GHPS Life

INTERSCHOOL SPORT 

NO INTERSCHOOL SPORT DUE TO GRADE 5 CAMP. 

COMMUNITY SPORTING ACHIEVEMENTS

Congratulations to Chris W (2LO), and his Eltham Redbacks soccer team, who finished as champions of the  2022 Evo League Junior World Cup. To make this achievement even better, he also scored a goal during the tournament and was awarded Player of the Match for one of the games. 

Keep on kicking goals, Chris!

Thank you, 

Jordan Daley

If your child achieves something special (grand final win, most valuable player award, best and fairest etc.), please email me (jordan.daley@education.vic.gov.au) through photos and an overview of the achievement to post in Contact. It is important to celebrate and recognise such successes with the school community. 

            CONNECTED SCHOOLS 

Disarming anxiety before it becomes a disorder - Michael Grose

In urban Australia it takes approximately eight years between onset of symptoms and a diagnosis of an anxiety disorder, and over twice that time in rural settings. That’s a long time for a child or young person to live with the turmoil of anxiety without getting the help they need.

Kids with a diagnosis of an anxiety disorder include those experiencing social anxiety, separation anxiety, generalised anxiety, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and specific phobias or overwhelming fears. Beyond Blue statistics states 1 in 14 children experiences an anxiety disorder. Sadly, a great deal of childhood anxiety goes undetected.

Early detection is critical

Anxiety can be overlooked for many reasons. Often day-to-day functioning of anxious kids isn’t affected in obvious ways, and they can appear happy, but the signs of anxiety will be there if you know what to look for. Anxiety shows through behaviour and language, and is felt physically by a child. Avoidance and over-planning are the two most common behaviours displayed by anxious kids. Long before they become a child’s patterned response to anxiety-inducing events there are generally many subtle signs of anxiety including poor concentration, irritability, becoming upset over minor issues and constantly seeking reassurance. Anxious children and young people can feel nauseous, experience headaches, have difficulty sitting still and constantly feel on edge.

Anxiety is individual

Just as children display symptoms of anxiety in unique ways, they also react differently to everyday events. One child’s highly anticipated school camp maybe another child’s anxiety-inducing nightmare. Knowing the events that trigger anxiety in a child or young person is key to early detection and management.

The tools anxious kids need

Children and young people who experience anxiety need self-management tools to allow healthy functioning and prevent anxiety from deteriorating into a full-blown disorder. Knowledge of how and when to use management tools such as mindfulness, deep breathing, exercise and thought distancing are critical to good mental health, allowing kids to turn the dial down on their anxiety while they get on with the activities that make them happy.

Lifestyle factors that minimise anxiety

Anxiety maybe commonplace but its origins are complex. Poor diet, lack of exercise, social media, sleep problems and an inability to relax all play a part in exacerbating a child’s anxiety. And of course, the pandemic is a frightening time for children.

Attempts to help children minimise anxiety need to include healthy eating that ensures good gut health, frequent exercise that releases adrenalin and the stress hormone cortisol, plenty of endorphin-inducing free play in natural environments and developing good sleep habits that will last a lifetime.

In closing

No child or young person should suffer needlessly from anxiety. Life can feel very grey when anxiety is a constant companion. As a parent you help your child by being on the lookout for early signs of anxiety, recognising the events that cause your child stress and teaching them the tools they need to push anxiety into the background while they get on with enjoying life. Anxiety is not something to be feared, but a condition to be understood and managed before it spirals into a disorder needing professional intervention.

TRIVIA NIGHT

MONTMORENCY SECONDARY COLLEGE ARTS ALIVE COMPETITION 2022 

PRIMARY SCHOOL SECTION – GREENHILLS FINALISTS

Congratulations to all of our talented young artists who entered their work into the Montmorency Secondary College Arts Alive competition earlier this month. The required theme of the artwork this year was ‘Best Day Ever!’ and it could take several different forms; drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media, collage, decorated food or a computer generated art form. The competition was open to local primary school children from Years 4, 5 and 6 and students completed their artworks in their own time at home.

We were so thrilled to find out that twelve of our Greenhills Primary School students were successfully chosen as part of the twenty finalists whose work was showcased at the exhibition on Tuesday night this week. The successful finalists were Milla B, Ally T, Shiloh M, Grace G, Lily T, Charlotte B, Ella N, Stephanie C, Angela Z, Marlowe P, Mia G and Sasha W. 

At the opening of the arts festival on Tuesday night it was super exciting when our very own Grace G was awarded 3rd place and Sasha W was awarded 2nd place. Grace and Sasha received a Greensborough Plaza Voucher and all finalists will have the opportunity to take part in an art workshop to be held at Montmorency Secondary College in November or December. All finalists also received a certificate of participation and a showbag.

It was fantastic to see all of the wonderful work from the twenty primary school finalists as well as that of the Montmorency Secondary arts students. It was an added bonus to see so many pieces of work displayed from past Greenhills students. Well done to everyone involved and thank you to Montmorency Secondary College for providing this opportunity each year. Greenhills students are G.R.E.A.T. and wonderful artists as well!  

Andrea Williams & Sarah Leach

VISUAL ART SPECIALISTS

GREENHILLS ANNUAL MUSIC FESTIVAL - 2022

Dear Parents/Guardians,

It is very exciting news that this year the Greenhills Music Festival will return to being a live event after two years being online. The venue has changed but the content will again showcase the marvellous musical talent we have at Greenhills. The Music Festival is a celebration of the work the 2 choirs -the Recital and Training Choirs, the School Band, the instrumental students and our special guests, the Grade 3 students, have been doing this year. It will be held at Eltham High School on November 30th.

Tickets can be purchased via tryBooking next week. 

Please note that there will be a rehearsal during the day for students in the Choirs, Band, and various small group ensembles or solo items. All other Grade 3 students will not be required to attend the rehearsal. Please be on the look out for Compass Permission Notifications.

I look forward to seeing you at Eltham High School on November 30th.

Best Wishes

Kate Stewart

Saturday, 19 November - https://bookwhen.com/greenhillsprimary-saturday

Sunday, 20 November - https://bookwhen.com/greenhillsprimary-sunday 

STUDENTS OF THE WEEK

Term 4 Week 4 - Presented at assembly Friday 4th November 2022 

HERE ARE THE SUPERSTARS FOR THIS WEEK!