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Welcome to the Week 9 Newsletter. Last week we passed the Winter Solstice (shortest daylight time of the year) - From here the days get longer. Yesterday, we passed June 25th which is precisely 6 months since and to Christmas and next week we complete the first semester of the school year. We are at the mid-point of the year.
I attended a Professional Learning this week with Micheal McDowell who presents on developing expert learners, deepening the level of learning and ensuring our classrooms have academic rigour. Three things he kept referencing really struck me, especially at this point in the year when we risk the feeling of drudgery.
- "Go Slow to Go far". He often mentions this sense that we don't have to do everything at once. To make small increments of action everyday towards your goal. Remembering the tortoise was the winner, this one speaks to me on some days when I want things to happen yesterday. Patience and determination are good foundations for the long journey. It reminds me of another one I often reflect on as part of a team. "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together".
- "1% every day".A coach does not coach a professional athlete and says I want you to get 50% better today. I saw the recent Australian Swimming championships and one swimmer was so excited to have gotten a personal best time by 3 one hundredths of a second. That’s is a minuscule improvement but it was a huge achievement for them and worthy of celebration. Even the world records that were being broken were not by whole seconds but broken they were. Even if it was less than 1% improvement, they were improvements and that made all the difference.
- "It's gonna be great”. Don’t think I can say this phrase anymore without thinking of Micheal McDowell as it truly is his habit and not a bad one to have. When he launches into a task or instructs us to, no matter how challenging, long and even tiresome; his attitude and pump-up phrase is quite simple - "It’s gonna be great!". It is amazing how the positive mindset can change even your approach to a task, which in turn can impact its effectiveness and the outcome of whatever it is you are about to do. Positive mindset and self-talk are critical beyond just the task; it contributes to our sense of self but also our hope for what is to come. Jesus comforted us in a simialr way to support our mindsets and promote mental health is “Do not let your hearts be troubled; neither let them be afraid. Trust in the Father, trust also in me.”
The Professional Learning itself had a veritable toolkit for teachers on how to embed deep thinking routines into daily learning for all learners. We will begin to unpack this for staff, share them with parents and in the classroom over the next term.
Dates to Note - into Term 3 we go!
Please see key dates to finish off this term and the first 5 weeks of next term for your reference, along with the usual request to always reference COMPASS and Newsletters as each date approaches for final details.
And finally, I will send this separately to the Year 6 parents to whom it particularly pertains but the following are some key dates for the end of the year, such as the Graduation celebrations and the End of Year School Mass and prize giving assemblies for all students. These are long term calendar bookings at this stage, but I appreciate families are waiting to pencil these into their work rosters.
- Tuesday 10th December - Year 6 Graduation Fund Day - Activate SPORTS
- Thursday 12th - End of Year School Mass and Annual Prize Giving Assembly
- Friday 13th - Christmas Craft and Party Day/ Sing along
- Monday 16th December - Year 6 Graduation Assembly (During the School Day) and Celebration Evening (Night time event).
- Tuesday 17th December - Annual Students vs Staff Soccer Match
- Wednesday 15th December - Whole School End of Year Excursion and School Leavers clap out.
In the meanitime, lets go slow to go far and make the most of the final week and a half of this term. Its gonna be great :-)!
Have a great two weeks.
Jules Mulhearn
Religious Education and Catholic Identity Update
The Importance of Positive Thinking.
How important it is that we teach our children to have a positive attitude to life and to be optimistic about themselves. As people of faith, we know that as it is said in the Psalms (16:11)’You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.’ In the midst of often seemingly unbearable sorrow and anguish, we know that our God is there holding us in the palm of his hand. Here I am reminded of the beautiful poem “Footprints”.
Also, I have always loved the saying: This Too Will Pass. In times of great happiness, it makes you feel grateful and in times of worry, it reassures you that
a better day will come. This wise saying has become a useful mantra for me.
We all know from experience that what we believe about ourselves affects the way we act. Our children’s belief in their own ability to do things is of great influence on their motivation, persistence and success. Self-belief can motivate our children more than their actual skill level. If they truly believe they can succeed, they may be more likely to achieve than other children who have better ability, but who don't believe they can achieve. The more our children believe they can do, the more likely they are to generalise that self-belief to other areas of their life.
Self-belief is about being aware of and valuing your true self. It is not about how others see you or how you think others see you.
