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Dear Parents,
Wellbeing Friday last week gave students the chance to get off screens and spend some time doing independent activities centred around creativity and fresh air. During this time of reduced physical interaction, community sport cancellations and intense media coverage, it’s important to help students and members of the school community to feel a sense of control, and to develop strategies for maintaining their wellbeing.
I hope Wellbeing Friday gave all parents and students the chance to enjoy more ‘green time’ and reignite their curiosity in the magic that lies within their own home, backyards and other family members. Remote Learning has meant that students are spending more time than ever before online. Physical and creative activities have never been more important and play an even greater role in supporting mental health and wellbeing.
With many teachers, students and parents feeling overwhelmed, anxious, scared, uncertain and stressed, we all need to remember that it's ok to take time out!
A word from our parents……
Wellbeing Friday! Just what our family needed. A break from the screen. Many thanks
Thanks for always keeping the kids' well-being top of mind! Claire has a day off too so Tony and I have decided to take the day off work… so it will be screen free for this whole house.
It’s not easy on anyone and we all wish for the return to school. So thank you for your continued work with the kids to help provide stability and warm connection during the long days. It is appreciated.
I’m sure it’s been hard work for you both and the other school staff to keep going back and forward from teaching in class to home schooling. So a big thank you for all the efforts you do for our kids!
Let’s hope the lockdowns will be over one day soon.
You are doing an amazing job with the homeschooling and keeping our Grade 1's motivated.
Just wanted to let you know that the two google meets per day are really great to keep the kids on track with their homeschooling and love the 1:1 smaller groups too. These last few lockdowns you have nailed the format!
I can just imagine how exhausted you must be, pulling together remote learning while also packing up your classroom! Absolutely superstar! I know I speak on behalf of all the 1M parents when I say we are so incredibly lucky and grateful to have you teaching our kids during this challenging time. Thank you for being a constant bright and cheery presence in our child’s life right now, even when you are dealing with so much extra work to do!
While you may not be in the mood to send a cheery email, that’s ok too. I know that many families have seen more meltdowns, tantrums, and oppositional behaviour from their otherwise exceptionally well behaved, angelic children than ever before. Whether it's anxiety, or anger, or protest that they can't do things normally — it will happen and is happening. This is normal and expected under these circumstances. Just know that we are all finding this tough, so be kind to yourself and those around you.
Farewells
On Friday the staff sent online farewells to Katie Lachel (Yr 3 classroom teacher), who is expecting her second child in five weeks. Our best wishes are with Katie and family for the safe arrival of the new bub. Katie will be replaced by Sarah Blom for the remainder of the year.
We also say thank you and farewell to Franca Aldsworth who has been teaching the Yr 3 students in the classroom and online while Caroline Brown has been on long service leave. Caroline will be returning next week.
Calendar Events
Many events on the Term 3 Calendar have been postponed or cancelled as we wait to see what the remainder of the term has in store.
There is a school closure day planned for this Friday 20 August, for staff Professional Development which was allocated last year and will go ahead. If your child requires supervision please contact OSHClub as there will be no staff onsite to supervise students.
Continuing professional learning is an essential component of school improvement and staff development, even during a worldwide pandemic. Professional learning is valued and recognised, in particular, as a major contributing factor towards improvement in student learning outcomes. St Paul’s commitment to professional learning encompasses a broad range of activities and processes of reflection, enrichment and growth, planned to achieve sustainable improvement in professional practice and student learning.
Moving Classrooms
Last Friday the Prep - Yr 1 teachers began packing up their classrooms as we prepare for the refurbishment of classrooms next week. The builders will be onsite from Monday 23 August and classrooms will be relocated ready for the return to onsite learning.
Sacramental Programs
New Term 4 dates:
Presentation Masses for Eucharist 16th & 17th October
First Eucharist 30 & 31st October
Confirmation 22nd October
Times for these sacraments will be confirmed at a later date.
If you need help for you or your family there are a number of organisations available.
Beyond Blue are providing information, advice and strategies to help you manage your wellbeing and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hotline
1800 512 348
Beyond Blue Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service
Kids Helpline contact
Kids Helpline provides a free, private and confidential phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25. The service is available 24 hours a day from anywhere in Australia.
1800 551 800
If you are worried about your child please do not hesitate to contact our wellbeing leader Katrina Gardener kgardiner@spbentleigh.catholic.edu.au
Staying physically and mentally safe is a priority.
As you will be aware further restrictions and an extended lockdown have been announced today. I will email you with further information tomorrow afternoon,
Take care
Catherine
Congratulations to the newly elected SRC representatives for Semester 2 2021!
Keira Papageorgio, Harrison Campbell, Sophie Poles, Ruby Densley, Ted Bitting, Mia Benvenuto, Oliver Jackman, Jake Craig, Rose Heelis, Thomas Tesoriero, Stella Maraventano, Jack Harris and Nicholas Anastasio. Absent: Sophie Chesson
I am looking forward to working together with the students on a number of projects. This Term the SRC, in consultation with their classes and class teachers, will be helping to develop a list of ‘Positive Behaviours’ that should be demonstrated when in different areas of the school; such as in classrooms, on the yard, in the toilets and in corridors. They will identify behaviours that keep us safe, respectful and learners for each area. We hope that encouraging student voice in creating our Positive Behaviours will lead to a safer and happier school environment.
Katrina Gardiner
Wellbeing Leader