21 August 2020

Newsletter Articles

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK

Passing the halfway point of Term 3

I hope all of our families enjoyed the mid-term long weekend and are keeping safe. While the world is so different in many respects we are striving to provide a consistent, supportive and predictable learning environment for our students; learning must go on. I would like to congratulate students and staff alike for the work they continue to do in our classrooms each day. Our expectations remain high as we know our students are capable of achieving great outcomes if given the right opportunities.

The return of some activities

Thankfully with the lifting of some restrictions, we are excited to be able to return to some regular activities this term albeit with COVID-19 twists.

We have assembled a comprehensive consulting team to design the best way for students within the restrictions and social distancing guidelines, to reconnect with some of our fun and enjoyable extra curricula activities and events.

Unfortunately, these events will have to be restricted to students and staff only. I understand that some parents may be disappointed at not being able to watch and be a part of these events but I do believe that a restricted event, where children can still undertake their activities is better than no event at all. It has been a very different year and it is important for students that we start to bring them together and take part in the regular school events as much as possible in the best way we can even if this means no spectators at present.

Book Week Parade-:

• Wednesday 26th August for Prep to Year 6 students. Please ensure your child comes decked out in their favourite book character.

Under 8’s Day-:

• Wednesday 2nd September for Prep to Year 2 students. This is an event which our students thoroughly enjoy and we have been able to make this happen with very strict protocols and guidelines in place.

Fun Sport Days-:

• Tuesday 8th September for Prep to Year 6 students. This will allow students to take part in a variety of different and fun events. They will be representing their Sports House while having a great time.

Colour Run will take place on Friday 9th October.

Arriving late to school

Please note that the first bell goes at 8.40am. We are noticing there are many students arriving well past this time. This means they are missing vital instruction and learning, so please ensure your child/ren are here at school by 8.40am ready to start the day.

Just a little bit late for school does not seem like much but ……….

Enrol for Prep

Our Prep enrolments are filling fast! If you have a child starting Prep next year or know someone who does, please enrol now! This is critical as we plan for the 2021 classes required and the number of teachers we need based on these enrolments. We know that our reputation as the best Prep Program in the area makes us popular but we would appreciate you spreading the word and helping us maintain our strong student enrolment.

Afternoon Pick-Up

Just a friendly reminder to ensure you are social distancing when collecting or waiting for students in the afternoon. I also ask that you please stand well away from the gate and the ladies who are calling for students. I certainly appreciate your support in this matter.

Julie-Anne McGuinness – Principal

A MESSAGE FROM THE OFFICE

Friday 4th September is a Student Free Day

TUCKSHOP NEWS

Sushi Day

Sushi Day is back again. You need to place your order online via our Qkr! App. All orders are to be placed by 9.00am on Wednesday 2nd September for delivery on Thursday 3rd September for the Lunch break at 11:00am. I have added the option of soy sauce as well.

We have added a wholemeal bread option to our sandwich section for those looking for a healthier option. Please remember that tuckshop ordering has a cut off time of 9:15am daily. If you do happen to miss this cut off you can order one of our ‘Late Lunch Packs’. They are $3.50 which consists of a piece of fruit and muffin for the lunch break at 11:00am as well as a jam or vegemite sandwich for the afternoon tea break at 1:15pm. If you have any concerns please do not hesitate to contact the tuckshop and I will help you out.

Sally McWilliams – Tuckshop/Uniform Convenor

CLASSROOM CAPERS – 5 TEAL

In Team Teal, we have been participating in lessons to help promote the qualities of Leadership. Mr Kenelley has been joining us to help us learn about kindness, gratitude and compassion. We have been completing mission cards to help support the rest of the school.

In a World where you can be anything, Be KIND!

Mrs Newman – Classroom Teacher

A WORD FROM OUR GUIDANCE OFFICER

Helping Kids With the Ups and Downs of Friendships

It is not always easy for children to know how to manage friendships. Problems with friends can affect how children feel about themselves and their enthusiasm for activities that involve others. Parents and carers can help children learn the kinds of friendship skills they will need as they grow and develop.

Learning how to make and keep friends involves a number of skills. Children learn more and more complex social skills from those around them as they develop.

Home life has an effect on the development of social skills. A child who has an adoring little sister is likely to have more skills of leadership. A child who is the little sister may be more used to fitting in with what others want to do. These children are likely to react differently when they go to school and meet other children with different life experiences and different social skills.

Friendship skills for children include:

• Cooperation - how to share, how to take turns, how to work together towards a common goal.
• Communication - using words to explain what you want and listening to others respectfully; paying attention to body language, e.g. making eye contact, smiling and being able to read others’ nonverbal reactions.
• Understanding and managing feelings - being able to express feelings in ways that help others understand you; recognising and responding to others’ feelings.
• Tolerance - Accepting and including others - recognising others’ needs for respect and friendship.

How Parents and Carers can help:

Be aware of feelings

Children need to learn that having angry feelings is normal and okay, but that reacting aggressively towards others when you’re angry is not. Adults can help children become aware of feeling annoyed, frustrated, angry or furious by naming feelings. Learning to say, “I’m feeling angry” or “I’m really frustrated” gives children a way to separate feeling angry from how they react.

Time to talk

Talking about what has put them in an angry mood will help them see that feelings have causes and that solutions can be found. Once you find out what they were angry about you can help them to think of better ways to handle the problem. This kind of conversation doesn’t work while they are really angry. Sometimes it must wait until later.

Children often find it easier to talk in informal situations where they feel less pressure. Find a relaxed time to talk to children about feelings. Asking, “What makes you angry?” can be a good way of starting a conversation about anger.

Find alternatives

Getting children to think through a difficult situation helps them develop problem solving skills. Asking, “Is that what you wanted to happen?” or “What else could you have tried?” encourages children’s helpful thinking. Thinking of alternative solutions helps children plan different ways of reacting next time. Be sure to praise their efforts.

Have ways to calm down

When emotions are strong, it is easy to act without thinking. Encourage your child to take control and allow time for the emotions to subside by trying one of the following: practising breathing, walking away, using a quiet spot to think, riding a bike or listening to music, talking to the family pet.

Try a Problem Solving Approach

When problems arise in friendships it is important not to blame children but to show them how to find a solution. A problem solving approach is often helpful.

1. Encourage the child to describe what has happened.
2. Ask about how they felt.
3. Ask them how they think the other person might see it and how they might be feeling.
4. Get them to think of ways they could do things differently next time.
5. Encourage them to try the new approach – get them to practise with you so they feel more confident.
6. Check back with your child to see how things turned out.

As parents our job is to help our children to develop skills that will, not only serve them well, but also skills that they can pass on to their children.

Adapted from: www.kidsmatter.edu.au

Joy Wheeler – Guidance Officer

COMMUNITY NEWS

“This is a service provided when space permits. The school acts solely as a messenger and is not actually recommending any activities advertised”

Little Athletics – Runaway Bay

Keebra Park High School - Academy and Excellence Program

UPCOMING EVENTS