Self-belief is different from self-esteem because self-esteem generally means how you feel about yourself in comparison to others and so can fluctuate according to circumstance. Self-belief is more like an inner light that comes from within you. It is not about how we behave on the outside but rather about our inner feelings and how they make us optimistic about life.
As parents we can help our children to believe in their own ability by teaching them to take the initiative to make things happen, instead of waiting for them to happen. Also help your child be proactive by helping them, not just telling them. Help them consider a situations options and solutions instead of problems and barriers.
A final note on this from an unknown author:
“Your mind can think of only one thought at a time; make it a positive one.”
Let us pray together for the confidence to face our future without fear or hesitation.
Dear Lord, You command us to go in confidence and face
whatever is ahead of us because You are by our side.
I pray that You stay by my side as I go into my day.
Help me to live without fear or hesitation today
with the knowledge that You are with me.
Be my cheerleader who encourages me.
I dedicate this day to You,
so that I may go through it in strength and confidence.
May doubt never stop me from living as You command.
Let my trust in You also be a light to all who see it
so that I can reach the hearts and minds of people for You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Yours in faith,
Miss Michelle Collins
(Religious Education Co-Ordinator)
Teaching and Curriculum Update
Getting the most from the Written Reports Part 2
Reports will go live to COMPASS next Thursday 4th July. Thank you again to the staff for their committed focus in this area. It is always a challenge to succinctly communicate a Semester's worth of learning that is celebratory of achievements / progress and constructive in ways to support next steps in student learning.
This article will continue on from last week’s focus on reports. Part 2 will drill down to the use of comments in different KLAs to support the information communicated via the 5-point grade scale (discussed last week) as well as the unpack the importance of reporting to a student’s commitment to learning and their learning dispositions.
Commitment to Learning
In addition to reporting directly to a student's academic achievement via the 5-point scale in each KLA, the teachers also provide additional feedback regarding your child's commitment to learning within learning area.
Commitment to learning refers to a student’s interest and motivation in the Key Learning Area and is demonstrated by their attitude, completion of tasks, pride in their work presentation, self-regulation and interaction with peers. It is assessed on a 3- point scale – Emerging, Developing or High.
HIGH | The student consistently demonstrates a positive attitude to learning and a high level of competence in managing work. The student always persists when challenged and strives to work to their potential. |
DEVELOPING | The student often demonstrates a positive attitude to learning, is developing skills in managing work and sometimes persists when challenged. |
EMERGING | The student occasionally demonstrates a positive attitude to learning and has emerging skills in managing work. |
In a world where not everyone will be achieving at the same level, it is reasonable to expect that a student’s actual commitment to learning is of the highest possible. It is essentially celebrating and reporting on the notion of being YOUR best, and not necessarily THE best.
I don't mind owning that this is the grade I seek first and foremost when looking at my own children's reports and I have been known to ask them the challenging question as to why their commitment to learning may not be THEIR best.
Learning Dispositions
This is an opportunity for teachers to provide feedback on how the student is achieving in their personal and social development. You will find this section towards the bottom of the report where the general comment is embedded.
Dispositions capture how a student is developing in the skills and attitudes determined to be important to navigate successfully across different learning environments.
Some of the more ambiguous dispositions are further unpacked in a Report Glossary for parent reference. One that stands out with potential of multiple meanings is the disposition of Creative Thinker. It is possible parents consider this to be referring to a student’s creativity in the areas of visual and performing arts, for example. However, this disposition actually is more about a child's capacity to think "outside" the box - to see existing situations in a new way, identifying alternative explanations, and seeing or making new links that generate a positive outcome.
Similarly, the critical thinker is not about a child's ability to find fault and criticise. Instead, it references their ability to recognise or develop an argument, use evidence in support of that argument, draw reasoned conclusions, and use information to solve problems. It, in turn, is closely linked to a child's ability to be a problem solver and be reflective of their learning practice- both of which are also reported on in the Learning Dispositions.
Use of Comment Boxes in KLAs and the General Comment
A comment is provided in the Subjects of Religious Studies, English and Mathematics that is objective in nature with a focus on learning. The comments are separated into areas of strength and area for development. These provide parents with the knowledge to celebrate what their child is doing well and to support the development of understanding and skill in other areas.
It is essential that these comments are read in the context of the 5-point grade scale awarded in the boxes above. Whether they are achieving sound, limited or extensive level of achievement, all students deserve to celebrate what they can do and begin to work toward their next challenge. By reading the comment boxes in conjunction with the grade, parents will gain a clear understanding of exactly where your child is at in their learning as well as specific direction of where to next.
