, please ensure the presents are thoughtful and something you believe would bring a smile to your child.
Head Lice
This week, we have had another case of live lice found in the 1/2 grade area. Our data continues to remain low, where we are averaging one case per week. We ask parents to work with us to keep our reports low and to continue to treat and monitor your children’s hair. Please notify the office or tell your child’s teacher when you treat your child so lice alert notes can issued on COMPASS. Reminder-any child found with live lice will be excluded from school until they are treated.
Worry Doll App
https://apps.apple.com › app › worrydolls
This is my favourite app, which I am using with students right now. This Worry Doll app gives children a small doll who is ready to listen to what is worrying them. Children type in their worry to the doll and then the doll holds onto their thoughts. Children can track their worry over time. This app is 100% private and secure, it is free and there are no ads.
Breakfast Club- Every Mon & Tues 8:15am-8:45am
Breakfast Club is up and running every Monday and Tuesday. Please try to drop your child off by 8:30am to avoid disappointment, Breakfast Club must close at 8:45am in order for the classrooms to start.
Attendance & Absences
We encourage parents and carers to refer to COMPASS for information happening at school. Schools are required to work towards IMPROVING THE ATTENDANCE and PUNCTUALITY RATES of our students. We encourage all parents to call the office when your child is going to be away and to notify the school through COMPASS. This really helps us as we are able to communicate effectively with all relevant staff early in the school day.
Attendance Data
Over the time a child attends school, having 1 or 2 days absence does not seem like much but it does add up and can impact on missed learning opportunities.
State School Relief
We can help families who are experiencing financial hardship to purchase school uniform. Please see the Wellbeing Team for assistance.
Don’t forget about second Hand Uniform!
Thank you to the many families who continue to purchase second hand uniform. We currently have a lot of school jumpers and summer dresses in stock and Jeanette and I can help you out when our Community Pantry is open. Parents and carers can purchase items from $5.00 each or 3 for $10.00. All monies raised are invested back into the school and the welfare programs which support our students. Please keep those clothing donations coming!
2022 Free Happy Families Membership
I’m thrilled to announce 109 families have signed up and if you have not registered yet, it’s not too late. Here is a quick tip video from Dr Justin Coulson on developing a positive mindset. If you find this tip useful and would like to see more of Justin's parenting tips and strategies, don't forget that our school is subscribed to Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families School Membership.
The membership offers:
- monthly live webinars with Justin.
- quick tip videos.
- weekly inspirational emails.
- video library which is the full back catalogue of all of Justin's parenting webinars (such as Little People, Big Feelings, Helping your Child Manage Anxiety, Building Resilience and many many more).
All of these resources are based on positive psychology methodologies to support children and get them to thrive. If you are yet to sign up, please do so here.
Community Pantry Hall Foyer Open Mon &Tues- 2:30pm
