Principals Message

Dear Families,

Yesterday as a school we celebrated 'R U Ok day? Now more than ever we need to be checking on each other. 

At the start of the day, everyone was greeted as they walked into the school by a small group of students from Kinder to Year 5 and asked "R U ok? Our Mini Vinnies leaders, Lacie and Breanna have talked over the last few mornings to the students about what to do in relation to R U OK? 

Ask the question, "R U OK?'

•  Be relaxed, friendly and concerned in your approach.
•  Help them open up by asking questions like "How are you going?" or "What’s     been happening?"
•  Mention specific things that have made you concerned for them, like "You seem less chatty than usual. How are you going?" 

 Listen with an open mind

• Take what they say seriously and don't interrupt or rush the conversation.
• Don’t judge their experiences or reactions but acknowledge that things seem tough for them.
• If they need time to think, sit patiently with the silence.
• Encourage them to explain: "How are you feeling about that?" or "How long      have you felt that way?"
• Show that you've listened by repeating back what you’ve heard (in your own    words) and ask if you have understood them properly.

Encourage Action

•  Ask: “What have you done in the past to manage similar situations?”
•  Ask: “How would you like me to support you?"
•  Ask: “What’s something you can do for yourself right now? Something that’s     enjoyable or relaxing?”
•  You could say: "When I was going through a difficult time, I tried this... You        might find it useful too."
• If they've been feeling really down for more than 2 weeks, encourage them to see a health professional. You could say, "It might be useful to link in with someone who can support you. I'm happy to assist you to find the right person to talk to.”
• Be positive about the role of professionals in getting through tough times. 

Check-in

• Pop a reminder in your diary to call them in a couple of weeks. If they're really struggling, follow up with them sooner.
• You could say: "I've been thinking of you and wanted to know how you've been going since we last chatted."
• Ask if they've found a better way to manage the situation. If they haven't done anything, don't judge them. They might just need someone to listen to them for the moment. 
• Stay in touch and be there for them. Genuine care and concern can make a real difference. 

In each of the classrooms, the children were involved in different strategies to relax, calm, meditate, create or just chat.

The most important message yesterday was that even though we acknowledge this event once a year, it is something that we should continue to do every day, particularly in the current climate when times are tough with most people impacted in some way or other by COVID 19. 

LET'S MAKE SURE THAT WE LOOK OUT FOR EACH OTHER!

Parent Forum:

The Parent Forum Zoom has been organised for Monday 14 September 2020 at 2 pm. If you are interested in zooming in please contact Mrs Felicity Wilde at school and she will email the link for the zoom. 

SRC Fundraiser

The Student Representative Council met this week and have nominated Friday 25th September (the last day of the term) as their fundraiser day.  Farrah Carpenter and Bradley Felsch, the SRC Presidents asked that the following information be forwarded to parents: 

• The students are able to wear appropriate casual clothes on the day.
• Students are asked to bring a gold coin donation.
• The free time will happen between lunch and recess.
• The activities will include a movie and outside game time.
• The money will be donated to a cause decided by the students. 

COVID 19 Practices Term 3 

• Staff and students exhibiting even mild COVID-19 symptoms are to be sent home and required to produce proof of a negative COVID-19 test before returning to school. 
• Non-essential adults are not be permitted to enter the school grounds. We ask that no parents enter the school past the front office. All inquiries to the front office, please. 
• Pick up and drop off will continue out the front of the school. 
• We have resumed our Canteen and will continue to offer this if we are able to get parent volunteers to assist.  The Parent helpers will be advised of the mandatory hygiene practices at the front office. PLEASE CONTACT THE OFFICE ON 66822468 IF YOU ARE ABLE TO GO ON TO THE CANTEEN ROSTER FOR TERM 3.  
• It is paramount in these times, in particular,  that any child who is unwell is kept at home. We appreciate your understanding and consideration for the safety of the other students and the staff.
• Our bubblers will still not to be used and therefore the children require a water bottle.
• Our stringent hygiene practices for our new normal continue with: the washing of hands regularly; sanitiser after eating, no food or drinks to be shared; coughing and sneezing into elbows, tissues discarded immediately, cleaning of the desks between lunch and recess breaks and extra cleaning of the school by our cleaners.

Assistant Principal Appraisal Process:

Next Term on Monday 26 October 2020, Mrs Felicity Wilde will be involved in an assistant principal appraisal as part of her contract conditions with the Catholic Schools Office. 

The appraisal process seeks information from a variety of people associated with the parish school.  The process aims to highlight the positive aspects of the assistants principal's performance and identify areas for further development. 

The full assistant principal appraisal process involves:

• a survey and self-appraisal statement completed by the assistant principal
•  surveys of parish school staff, Catholic Schools Office personnel
•  an interview with the principal
•  input as arranged with the parish priest
•  interviews with parish school staff
•  interviews with any parents who wish to present
•  a formal interview with the assistant principal by the pane

Any parents who wish to make contact with the panel are welcome to do so by contacting the Principal before the appraisal date.

Have a wonderful weekend.