Dear Families and Friends,

It has a been a busy start to the year with a number of new faces and opportunities. One of our core values is CONNECTIONS. Building connections and having connections is something we all want for our children and ourselves. 

As each year begins, students reconnect and build new connections. As a parent of a 10 and an 8 year old, I know the anxiety of wondering and wanting my children to have friends and be happy. I have found myself wondering:

• Who are they making connections with?
• Why aren’t they playing with children that I think would be a good connection?
• Are they kind at school?

..and I wish they would tell me more!

Fortunately, I have years (actually decades!) experience as an educator to know that I can’t control my child, who they play with and what they like. Each child will find their own connections. Some need a group, others need one friend and then there are those who are part of a big group or in fact, like time on their own – and it’s all okay.

As parents how can you help?

• Role model positive friendships and demonstrate how we resolve conflict.
• Be understanding when things don’t work out, it builds skills and resilience.
• Help provide strategies to solve problems, to admit mistakes and to welcome others in our groups.

As a foster mum, I have had my fair share of challenges as I have guided my children make positive connections, learn from mistakes, and forgive. This week our year 6 child came home to announce he was selected as house captain for his sports team! I was so proud. His following statements blew me away- ‘I am going to get our team to win the ‘Team Spirit Award’, not the cup! The team spirit is more important’. He went on to add, that he will invite a classmate up to hold the trophy with him if they win, because his classmate couldn’t apply to be captain (The child has a significant disability).  Reflecting on my Year 6 child, all the challenges we worked through in year 1 and 2 are miles away but were worth it. He has gained so many life experiences and is now a leader with many positive connections – close buddies, sports mates, those he looks up to and those he supports.

Student Wellbeing has always been a priority, with further ephasis for 2024. We are undertaking the below steps to further enhance our students and school:

• Implementing the Positive psychology Visible Wellbeing Program – Lea Waters
• New Chaplain, Monique, is supporting children in small groups, individually and as a class to build connections.
• What’s the Buzz? The wonderful program written by Madhavi Nawana-Parker and Mark Le Messurier, is being run for small groups and whole classes by Mary Aqualina. The program teaches social and emotional intelligence. A few of the topics include
  • Getting attention
  • Meeting people
  • Winning and losing
  • Dealing with disappointment
  • Learning to fit in
  • Giving compliments

As most will be aware, we conduct a "Pulse Check" each term. Students are asked 7 questions to check how they are going in areas such as belonging, friendships, learning, safety and support. 

As it is the beginning of the year, I have picked 3 questions to share the data from last week. It is pleasing that most children feel they belong, have friends and their teacher cares. 

I hope you managed to find some relief from the heat over the long weekend. Looking forward to a more pleasant week ahead. 

Kind Regards,

Jodie Higgins

Principal