Noarlunga Downs P-7 School

At a time when the world can seem a little crazy, escaping into a book can be a wonderful way of switching off from what is happening around us and exploring a new world or going on an adventure when in reality we cannot do this yet.

Reading is important, it develops our thoughts, gives us knowledge and helps to keep our minds active.  Reading books helps us learn, understand and makes us smarter whilst also expanding our vocabulary and helping us to develop our thinking skills.

Unfortunately, The Children's Book Council of Australia have had to postpone Book Week and it will now be held in week 2 of term 4 (19-23 October 2020).  This year's theme is Curious Creatures, Wild Minds and we will enjoy being able to celebrate this when the time comes.  In the meantime we have celebrated National Simultaneous Story time on 27 May 2020 with classroom activities and sharing the book, Whitney and Britney Chicken Divas by Lucinda Gifford.  This year the simultaneous story time was done in individual classrooms however it was enjoyed just as much as in previous years with a virtual visit from Barb Adams (who is currently on leave) to read the story via the interactive boards.

Our teachers have been creative in trying to ensure your children have access to as many books as possible.  Many of you may have seen your children using the Epic website which is a terrific platform that gives children unlimited access to thousands of books.

We have a number of donated books for families to access if they would like, so if you are wanting your child to bring home a book to read please send a message to their classroom teacher and this can be organised.

Reading can inspire you when you are feeling down and have nothing to do.  It helps to get the creative side of your brain thinking.  Whether it be listening to your child read, reading a book to them or reading a book yourself, pick up a book today and see where it takes you.

Rachael Courtney 

Principal

Book week has been postponed and will now be in week 2 of term 4.

The theme is Curious Creatures, Wild Minds.

"Whitney and Britney are two gorgeous chooks who live alongside Dora von Dooze.  But Dora is perplexed - why do her dear chickens seem to sleep all day long?  Dora decides to snoop.  She follows the chooks out at night to the local jazz club where she discovers, to her amazement, that they are Whitney and Britney: Chicken Divas!"

Written and Illustrated by Lucinda Gifford

Coming to school everyday to learn is an absolute necessity.  Our students cannot learn effectively if they have a significant number of days off, or even if they are regular late comers.  Make sure you get behind Every Day Counts!!

Every day counts… because children achieve better when they attend school all day, everyday.

Every day counts… because going to school means getting a better chance at life.

Every day counts… because school helps children build social and emotional skills such as communication, teamwork and resilience.

Every day counts… because going to school is a legal requirement.

School starts at 8:50am and finishes at 3:10pm

Ensuring good attendance is a shared responsibility between parents, caregivers, preschool and schools.

Student attendance has 2 categories

Habitual non – attendance

Where a student has 5 or more absences for any reason in a term.

Chronic non - attendance

Where a student is absent for 10 days or more in a term for any reason.

What you can expect from the school.

 · Monitoring of student attendance.

· Letting you know if your child is not at school.

· Following up any unexplained absences.

· Effective teaching strategies to engage your child in learning.

· Strategies to help you to encourage your child to go to school.

If you are needing support around your child’s attendance please talk to the class teacher or the school Wellbeing Leader.