A word from the Principal

Karoo Parents Association

Last week I had the pleasure of attending our regular KPA meeting to discuss how they support our wonderful community.  A number of parents often ask how they can be involved across the school without going to regular meetings or committing to the group.  One of the best ways is to join the KPA Community Facebook page where you don't have to be on the committee to be a part of it. A flyer went home today with the students which gives you access to the KPA Community FB page via a QR code. This is where the call out happens for one off supports like "can anyone come for about 30mins to fold to sort some 2nd hand uniforms?", or "is anyone available to come in after drop off to wrap some Easter raffle prizes?".   Its a fantastic way to meet other Karoo parents in different classes and your children always get a kick out of seeing you at school, especially in the staff room!  :) 

Cybersafety

Many of us grew up in a world devoid of technologies and often have little knowledge on how best to assist and guide our children. I myself am a mum of a tween girl and find myself in daily negotiations with her about what apps she is allowed to have (because apparently EVERYONE else has it!!) and how to keep her safe online. In today’s digital world, 90 percent of a child’s socialisation occurs online. As the range of social media platforms grows, so too does the opportunity for bullying and stalking. Often parents have no idea its happening and children are unlikely to report it for fear of losing access to their technology, which to them, is the equivalent of "social death”.

Children are also often unaware that their words, and or photos, can sometimes find their way to an unexpected audience with undesirable consequences. The key is not to fear technology, but to embrace it.

Many parents have also reported excessive screen time as the number one health concern affecting kids, especially now in the hyperconnected world we live in. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that there should be no screen time at all for children under 2, less than an hour a day for children aged from 2 to 5, and less than two hours for 5 to 17 year olds. However, these guidelines have been disputed by some experts and often ignored by families. Parents must play an important role in modelling a positive approach to using screens, and assisting children to navigate the content they access.

Hopefully you are able to come along to our Term 2 PEPS (Parent Education Partnership Series) session next Wednesday 7th June @ 7pm about Raising Children in a Digital World. To ensure your place, please register for this event bit.ly/karoo2023by Monday 5th June. We believe that by working together and sharing knowledge, we can help our children navigate the digital world with confidence and resilience.

Working Bees - 

This coming Saturday 3rd June 12:30pm- 3pm

Reminder that this Saturday is our first Working Bee for 2023. 

BYO leaf blowers, spades/shovels, garden forks, gloves, etc.

One focus will be on barrowing 15 cubic metres of new sand into both the sand pit and long jump pit.

A complimentary BBQ will be provided to finish off the day!  

Calling all TRADES in our community!   -  SAVE THE DATE - FUTURE WORKING BEES

August 27th

October 22nd 

Senior Tops for 2024 , SPORTS tops and Beanies! 

Thankyou for your input into the new design for the senior polo top.  We received over 150 responses and THE MOST VOTED DESIGN was Option D Designed by Iris and Kimiya 4T This has now be taken to KLAD to go into design, ready to purchase for 2024. Iris and Kimiya will also receive 1 shirt each as winners of the design!  I met with KLAD today to begin production of the shirts and we are now going to look at designing the SPORTS tops and shorts to include our House Colours.  Due to student requests, we are also looking at adding a new cool beanie to keep their heads nice and warm on winter mornings! 

2022 Annual Report

Each year every school publishes an Annual Report from the previous year.  This is only a snapshot of some results and by no means tells the whole story of the learning and growth that happens for students, staff and the school as a whole. 

The report has been sent out on Compass and it is also available on the website.  There are some very pleasing results across all areas and we continue to review the impact of our focus each year and continue to identify future areas for improvement. 

Have a wonderful week, 

Danielle Heatley

Principal