As 2023 enrolment is underway, we are drawn to think about transitions for our students.  Transitions can be hard for our students and for parents, as they navigate the anxiety and fear that can sometimes happen with change. A fantastic resource to support families with this is the CSPA “Gearing up for Parent Engagement in Student Learning”.  This resource provides a parent module on Nurturing your child through transition – Primary and Nurturing your child through transition - Secondary providing some concrete and practical advice to be shared with your families and school community. Our Kindergarten 2023 Information session will be held this coming Tuesday 6^th September at 6pm in the Infants Breakout Space. This is in preparation for the orientation/transition program beginning on 15 September. If you would loke further information please contact the Front Office or Mrs Anita Chesworth, Infants Coordinator. This Tuesday just gone – 30 August – we welcomed the 2023 Year 7 cohort to the secondary school for the beginning of their transition program. All students had a fabulous time and they were very enthusiastic about all that was on offer throughout the day. Thank you to Ms Marsay for her coordination and all the teachers who showcased our excellent opportunities for learning. The next session will be 14 September (please note the date was changed to accommodate the new students from CPS).

This week we were privileged to view a presentation from Project Rockit. This was a community endeavour supported by all the local schools and our Shire Council. It was aimed at our Stage 3 and 4 students to make them aware of issues, challenges and dangers on social media and in the cyber world. This includes an awareness of the pitfalls of chat groups and being involved in unsavoury discussions and activities online. Unfortunately, these presentations do not always resonate until something unseemly happens and considering the headlines concerning schools and chat groups this week I thought it appropriate to promote a free webinar from Safe on Social – Kirra Prendergast for this Monday night. Kirra visited our school in 2020 (just before COVID hit) and it was undeniably one of the best presentations that I have seen on Cyber safety. I encourage all parents to take the time to be informed about the apps and issues that are commonplace for our young people. I have attached the facebook feed advertising the webinar.

Safe on Social

An invitation for schools and parents to attend a free Webinar on Monday Night.

After the recent news out of an elite school in Sydney, my inbox has been flooded with questions from schools and parents about social media, in particular Discord and Group chats, and the behaviours of students using this form of communication.

You will have your mind blown when you actually understand what is really happening in group chats. The need for connection – all of these issues that come along with that have hit home and many questions display worry and distress. Schools and parents need fast and reliable support and information. We are here to help.

As much as I wish I could reply to all messages and emails individually, it’s simply impossible. This is why I am hosting a FREE webinar this coming Monday night to address your concerns about Discord and answer your questions.

Questions will be answered live in real-time, so please submit yours (confidentially) in advance to:

wecanhelp@safeonsocial.com

Join me for an important online safety discussion. Whether you’re a teacher, parent, professional, or carer, you’re all welcome and encouraged to join.

What: Discord and Groupchat use Webinar

When: 7.30pm, Monday, 5 September 2022 Australian Eastern Standard Time

Link to Join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83869705647...

Lastly, I’ll be sending out key information on the topics discussed, so if you aren't already subscribed to our newsletter, please make sure you don't miss out and sign up here:

https://www.safeonsocial.com/subscribe

It’s time to spark positive change. I look forward to seeing you on Monday.

Kirra

Spring is finally here but we have not seen the end of the wet weather. We have also not seen the end of the winter colds and flus that have been plaguing our school. Remember if students are unwell that they should stay home to prevent the unnecessary spread of germs and viruses. COVID will continue to be an issue if we are not vigilant in our COVID safe practices.

We have made changes to our end-of-day processes in the Infants playground. To ensure that all students are safe and get safely to their pickups at the end of the day our students have been asked to stay seated on the silver seats when they are first dismissed, to allow the ‘gate-teacher’ to be present when the gate is opened. We ask that parents do not open the gate at either Parker or Morris before a teacher is present. We also ask that parents/carers do not park in the presbytery yard and that they exit their vehicles to collect the children. This is a very busy thoroughfare for foot and vehicle traffic and we do not want to have any accidents.

Catholic Education have again given schools the option to hold pupil free days to compensate for the lost release and planning time due to lack of casual staff and COVID. We have tried to avoid inconveniencing families so we will be holding the pupil free day on the last day of this term – 23 September. This will also allow the students returning from the Stage 5 excursions the opportunity to sleep in after their late night arrivals. Thank you for your support.

NAPLAN results were released to schools this Wednesday and our staff are currently working through the data to ascertain trends and areas for development. We will be sending home individual student reports early next week. Please read the letter and information with the report to help you understand the results and levels of achievement. Please make contact with the class teacher or PCA if you have any questions.

Remember Kindness is a gift everyone can afford to give. It doesn’t cost anything to be kind but it can change a person’s day. So have courage and be kind!

God Bless

Ms Nicky Trinder