An overall/ general comment by the teacher about the students' overall experience of school life and addressing their overall learning dispositions is provided with the Learner Profile. It is important to note that the Learning dispositions themselves (as unpacked above) work in partnership with the general comment. As passionate educators and parents, we are deepening our commitment to and understanding that these are the skills that will equip students to be the lifelong learners in our contemporary world.
Jump Rope for Heart
Today we held our Jump Rope for Heart Bennies fundraising day. I want to begin with a huge shout out to our Kindergarten teachers Ms Sakoff and Ms Slade for their preparation, organsiation and passion for driving this initiative within SBE this term. Not only have they ensured the stduents and community have been informed of the fundraising process and rewards, but supported the staff and students in the lead up and organsition of the successful day today.
Another special thanks to Mr Coleman (Mrs Coleman's husband who is the manager of a local Woolworths store) who donated the fruit which was used for the fruit cup sales also.
The day was filled with fun activities promoting a healthy lifestyle through physical activity and good food choices. The students participated in a variety of tabloid activities including individual skipping, relays and using the long ropes for community skipping and snake games.
In total we raised close to $7000 and today alone we raised $586 through gold coin doanations and the sale of the popcorn and fruit cups. Thank you to our amazing community for getting behind us in this fundraising event!
Once again, thanks to Ms Sakoff and Ms Slade!
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How Jump Rope for Heart makes a real difference
Every year, hundreds of thousands of Australians struggle with the pain and discomfort of heart disease. Most of us know someone who is impacted.
Over the last six decades, Heart Foundation-funded research has delivered major advances in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of heart disease, including the development, and delivery of:
- The artificial pacemaker
- The introduction of intensive coronary care units in hospitals
- The advancement of imaging techniques
- The emergency 000 phone number
- Australia’s first mobile intensive care ambulances
- Improved treatments for high blood pressure, heart failure, kidney damage and blood vessel disease.
How you make a difference
Thanks to you, the Heart Foundation supports Australians living with heart disease today. We also work to educate people and fund research to better prevent and manage heart disease into the future. We do this by:
- Funding high-impact research
- Working to improve heart disease prevention, detection, care and support
- Advocating to governments and industry for increased funding and resources for heart health
- Building community awareness about living a heart-healthy lifestyle. We do this through public health awareness campaigns, accessible information and resources
- Supporting health professionals in their work to prevent, diagnose, treat and manage heart disease
Important Notices and Reminder
Admin/ Finance Officer Suzi Di-Nardo Monday to Friday
Admin - Tiare Collins-Grayson Monday, Thursday Friday
Kinder 2025 Enrolments have now closed.
As per the enrolment timeline, intial letters of enrolment were sent to parent on the 14th June. Acceptance of these offers need to be accepted by the 1st July and secured with your enrolment deposit.The cut off for this acceptance is this week. We must receive your acceptance and deposit by this date, as our second round of offers will go out in the coming week for students on our wiatlist.
Lost items
Our lost property box is located under the cola area near the well being hub. The box is currently overflowing with a number of items, many with no names on them. Please ensure all items are clearly marked with you child's name so we can get these back to them asap. This also includes lunchboxes, drink bottles and containers.
Medications
With so many people unwell at the moment with one bug or another is important to remember that if you send your child to school NO medication is to be kept in their school bag or self administered.
If your child requires medication such as Ventolin or antibiotics please contact our office and we will complete the necessary paperwork and note this in our system. We keep all medications in the office for the safety of your child and all the other students.
School Fees
Billing Cycle and Payment Methods
School fees are billed annually in Term 1 and all fees must be paid in full by 30th November unless you have a prior agreement with our Principal.
By now we would be expecting regular payments are being made to your fees account as per your fee agreement.
Breaking down payments into weekly, fortnightly or monthly payments to ensure full payment is made by the 30th November. If you intend to make your payment in an annual lump sum please notify our office to add a note to our finance system. Families not making regular payments will be sent Sms & email reminders.
This may not apply to families on current agreements or payment arrangements.
Payment method can be via direct debit with the CDF; BPay using the fee statement reference number; or credit card over the counter or via phone.
- Each fee payer can tailor frequency of payments to suit individual circumstances
- Direct debit payment frequency options can be established as weekly, fortnightly or monthly
- BPay can be at your discretion and can be set up as an automated payment
Following the distressing events of the last several months, young people might be struggling to come to terms with what they have read and seen online.
