Looking after the well-being of your children is very important to us. Every time children or parents let us know of a concern, we follow this up. The child who reported will not often see this follow-up as it is done discreetly yet thoroughly. While we talk the issue through with the child concerned and discuss how behaviour needs to change, it is up to the child to change their behaviour. If the problem continues and we don't notice, but your child does, it is important we know about this - so consequences can be put in place and parents contacted. We can only deal with problems that we know about so your support with communicating any concerns you may have is important and contributes positively to our ability to resolve issues.  The old adage that "it takes a village to raise a child" is definitely true.

Last week we conducted our well-being survey, asking children to let us know about anything that is happening that would prevent children from feeling safe or happy at school. This week we are having conversations with children who need to make changes to their behaviour. These surveys often bring out a wide range of issues, many of which are alleviated by a simple conversation. When we know what is happening, we can help.

Recently we have been supporting some students involved in online bullying (outside school time). This time it was through the use of Instagram and TikTok social media sites.  At this young age, children often have yet to develop the filters and thought processes required to make good choices when commenting on posts and chatting online. This can result in them saying things they would never say to a person face-to-face. The result can be extremely harmful.  On researching TikTok we found a recommendation on common sense media that this app is suitable for people over 16 years of age. A large proportion of children in our hub do not have access to social media, even though your child may tell you that 'everyone else' has access. We encourage you to have regular conversations with your child about their use of any social media or You Tube  use etc.  A great way to support your child's online safety is to know exactly what sites / apps they are using and monitor their use closely. If you discover that your child is receiving unwanted / hurtful communication online, the first step is to take a screenshot of the message and secondly block the person who has sent the message. Most social media platforms have reporting functions for inappropriate activity - we recommend you use this function. 

The BOT has just approved the appointment of a 24/7 youth worker to join our team for 10 hours a week. We are very excited to have someone dedicated to supporting the well-being of the children join us. He is currently undergoing training and should be with us by the middle of term 3.

Choir

A huge well done to our choir who performed at the South Music Festival this week. Their love of music was evident in their efforts and radiant faces. Those who sung solos,  sung in the chorus, introduced items and conducted our choir, did so with poise and enthusiasm. We were proud. A special thanks to Megan for leading our choir and sharing her joy for music with the children.

Nail polish, makeup and relationships

Our children are on the cusp of (or midst of) adolescence and teenagehood is just around the corner. This manifests in lots of change, both physical and emotional at Year 7 and 8. We spend lots of time supporting our children to make good choices at this time in their lives.
Talk about 'so-and-so likes so-and-so'  is discouraged at school, as it can lead to teasing and upset children.  Likewise, talk of boyfriends and girlfriends is also discouraged and closely monitored at school. You also may have noticed that at this age, taking care with appearance becomes a bigger focus. We have noticed that the wearing of makeup and nail polish to school is becoming a thing. Today we talked with the children about this not being accepted at school and from tomorrow forward, anyone coming to school with coloured nail polish or makeup on will be given a remover product and asked to take it off. Clear nail polish and non-coloured lip balm (for those with sore lips) are acceptable. We would really appreciate your support with this by checking and reminding your child of the no nail polish or makeup message. Final note, pierced ears are to have simple studs, no dangly earrings.

PJ day Friday

Tomorrow we will be celebrating the shortest day of the year in three ways, thanks to an initiative from the Student Council and the PTA. There will be a free breakfast in the school hall at 8am, children are encouraged to bring a can of food to the hall - which will be donated to a food bank and children can wear their PJs to school. The children can participate in their choice of these activities. A reminder that it is a sports day and so sports uniforms must be packed or worn under PJs. If they choose not to wear PJs, then school uniform is worn.

Ski Day in Term 3: September 6th

Many thanks to those who have signed up to help with our ski trip. We have plenty of offers. I will be in touch with you later about more specific details. At this stage make sure you are available on Friday, September 6th.

We have started fundraising for our ski day by selling cheese rolls at lunchtimes on Monday. These are $2 for three and need to be ordered before school by the flagpole.

Maths-Whizz for the rest of this term

Until the end of term we are working on contextual projects in maths, in preparation for Cantamath. This means we are spending less time on Maths Whizz in class. Time spent on this online learning at home will be important.