From time to time different issues arise in schools. The current situation with more limited external outlets for energy or positive activities may be making our boys a little more prone to behaviours that we'd rather not have. While we will understand their behaviour, it is not helpful to excuse it.  Boys can be wonderful to parent and school. At their best they are awesome in their enthusiasm and energy (Michael Grose - Parenting Boys). They can also be exhausting particularly during this long prolonged period of being shut in.

There are values that we expect in our school from all of our students all of the time. A site with 970 students daily, half of whom are boys, will not continue to enjoy success if we do not maintain certain expectations: play fairly; focus on fun and friendship, not winning; use words not actions in difficult situations; never resort to a physical solution no matter what another person may do; when you make a mistake own your behaviour; and mostly importantly of all, if your emotions are getting the better of you, walk away.

I know we will agree with these, as most adults at Randwick manage this very well. School cannot be the only teacher for your child. It is important that home reinforcement is consistent no matter how frustrating it may be when you only hear one side of a story.

When settling disputes in the real world or playground, violence or aggression will always end poorly for the perpetrator. While you may be tempted to suggest to your son to hit or kick the antagonist, please don't! Our playground is very well supervised. When your child says I couldn't find a teacher, it probably means that their own part in the dispute will be revealed!

Below are some strategies you can practice to address issues either at school or home. Unlike suggesting hitting the other person, these are productive for a lifetime.

https://www.parentingideas.com.au/blog/strategies-for-successfully-raising-boys?goal=0_f488c60967-091f3a386f-187235213&mc_cid=091f3a386f&mc_eid=c1ea7d94b1

COVID 19 Update

Unfortunately due to COVID-19, Term 4 PSSA and all associated events have been cancelled on direction from the Department of Education. This is to minimize contact between schools, transport and external venues to control possible cross infection. No PSSA events or carnivals will be rescheduled in 2020. We understand students will be disappointed however the school will continue with a planned sporting program focusing on the development of skills and game behaviour. We are very fortunate to have our improved grounds during this time. We thank you for your support up until this point. 

If your child has a jersey from this year, could you please send them to school with name and class attached as coaches will be collecting them in the coming weeks.

The school is also in the process of planning other end of year school events within the context of current restrictions. While this may mean parents can only be engaged through electronic means I know you will agree that it is important that students can still enjoy these rites of passage with their friends.

Regards

Susan Allen

Randwick Public School is continuing to successfully implement a ‘Positive Behaviour for Learning’ (PBL) approach to behaviour management.

Every week, students will be focusing on how they can ‘Be Respectful’, ‘Be Responsible’ or ‘Be A Learner’ in specific areas around the school. Unfortunately, PBL will no longer be taught in Peer Support this term. Classroom teachers will now explicitly teach the focus area each week.

We would love you to support PBL by talking with your child about each weekly focus and the ways they can uphold our school values in different areas of the school.

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