Uraidla Primary School newsletter

A message from Margie   

We're serious about learning

This last fortnight we've really been getting stuck into the learning program in a big way.  Students are starting to set their own goals and are challenging themselves to achieve them. We work with students on their mindset to learning and teach them that it's ok to struggle. In fact, we don't want the learning to be too easy; we want students to experience just the right level of support and challenge to optimise their learning. 

 

I love seeing the creativity of some of the learning tasks, too. Below amongst this fortnight's photos you'll see Stephen's class creating their own airplanes with working propellors, Katie's class learning how to finger knit in Art in preparation for the Sustainability Fair (Suzie Tume has challenged herself to find a way to re-use a huge quantity of donated yarn!), and Sallie's class has learned how to do an anatomically correct drawing in Science. 

Communicating  

Our focus on communicating this past fortnight has been on empathy for the other person. This can mean listening and responding in a way that shows you care and understand. It can also mean knowing what NOT to say. We have been reflecting whether we need to 'think it or say it'; in other words, understanding that if we share all of our thoughts out loud it can hurt other people's feelings.  Students watched this video to help

them understand (click to play).  We show videos for students linked to our theme every Monday, and each class has the chance to discuss the social learning, to help ensure we have the same message across all students and staff at school. 

Smart watches and mobile phones 

You may have heard on the news that the Department for Education has banned the use of mobile phones in all schools in a policy titled Student use of mobile phones and personal devices. This now includes smart watches (in the policy the term personal devices includes mobile phones, smart watches and other digital devices). The Department Policy states that: 

The aim of this policy is to help promote: 
  • safe environments with reduced negative impacts of inappropriate use of devices at school, such as cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content, and critical incidents that involve mobile phones
  • classroom environments where teachers can teach, and students can learn, free from distractions caused by personal use of devices 
  • use of breaks as quality time away from screens, encouraging physical activity and play and meaningful face-to-face connections with peers. 
The Department for Education’s policy requires all students at all department schools to keep personal devices ‘off and away’ between the start and end of each school day, and while they are attending school activities off-site, such as camps and excursions.

We already have in place a policy which states that children cannot have a mobile phone out at school; the only change here is the addition of smart watches.  This will not affect most students at our school, but I thought you'd like to know, particularly since this also applies in all high schools. Please feel free to get it touch if you have any questions about this policy and how it may affect your child.  

'Fringe' comes to Uraidla Primary 

On Friday March 24th we're having our own Fringe-like performance here at school for all students. We have the Jam Band coming to play for us with a show 'JAM packed' full of colour, exciting costumes and props, sing-a-longs, dance-a-longs, theatre, comedy and opportunities for students to be part of the performance. The band features keyboards, guitars, bass, drums, percussion, ukulele, flute, saxophone, rich harmonies, A capella, sound effects and more. The cost is only $6 per student, which is an absolute bargain for a live show of such high quality. This fee will be deducted from your child's excursion levy. We can't wait to see the JAM band; in the meantime, you and your kids can check them out here: JAM band Showreel 2022 - YouTube

Pedestrian safety 

Thank you to everyone for keeping the roadway and area outside the school gates near

the oval free. I wrote about the importance of keeping this clear for child safety last newsletter, but in case you missed it: 

  • If you are exiting your car to collect your children, can you please come directly into the school grounds and leave the parking and roadway clear of all foot traffic?  

If you have a dog with you, you are still welcome into the school yard, but please wait for your children on the school oval side of the footpath, in order to stay clear of high traffic areas which may stress your dog, and to allow children to approach your dog if they choose. 

 

Thanks so much! 😊

Zones of Regulation

In the first weeks of school, we sent home a copy of the Zones of Regulation for your fridge. I've been wondering how it is going at home - are you managing to 'check in' with your Zones at home as a family?

 

One simple way to support our work in this area at home is talk about your own Zones with your children. At the Zones of Regulation training, we learned that there is no Zone that is better than another.  The focus isn't on getting to the Green Zone, rather recognising our Zone throughout the day and taking care of ourselves in whatever Zone we find ourselves in. In this way we teach children that all emotions are normal and healthy, and it's how we manage our emotions that is important.   

 

As we go through the term, we are starting to learn Tools for Regulation that can help us when we are in different Zones. What works for one person is not necessarily the same as for others! 

Green Zone tools help us to feel good, be healthy, and stay organised. 

Blue Zone tools help us wake up, get energised, focus, or provide comfort.

Yellow Zone tools help us feel calmer and in control.

Red Zone tools help us stop to gain control, feel safe and calmer.

 

Here are some ideas we have shared with students: 

Take a break, go for a walk or bike ride, bounce a ball, stretch, smell a flower, read a book, use a fidget toy, hug a soft toy, make up a story in your mind, count from 1-20 and back down, ask for help, smile at someone, talk to someone, hug yourself, do jumping jacks, sing a song, play a game, box breathing, take a water break, do mindful colouring, eat a piece of fruit or a snack, find a comfy spot, do a puzzle, practise gratitude or help someone else.   

 

I'm sure your family have other Tools too! It would be great if you could talk to your children about the tools that help you and them to regulate your emotions. I'd love to hear about yours in a SeeSaw message.  😊

 

Have a great fortnight everyone! 

 

Margie