From the Principal's Desk
Dear Parents/Carers,
As I begin to draft the second newsletter for the year I am mindful and reflective about the first month of school. Kindergarten has settled in remarkably well. Routines for all grades are established and hopefully the same is happening at home. I am constantly reminded how busy a teacher's life is when they return to school. On average they attend at least two meetings every week outside of the regular school hours. In addition, they begin to assess the students, reflect on learning needs, adjust their teaching program accordingly and take on additional responsibilities (Mini Vinnies, Garden Club, preparation for sporting events etc). I look at their commitment to their work and your children with the greatest admiration. In addition, we have had our first whole school liturgy where the school captains and student leaders were presented with their badges. The captains were also presented with their blazers, needed when attending formal functions, representing the school. They are so excited about their sense of service to the students and school community. I need to congratulate them on their start to a leadership journey that I am expecting to continue well beyond St Paul’s. They will bring a strong sense of belonging to the other students at St Paul’s, which through their influence will offer the children some community which is welcoming and stable in a very complex world beyond the school gate. Bonding of students occurs when they experience an affinity for the school as a place where they are recognised as people and feel linked with others. A significant part of the student leaders' work is to offer support and affirmation for each little person at St Paul’s. The student leaders will come to learn that their presence in the school community is significant to the group and they have a real contribution to make to its growth.
A sense of belonging for our students is naturally nurtured most by the staff and you, the parents. I am very much aware of how my speech patterns with children should reflect respect for the child and allow the child psychological space for response. I try to model this to staff and the students and this is critical in building nurturing relationships. My tongue may be healing or hurting and this is a huge responsibility. Maybe there is something here for all of us to reflect on, especially as we begin a new year. The questions below you may find helpful, they have been to me personally.
Do I speak to the situation or the child’s character?
How do I express disappointment or anger with the children?
How conscious am I of the power of the non-verbals I’m using?
Do I acknowledge what the child has said?
Do I invite co - operation in my speech?
Do I use sarcasm?
Do I just be dismissive with the child and not take them seriously?
Go gently,
Michael Reardon
Principal
Parent Volunteer Orientation
Any parent who wishes to support students in the classrooms during group work, or as helpers at any sporting event or excursion, must complete our parent/carers volunteer orientation. We keep a list of parents who have attended and they remain valid for two years. We have a list at the school of parents who are still current. If you are not sure whether your volunteer status is current, please call the school and we can inform you.
In the past I have run Volunteer Orientation sessions during the day and evening for parents and carers. We always seem to have the need to run additional sessions because parents have missed the sessions. To make it easier on your time as well as my time, we have created an electronic orientation session. It will require parents to dedicate an hour to viewing and completing the activities required. At the end of the session there is a small set of multiple choice questions, once completed by you, finalise your status to be a volunteer. The presentation slides have a voice over by Mrs Hatter, Mrs Brunetta and I as we cover the content of managing student behaviour and Child Protection. This gives greater flexibility to parents as to when they complete the volunteer’s Orientation.
Once the course is completed and your working with children check provided and approved, your status as a volunteer is electronically recorded on our database.
Today we will send out to all parents, through compass, the link to the Volunteers Orientation and I encourage all parents and carers who wish to be a volunteer, to complete the course. If you have difficulty accessing the course please inform the office to quickly remedy this situation.
Principal Awards
Congratulations to the following students who have recently received a Principal Award.
Cameron Grech, Massimo Costa, Alyssa Marra, Phoenix Leetch, Jai Reuben, Florence Sartor, Scarlett Daly, Jett Wisby, Pasquale Oliva, Parker King, Oliver Lawrence, Kiera Cassone, Olivia Puckrin.
