As we head into the last few weeks of the term, we reflect on how positively things have progressed at the school and that we are half way through the year already! We hope you all enjoyed some quality family time during the public holiday on Monday.

We know that both our students and teachers are getting pretty tired and everyone is looking forward to some quality time with friends and family and a very relaxing break. I hope that the children and teachers enjoy the very well deserved break. We look forward to everyone’s safe return for the start of term 3 on Monday 10th July.

PARENT TEACHER INTERVIEWS

A reminder that parent teacher booking is open via Compass. Please log on and make a time to see teachers. It is important that you use a computer to make bookings - not the app on a device or phone. Reports are now available to parents via Compass. Parents can contact the school if they require a paper report.

RUNNING TRACK

As you may have seen with some JSC promotion I am pleased to let the community know that School Council has endorsed the installation of an upgrade to our running track. This upgrade supports our amazing PE program, running club and all students of the school. The initial stages of applications with the Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA) have been completed and I look forward to making further announcements to the school community as the project progresses.

This project will require a concerted fundraising effort by our school community to make this happen. The tax-deductible donations to our Building fund are still able to be made via compass. All fundraising for the rest of this year and early next year will also go towards the running track. We are so excited and lucky to have the support of School Council and PFA and the most amazing facilities already around our school and this would definitely be a great addition for all students.

ANDREW FULLER ARTICLE

Resilience is the happy knack of being able to bungee jump through life. When the inevitable pitfalls and setbacks of life occur, it is as if you have an elasticised rope around your middle that helps you to bounce back from hard times.

On the last page you'll see an interesting article I recently read about creating resilient families, certainly struck a chord with me in the context of my two boys!

Also please see the attached information from Laburnum Psychology about some upcoming Parent sessions.

MID YEAR SOIREE

Last week we celebrated our three school Bands, choir and Guitar groups performing at our annual Mid-Year Soiree. This will be the first performance for many of our younger band and guitar members and a great opportunity for our more experienced musicians to show off their talents, I am blown away by the abilities of these young children and their capacity to get up and perform in front of an audience. Thank you to our Band conductors, Alwaynne and Ken and our wonderful instrumental teachers for their work so far this year with our students. Our thanks to Lisa Shacklock and our wonderful Friends of the Band Coordinators for their work preparing this event. If you were not able to be there I encourage you to speak to the children and parents who were there to hear about the wonderful talents of the children!

EARLY FINISH FRIDAY

This Friday June 23rd at 2.30pm, we will end a very busy Term 2. Please make sure your pick up arrangements are adjusted for this earlier finish. Term 3 will commence on Monday 10th July. We will be holding our assembly at 2.00pm to conclude the term.

CONGRATULATIONS STEPH STORTO

Congratulations and best wishes to Steph and her husband Andrew on the arrival of their son, Xander, into the world on the 13th June. Steph provided us with the wonderful news and on behalf of the school community we wish her, Andrew, big sister Savina and Xander all the very best. We are all looking forward to seeing Steph and Xander for 'Show and Tell' very soon.

The Resilience Project

This week’s presentation from The Resilience Project focuses on Gratitude.

Gratitude is paying attention to the things that we have right now, and not worrying about what we don’t have. We practise this by noticing the positives that exist around us.

Research shows that practicing gratitude rewires our brains to overcome the negativity bias (which can lead to anxiety and depression) and see the world for what we are thankful for. It is also shown to broaden thinking, and increase physical health through improved sleep and attitude to exercise.

View Part 2 of the series here:

Part 2 - Gratitude: https://theresilienceproject.com.au/2023-parent-carer-hub-inspire-hugh-martin/

Hugh shares a personal story that highlights the importance of paying attention to what we’ve got. He suggests writing a gratitude letter to someone and shares the positive effects this will have on your mental wellbeing.

There are many ways in which you can practise gratitude, for some ideas visitTRP@Home.

For mental health resources and support information, visit The Resilience Project’s Support Page.

Have a wonderful break and I look forward to seeing you all back next term.

Sustainability