Dear parents and carers,
I have recently met with a representative from the Victorian School Building Authority about the $369 000 minor capital works grant we were awarded in 2020. It has taken longer than expected to get to this point, however, a builder has been awarded the project the paperwork being finalised shortly. I expect to have a site meeting with the builder and architect in the coming weeks and start the process of getting the works underway. I will keep you all updated about this exciting school improvement project, and we will be sharing the construction progress in the newsletter and social media.
Friendship Lessons for our Students - URSTRONG – Friendology
This week the Year One and Two classes focused on learning the skills of making new friends. The students were asked what feelings come to mind when you think about making new friends. If I answer this myself, I can honestly say sometimes it feels quite awkward when meeting new people. Often the same feelings apply to our children, and we want them to know that awkward is normal feeling. We can help to feel less awkward by having a plan. The Year One and Two students were introduced to four “tricks” to help them form a plan for making new friends.
Trick #1: Super introducer
· Put out your hand, look the person in the eyes and say, “Hi, my name is______! What’s your name?
Trick #2: Ask and pass
· A good conversation is like a game of catch. Ask and pass back and forth, trying to find something in common.
Trick #3: Quick question
· Have a go-to quick question locked in your mind for those awkward moments. EG What book are your reading? What sports do you like?
Trick #4: Be a magnet
· We are naturally drawn to people who are…
o Honest
o Positive
o Kind
o Real
o Friendly
o Open
Encourage your children to ask a new friend to play, not to wait for an invitation and help them develop a fun idea to help them break the ice.
For more information, please visit https://urstrong.com/parents/ to activate your free parent membership. You will find supporting articles, video and prompts to help you open a dialogue with your children about making and maintaining healthy friendships.
Student Wellbeing - Anxiety
With the start back to school we had a relatively smooth start however there have been signs of some students being a little more anxious than usual. This is likely an impact of the last two years of uncertainty we have lived through and we are noticing that some of us are still building up our stamina to work through the typical school routines.
Anxiety in children is normal. Childhood anxieties and fears include separation anxiety, fear of the dark and worries about school. The key to supporting your anxious child isn't to try to eliminate anxiety, but to help a child manage it. For some strategies and advice please visit the Raising Children website below.
https://raisingchildren.net.au/toddlers/health-daily-care/mental-health/anxiety-in-children
I have also included an activity that you may use to support your child to talk to you about what is making them anxious. This could be a good conversation starter and help you and our teachers to understand some of the things that worry your child. By having a better understanding of your child’s worries we aim to better support them to feel safe a secure here at school, this could also support you in the home as well.
Kind regards and Sampai jumpa (until next time)
Matt Forrest