THE SJ VIBE

This term in Religious Education, children in Year 1/2 have been looking at the big question ‘How Are We Transformed?’ They have been learning to understand the Sacrament of Reconciliation by learning the importance of forgiveness in their lives, other people’s lives and in scripture stories about Jesus. We would love to spend the rest of Term 3 reflecting on how our actions can impact the lives of Indigenous children living in remote communities across Australia.

We are raising funds to support the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) to provide books and learning resources to Indigenous children because reading opens doors - that is, doors to future opportunities and choices!

Here is a YouTube video that shares the wonderful things the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) will do with your generous donations: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCz6YZhOr4E

To show your support, we are encouraging all children on Friday the 26th of August, ‘Book Week Dress Up Day’ to donate a Gold Coin. There will also be donation tins around the school if children would like to donate throughout the week!

You can also show your support by making an online donation via our school fundraising link: https://fundraising.ilf.org.au/stjosephsbookweekfundraiser

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Jayde Santilla on jayde.santilla@sjwerribee.catholic.edu.au

During the week of the 22nd-26th of August, students will be enjoying reading the Children's Book Week shortlisted books for the year and doing activities in their levels.

On Friday 26th August students are asked to think about a book they enjoy and choose a character to dress up as for the day. We will be having a parade at 2:30pm.  If the weather is all clear, we invite you to join us to see the parade. You will be able to take your child at the end of the parade, just be sure to let the classroom teacher/s know.

If the weather is not permitting then we will be sure to share pictures on the newsletter and via SeeSaw. 

We look forward to celebrating Book Week together!

Take a look at our Weebly and see how  we do this.

In such uncertain times, we acknowledge that there are wonderings about the future and what it will look like.    ​While we don't have the answers, we hope to provide some links and resources to help your family navigate life. This site is live in that anything can be added or changed so keep a regular check on it. We hope you find what you are looking for and if not, please contact us.

Bullying - the true definition explained and clarified.

Bullying is never ok. It’s hurtful and can impact someone for a long time. 

Talk about what bullying is before it happens so your child can recognise it and know what to do.

Bullying is an ongoing or repeated misuse of power in relationships, with the intention to cause deliberate psychological harm. 

Bullying behaviours can be verbal, physical or social.

Bullying can happen anywhere – at home, online, with friends, in a group, on the bus or at school.

First, make sure you have a clear idea yourself by checking out the formal definition of bullying to understand bullying. You can also find ways to describe bullying that are suitable for children of various ages.

Point out that bullying is not just when someone is mean to you once, but it happens over and over and makes you feel like you can't stop it. If you want, you could use some of these questions:

• What do you think bullying is?

• Have you seen bullying happening? What did you do? How did you feel?

• Why do you think some people bully other kids?

• Who are the adults you would talk to when it comes to things like bullying?

• Have you ever felt scared to go to school because you were afraid of someone bullying you?

• Has someone tried to bully you? What ways have you tried to change it?

• What do you think parents can do to help stop bullying?

• Have you or your friends left other kids out on purpose? Do you think that was bullying? Why or why not?

• Have you ever tried to help someone who is being bullied? What happened? What would you do if it happens again?

Tell your child that bullying can happen to anyone but it is never okay. Talk about how to respond to bullying safely. Make sure they know what to do if it happens to them or they see it happening to someone else.

Most importantly, let your child know how to get help if bullying happens.

Encourage them to speak to an adult if it happens, and to keep on asking for help if the bullying doesn't stop. 

Talk with your child about how they might handle other challenging social situations as well.

You have an important role to help children and young people learn how to manage their own feelings and to work out how to argue or disagree with other people in appropriate ways. Everyday activities and issues can be valuable learning opportunities.

Avoid describing a child as a 'bully' or a 'victim'. Although these words are often used in research and in the media, they are not very helpful for finding positive and lasting solutions.

When you talk about bullying, focus on more appropriate ways to act with others and positive ways to get on with other people.

Children can change the way they behave with support from parents and teachers. If the labels of 'bully' or 'victim' stick, it can make it harder for them to change. Using these words can suggest that bullying and being bullied are due to unchangeable things about the children involved.

The labels of 'bully' or 'victim' can also cause further harm if a child accepts them as part of their social identity.

Children and young people will ask for advice and help with problems if they think parents and caregivers are interested in them and their concerns.

When parents and carers spend some time each day asking about what happened during the day, and show genuine interest in their feelings and experiences, children will know that they can talk to their parents if they have a problem.

Check in with your child often. Listen to them. Know their friends, ask about school, and understand their concerns. Ask them about issues they tell you about, but don't jump in to solve their problems. Ask them what they think they can do about it.

Be alert too that children sometimes 'shut down' and become reluctant to talk if they are experiencing bullying and don't know what to do. Be alert to the signs of bullying. Sensitive and caring conversations about what is happening for your child can make a difference.