KURUNJANG PRIMARY SCHOOL ~ “Learning Together” NEWSLETTER 25 - 2020 Thursday 27 th August, 2020 PRINCIPAL’S REPORT Following on from my discussion of previous surveys in previous newsletters, I am announcing today that the annual departmental survey - ‘The students attitudes to school survey’ for year 4-6 students. Its issue is later than usual and for the first time is not compulsory, due to the disruptions already this year, however schools are still being encouraged to participate in order to collect data about students and their experiences so far in 2020. This year, the survey also includes some questions about student health and wellbeing and student perceptions of COVID-19. Understanding student health and wellbeing needs has always been important, but especially so this year and DET is providing this survey to allow schools to capture this information to support students. Students will be asked about their thoughts and feelings regarding their school, family, friends, and health and wellbeing. As the survey questions are more personal in nature this year, all parents of year 4-6 students will be notified about the AtoSS prior to administering the survey. A letter will be forwarded shortly to explain in detail and will include explanation on how parents can notify us if they would prefer that their child/ren do not participate in the survey. In these uncertain and stressful times, it is lovely to announce 2 happy events for 2 members of staff both of which occurred this week. The first occurred last weekend with the engagement of one of our Performing Arts teachers, Adriana Velencei; and the second yesterday for our other Performing Arts teacher, Stephanie Gilmour with the birth of a beautiful little baby boy - Huxley Stephen John Gilmour. PRINCIPAL’S REPORT Take care and stay safe, ~ Learning Together FORWARD PLANNING Monday 20 th July ~ Friday 11 th September Learning from Home ~ At Least Friday 18 th September LAST DAY TERM 3 Monday 5 th October FIRST DAY TERM 4
Transcript
KURUNJANG PRIMARY SCHOOL ~ “Learning Together”
NEWSLETTER 25 - 2020
Thursday 27th August, 2020
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT
Following on from my discussion of previous surveys in
previous newsletters, I am announcing today that the annual
departmental survey - ‘The students attitudes to school
survey’ for year 4-6 students.
Its issue is later than usual and for the first time is not
compulsory, due to the disruptions already this year,
however schools are still being encouraged to participate in
order to collect data about students and their experiences so
far in 2020.
This year, the survey also includes some questions about
student health and wellbeing and student perceptions of
COVID-19. Understanding student health and wellbeing
needs has always been important, but especially so this year
and DET is providing this survey to allow schools to capture
this information to support students. Students will be asked
about their thoughts and feelings regarding their school,
family, friends, and health and wellbeing.
As the survey questions are more personal in nature this
year, all parents of year 4-6 students will be notified about
the AtoSS prior to administering the survey. A letter will be
forwarded shortly to explain in detail and will include
explanation on how parents can notify us if they would prefer
that their child/ren do not participate in the survey.
In these uncertain and stressful times, it is lovely to
announce 2 happy events for 2 members of staff both of
which occurred this week.
The first occurred last weekend with the engagement of one
of our Performing Arts teachers, Adriana Velencei; and the
second yesterday for our other Performing Arts teacher,
Stephanie Gilmour with the birth of a beautiful little baby boy
- Huxley Stephen John Gilmour.
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT
Take care and stay safe,
~ Learning Together
FORWARD PLANNING
Monday 20th July ~ Friday 11th September
Learning from Home ~ At Least Friday 18th September
LAST DAY TERM 3 Monday 5th October
FIRST DAY TERM 4
STUDENT OF THE WEEK
AWARDS
Student of the week awards are made each week and announced in the newsletter on a Thursday. These awards will be presented to the student’s on their return to school.
Foundation Potts ~ Levi Dobin Foundatoin Amy ~ Jordan Aitken Foundation Sarah ~ Nate Males
1/2 Havers ~ Zac Tellis 1/2 Micallef ~ Madison Floyd
1/2 Lisa ~ Pahuldeep Bal 1/2 Gonzalez ~ Jaxon Hancock
1/2 Patton ~ Aaron Singh 1/2 Ransome ~ Leon Bateman-Howard
The thing I am most proud of with 1/2 Gonzalez this term is that students, and families too, have really built their resilience through this really trying time. I have noticed that through the support of the wellbeing team that many students that I had not heard from for some time were logging on and completing activities. The relentless support and checking in over time from staff all over the school had allowed for families and students alike to make sure learning was a part of their everyday routine, even if it wasn’t present on Seesaw and even if their home circumstances were challenging. At the other end of the scale, students who were extremely engaged had been receiving much more specific feedback than before to help push them to think more critically about their learning. Initially many students were taken aback, feeling unsure and their responses were quite limited and required further prompting. However, over time, they have really pushed themselves just as they would in the classroom to use that feedback to engage with their learning. They have more carefully articulated their thinking which has been very promising and exciting to see. I have spoken to more families and students than ever before and it has been wonderful to hear them being receptive to taking on feedback even at the mid-point of our second stint of remote and flexible learning.
Thank you to all 1/2 Gonzalez students and their families for your support and amazing work this term!
MESSAGE FROM THE WELLBEING TEAM
– MINDFULNESS
Mindfulness means slowing down and directing your complete attention towards the present moment.
It is the practice of paying attention, and really focussing on what you are doing. To put it simply, being mindful is the opposite of multitasking or rushing. With regards to children, frequent mindfulness practice can assist them to improve their ability to pay attention, regulate their emotions, make better decisions and develop a positive mindset. Practising mindfulness can be extremely empowering for children.
Almost any activity or task can be completed with a sense of mindfulness. For example; when your child is eating, you could guide them to pay particular attention to the texture and the different flavours of the food that they’re eating.
There are a number of mindfulness activities that your child/ren could do to help them to draw their attention to the present moment, here are some examples below:
Practicing mindfulness can be beneficial to children of all ages. The simple practice of bringing an accepting and mindful attitude to the present moment can assist children to develop curiosity, compassion and empathy. Remember that mindfulness can be fun! To speak with someone from the wellbeing team about any questions, concerns or worries no matter how big or small you can contact
0427 396 895 (school attendance line) or 9743-0633 between 9am and 4pm Monday to Friday. Jenny, Wendy, Tom, Deb, Kathleen, Monique and Dylan (Leadership and Wellbeing Team) You can also contact your child’s teacher via compass who will contact the wellbeing team on your behalf and request that they make contact with you.
FOUNDATION
ENROLMENTS
2021 ARE NOW OPEN
Parents who live within our school’s designated neighbourhood area are invited to enrol their children for Foundation 2021. To be eligible to enrol
for Foundation in 2021 your child must turn 5 years of age by 30th April 2021. You must provide proof of your child’s age by presenting a birth certificate. For students who were born overseas you must present their passport and visa details. Immunisation certificates are also required and may be posted to you on request by calling 1800 653 809 or downloaded from the Medicare website. As the immunisation and birth certificates may take a little time to arrive, we suggest you get organised early and phone for your certificate now.
Please contact the school office on 9743 0633 for information on how to enrol your child for 2021.
MELTON CITY COUNCIL CONNECTOR
HUBS
The COVID-19 crisis has hit many people hard, and figuring out what kind of support is out there, and how to access it, can be pretty daunting. That’s why Melton City Council has established 3 Connector Hubs across the City — in Kurunjang, Aintree and Caroline Springs — to help residents understand the types of support available to them, offer guidance on how to access services, and help everyone stay connected, healthy and informed.
These hubs will provide assistance with accessing food relief and care packages, financial and mental health counselling, job readiness programs, social connection and online learning activities.
Residents can access Connector Hubs support by appointment only, so be sure to call or email your local hub to set up a time to talk to someone.
