Principal's News 

Next week is National Reconciliation week. 

God of love and justice, we pray that our political, religious and community leaders act in the interests of all the people in this land...... that they walk the talk of reconciliation.

Open up our hearts so that we may hear the message you teach of a world in which the wrongs of the past are recognised - a world in which a reconciled people walk and talk together sharing stories; a world in which all burn with the desire to have your peace and justice reign. 

We ask this in Jesus’ name.

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In today’s newsletter, Ashley Whitlaw, our Occupational Therapist has written a very informative article that I encourage all parents to read.  The importance of adequate sleep for our children and even for us as adults is so important.

The past two years may have altered our regular ways of living as there had been a complete change in how we navigate life.  What must never change is that we all require adequate nutrition, exercise and especially sleep.  As teachers we appreciate that for our children to be at their best and in the optimal state for learning,  our  children need to be well rested.  As adults we do know that we can be a “little off” if we are burning the energy candle low.

Please read the article and ensure that your child gets sufficient sleep.

The importance of a good night’s rest for your child

Did you know that adequate sleep is essential for a child’s health and development. At ages 5-11, children need 9-11 hours of sleep every night. Further, that more than a third of school aged children may have sleep problems at some point during their development.  

Lack of adequate sleep can impact on: 

• Emotional wellbeing (e.g. may lead to increased irritability, mood swings, difficulty coping) 
• Learning (e.g. poor attention and concentration, not retaining information/learning) 
• Behaviour (e.g. may cause sleepiness or hyperactivity during the day)
• Sensory processing (e.g. increased sensitivity to noise) 
• Motor skills (e.g. poorer coordination and endurance)
• Health (poorer immune system and overall growth) 
• The whole family’s stress levels!

Common concerns:

• Getting to sleep
• Staying asleep
• Fears/worries impacting sleep
• Toileting issues
• Other medical concerns such as sleep apnoea, teeth grinding, etc

Quick tips to support your child’s sleep:  

• Set a regular bed and wake time that is consistent even on the weekends (within the same 1-2 hours if possible)
• Make a consistent bedtime routine with your child that starts after dinner time. This could include things like a warm bath, quiet play, mindfulness, story/songs. 
• Keep the 30-60 minutes before bedtime relaxing and without screens
• Try to get plenty of natural light and exercise during the day
• Avoid large meals before bedtime (snacks are okay). 
• Think about the environment and how you can make it more comfortable (think temperature, light, noise, feelings of safety). 
• It is best if your child can fall asleep where they will stay all night.
• Model good sleep habits yourself. Show your children that sleep is a priority. 

Research has shown that intervention is successful in reducing sleep problems and their impact. So, if you are concerned about your child's sleep or want to know more information:

• Visit the Raising Children’s website for lots of helpful information and quick tips
• Chat to your child’s GP to rule out any medical causes impacting sleep
• Ask to speak to the St James School Occupational Therapist – Ashley Whitelaw

Ashley Whitelaw and Brendan Flanagan

Last week was a hectic week with many school events.  Firstly congratulations to all children in Year 3 and Year 5 for navigating the Naplan assessments.  The organization and support made available for the success of the assessment was led extremely well by our teachers.  Many thanks.

The Foundation children had a big week.   Attending the Werribee Zoo with the Year 6 buddies on Monday, as well as attending the excursion to the beach with the Year 1 and Year 2 children on Friday.

To keep us on our toes, the Year  3- 6 students also had the Cross Country and again all children participated with many winners on the day.  St James did bring home the shield for the Holt district.  Thanks to the parents who attended and the teachers for motivating the runners.

Reports

Teachers are currently preparing to write reports for end of Semester 1.

School Fees

A reminder that the second installment of 2022 school fees is now due.

St James - Send the message 

As a follow up from our last newsletter and to promote your school the good news gossip continues.  There are many reasons why we are a school promoting not only academic excellence, but also as a faith based education with a spiritual grounding for the formation of our children.  

The new building and facilities allow us to have a learning environment that is connected and collaborative.  

We have a strong focus on evidence based teaching and learning strategies, and use current data to address the next point of learning.

There are many other impactful actions and strategies in play at St James.  As parents please pass on the news.  You have elected to be part of our school.  Let others know, whether they are looking for their little child to start or that they may consider a move to a school that you believe is one that is progressive and caring community.  This is a responsibility that we share.

Catholic Education election report card on major parties

Catholic Education has released a federal election report card assessing the responses from the major political parties on education priorities. 

The report card assess the Coalition, Labor and Green’s responses to the priorities of:

·         Genuine school choice through fair funding and ensuring affordable contributions from families

·         Enabling faith-based education through religious protections

·         Improving capital funding

·         Support for delivering national priorities such as quality teaching, early childhood education, mental health and wellbeing programs and Closing the gap initiatives for Aboriginal and Torres Islander students

National Catholic Education executive director Jacinta Collins said the report card shows the Liberal National Coalition and Labor are on par in addressing Catholic education’s priorities, particularly on school choice.

“We are fortunate that both major parties continue to support genuine school choice in Australian education and are committed to families who choose a Catholic education for their children,” Ms Collins said.

Responses sought from key independent candidates are also being evaluated.

The full report card and major party responses is available via www.ncec.catholic.edu.au/federal-election-2022

Authorised by J Collins, National Catholic Education Commission, Level 3, 156 Gloucester Street, Sydney

OSHC News

As many of you will be aware, we have a fantastic before and after school care program (OSHC), run by Laura from OSHClub. There are lots of exciting activities on offer from the “Monday Coding Club” to “Tuesday Busy Bee Crafting Club” and “Thursdays Mini Bake Off”. The children that already attend absolutely love their time there and the feedback from families is always excellent.

Unfortunately, like many OSHC providers, OSHClub is struggling to break even as enrolment numbers have not fully recovered after COVID. We strongly encourage our families to speak with Laura from OSHClub, if you have been considering this service. This is not just a service for working Mums and Dads, it is an activity based program and a vital service to all those families who rely on before and after care.

To all the Mums who are attending the Mothers Day lunch at Elwood Bathers on Saturday.  Have a great time.  I am sure that you will !!!

Faith in our future

Brendan