Online spaces should be safe for everyone. If your child sees violent or distressing material, it is important to check in and talk to them about the content they have seen. We also recommend that children use devices in open areas of the home, rather than in their bedroom, so you can be attuned to how they are coping and what they are reading or watching.
- Don't share it further – even if your intention is to help or raise awareness, you may cause distress to others.
- Report it to the platform to help get the material removed quickly.
- If the material is not removed, you can report it to eSafety. eSafety can notify the platform to either remove the content or block access from within Australia. Your actions could protect you and others from seeing that content again.
You can find more guidance and information about distressing online content here.
We understand as a parent or carer you may want to take extra precautions against your children seeing disturbing content online. eSafety has a range of helpful resources including:
For kids and young people
- I saw something online I didn't like (for primary-school aged children)
- Dealing with disturbing content (for teenagers)
For parents and carers
If your child, or someone you know, has come across disturbing content online, there are a range of counselling services you can reach out to for help and support.
If a life is in danger call Triple Zero (000) right now.
- Kids Helpline, for 5–25-year-olds: 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au (webchat is also available).
- headspace: support for young people, professionals, educators and families
- Lifeline: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au
More support services, including state-based services aimed at parents and carers, are listed here.
We hope the information above has been useful, and that it provides some practical support for Australian families.
School Athletics Carnival – Ribbon and Trophy Presentation
Last week at a special assembly, place ribbons and age champion trophies were presented to children who competed at our school carnival earlier in the term. Chisholm Sport Captains also received the winning shield on behalf of their team. Congratulations Chisholm!
Age Athletics Champions for 2024
Jnr Girls – Isla Hopkins, Jnr Boys – Isaac Rose, 11yr Girls – Lily Cassel - Denmeade, 11Yr Boys – Archer Guihot, Snr Girls – Ruby Castles, Snr Boys - Miller Burgess.
Good luck to our School Athletics Team who will be competing at the Lakes Region Athletics Carnival, at Glendale next Wednesday 3rd July.
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Parents and friends update
Thank you to the families who supported the Doughheads fundraiser. A big thank you to the parents who assisted in this P&F Fundraiser. We hope you all enjoyed the delicious doughnuts.
Canteen update
Volunteers for the next fortnight
Monday 24th June- T.Dunnill
Tuesday 25th June - Closed
Wednesday 26th June - V.Sutton
Thursday 27th June - H.Fenwick
Friday 28th June - H.Sanderson & L.Shakespeare
Monday 1st July -H.Fenwick
Tuesday 2nd July Closed
Wednesday 3rd July -H.Fenwick
Thursday 4th July - C.Schumacher
Friday 5th July- Closed for cleaning
Along with our canteen supervisor Haley Fenwick.
Congratulations to the following students who were recognised for their efforts in Learning, Improvement and Kindness to Others last week.
|
Class Achievement, Progress and Effort |
KB |
Liam Toohey, Gurbux Singh |
KR |
Kaden Walker , Hudson Montgomery |
1B |
Kayal Periyan, Mason Smith, William Sessions, Seraya Wallace-Taylor, Ella Creek |
1R |
Malina Wijekoon, Archie Snell, Lettie Reis |
2B |
Nate Peachman, Arham Bhutta |
2R |
Charlie Brock, Oreofe Oba-Olukayode |
3B |
Eleanor Jewell, Jack Cleveringa |
3R |
Hudson Bailey, Jack Gloury |
4B |
Jake Dimovski, Astyn Davies |
4R |
Logan Shakespeare, Emily Topic |
5B |
Archer Guihot, Oliver Cruickshank |
5R |
Ethan Carpenter, Audrey Stanton, Jack Fry |
6B |
Elyiah Vernik, Oliver Harris |
6R |
Joshua John, Scarlett Rose |
Community Organisation Announcements
Newcastle Basketball are excited to announce that we will be hosting an 'I AM A GIRL - come'n'try' and 'I AM A GIRL - come'n'play' here at Newcastle Basketball Stadium with our very own Isla Juffermans. These camps cater to girls who are brand new to the sport and want to give it a go, and also the girls who have experience but want to further improve their skills. We are creating this event completely free of charge for the participants so we hope we can have as many girls there as possible. They will receive awesome coaching from some of our elite women in sport, and also a free t-shirt.
The come'n'try for beginners will be 10am-12pm on Wednesday 10th July.
The come'n'play for experienced players will be 1pm-4pm on Wednesday 10th July