From the Assistant Principal's Desk

We have enjoyed another busy fortnight at St Aidan’s. 

AMADEUS MUSIC PROGRAM

The Amadeus Music Program began at St Aidan’s last Friday. Our four tutors arrived, very keen to meet their students and introduce them to how the program is going to work. The students gathered in the Hall and enjoyed a range of music performed on the violin, cello, saxophone and trombone. The tutors were impressed with the range of knowledge the students displayed in regard to music.

Next, the children had lots of questions to ask, for example:

• When would they be receiving their instruments?
• How would the lessons work?
• Did they have to practise?

The children will be grouped according to their instruments across their Stage for a 30 minute lesson each Friday. They will also participate in a String Ensemble or Concert Band also across their Stage for a 1hr lesson. 

A VISIT FROM NSW POLICE EDUCATION OFFICERS

Constable David and Constable Kate visited our Stage 2 and Stage 3 students on Wednesday afternoon to discuss the importance of cyber safety, and provide important rules for staying safe online. 

The Constables explained what cyber bullying involved and how the mean things that are said make people feel terrible. This method of contacting people is very detached from the person they are actually dealing with and because of this it is much easier to say horrible things. The Constables emphasised the importance of only communicating over the internet with close friends and to always share their accounts with their parents. If students are experiencing bullying they are encouraged to tell their parents or teachers and sometimes in serious cases the Police may need to be involved. 

The students discovered that what they put on the internet is always able to be accessed, should a problem arise. They asked about computers and phones being raided by Police and whether deleted material could still be seen. The answer was a resounding “yes” - communication on the internet can always be accessed even long after it has been forgotten. The Police have special programs that can access all material. 

The students were questioned about what apps and chat rooms they accessed. The Constables were very clear that these ways of engaging with the internet had particular dangers and were also not recommended for children under 13 years of age. 

A few major do’s and don’ts:

• DO make sure your parents have access to your internet accounts
• DO ensure that your profile is private. 
• DO tell a parent or teacher if you are being bullied over the internet, or anywhere
• DO step up and support your friends if you are noticing that they are being bullied on a group chat. (Many of these group chats have hundreds of people on them and your children do not really know them.)
• DO think carefully about the photos and comments you post on the internet. Is it respectful? Is it appropriate?
• DON’T share your passwords.
• DON’T share your location, e.g. on snap map
• DON’T be on chat rooms with hundreds of people, many of whom you don’t know.
• DON’T reply to bullies, block them. 

STAGE 2 EXCURSION TO KAMAY BOTANY BAY NATIONAL PARK

Years 3 and 4 were the first classes to spread their wings and enjoy an excursion this year. During the their excursion to Kamay Botany Bay National Park the students had the opportunity to explore the history of Aboriginal Civilisation and then delve into the European Exploration in Australia. The students dressed up in colonial costumes and re-enacted early settlement. They walked in the exact footprints of James Cook and reflected on the importance of Aboriginal Culture.

After the excursion the children shared some of their favourite moments of the day with me.

John and Christian liked seeing the possum sleeping in the termite mound. They were interested in what they learned about Aboriginal Culture. Seeing where Captain James Cook took his first drink of Australian water was also very interesting. 

Gabby, Jayden and Rory told me about the gunyah they built with sticks. Their favourite creature at the excursion was the kookaburra. 

Mrs. Smithson's and Ms. Clayton's favourite part was when the kookaburra swooped down and stole Miss Siapkas's lunch as she was putting it in her mouth. The kookaburra's wings brushed against her face! All three were both shocked and amused.

MINDQUEST

Each February and July we inform our St Aidan's community about the enrichment courses the NSW Talent Centre Pty Ltd offers through the MindQuest program. 

On Saturday and Sunday, 1st and 2nd April 2023 the 97th NSW Talent Enrichment Weekend MindQuest will be held for Primary students from Years 1-6 at St George Girls High School. These include gifted and high potential students, gifted underachievers and students with above average ability with a special interest. Students will have the opportunity to participate in over 33 exciting, fast paced courses in the two day program. They include courses in chemistry, earth sciences, drama, lego robotics, and much, much more. Many of these highly successful courses have been run in the past and students' evaluations suggest that they have been challenged and enriched by the experience. The cost of the weekend is $240 (including GST).

Should you want to enrol your child in a course please collect a brochure from the School Office. The courses fill up quickly so please send in your applications well before the closing date of Friday 10 March 2023. 

Warm regards,

Robyn Green