Friday, 9th August, 2024

From the Principal...

School Gospel Value - Love

Love motivated the care provided to the old and the young by Victoire Larmenier.

Let your love for each other be real and from the heart. (1 Peter 1:22)

Unselfish concern for the good of others is shown through patience, kindness, trust, hope, endurance, truth and a strong 

NAVIGATING THE SCHOOL PLAYGROUND

As we navigate the world of childhood development, it's important to recognise that social interactions on the playground can sometimes present challenges. These social issues—such as conflicts, disagreements, or instances of exclusion—are a normal and expected part of growing up. They are opportunities for children to learn crucial life skills, including empathy, communication, and problem-solving.

Playgrounds are dynamic environments where children test boundaries, form relationships, and develop social skills. While these interactions are natural, they can occasionally lead to situations that might concern us as parents and educators. It’s important to remember that these experiences are part of the learning process and help children build resilience and understanding.

To support our children through these experiences, we are actively working to create a positive and inclusive playground environment. Our efforts include:

Encouraging Positive Behavior: Implementing programs, such as UR Strong, and activities that promote cooperation and respect.

Providing Support: Offering guidance and support to children who may need help navigating social interactions. Teachers, TA’s, the School Counsellor, Pastoral Care and Wellbeing Team and the Leadership Team can help children with this.

Providing Time Out Space: Offering the library as a quiet space to utilise at recess and lunch. It is also a space to play games and develop social skills.

Fostering Communication: Creating open channels for children to express their feelings and resolve conflicts in a constructive manner by using our UR Strong program or facilitating restorative justice conversations.

We believe that with the right support and strategies, these challenges can lead to significant personal growth and stronger social skills. Our goal is to work together with you to ensure that every child feels safe, valued, and heard.

DISCUSSING SOCIAL MEDIA WITH YOUR CHILD

In our increasingly digital world, social media plays a significant role in the lives of our children. It offers many opportunities for connection and creativity but also presents unique challenges and risks. As part of our commitment to supporting our students' well-being, we encourage you to have open and honest conversations with your child about their social media use.

Here are some key points to consider when discussing social media with your child:

1. Understanding Usage: Ask your child about their favourite platforms and how they use them. This will give you insight into their online habits and the types of content they interact with.
2. Setting Boundaries: Discuss and establish guidelines for appropriate use of social media, including time limits and privacy settings. It's important to balance screen time with other activities.
3. Online Safety: Talk about the importance of protecting personal information and recognising online dangers, including inappropriate content. Encourage them to come to you if they encounter anything troubling.
4. Positive Digital Footprint: Emphasize the significance of maintaining a positive online presence. Discuss how posts, comments, and photos can impact their reputation and future opportunities.
5. Emotional Impact: Help your child understand the potential emotional effects of social media, including the impact of comparisons and online interactions on self-esteem. 

By fostering an open dialogue about social media, you can help your child navigate this digital landscape safely and confidently. Your support and guidance are crucial in helping them make informed choices and develop healthy online habits.

The e-Safety website provides a wide range of information and resources for educators and parents. 

TELL ME MORE ABOUT…

Wellbeing Support

At Larmenier Catholic School, we place great value on the work that Teacher Assistants do and they form an integral part of the education we provide. As such, we direct a significant amount of our resourcing into TA’s and we have a large number of Teacher Assistants on staff. Ta’s not only support learning but also support students with social and emotional needs. 

PARENT LINK

Parent Link is an ongoing feature of the newsletter. It is an opportunity to identify areas or features of the school that you want to know more about, ask a question or put forward suggestions. These items can then be addressed and answered in the fortnightly newsletter in the ‘Tell Me More About’ section (as above). 

DID YOU KNOW?

Did you know we have fee assistance available? If you hold a concession/health care card you may be eligible for fee assistance. Please contact the office for more information.

Kind regards,

Niccola Pearce

PRINCIPAL

Dates to Remember ...

AUGUST 

• 9th - National Book Lover's Day
• 19th - 23rd - Book Week, Reading is Magic!
• 29th - Father's Day Breakfast

SEPTEMBER 

• 5th - Band Soiree 
• 5th - Grades 2 - 6 Athletics Carnival
• 6th - Gala Day
• 19th - Strings Soiree
• 27th - Show Your Colours Day
• 27th - Disco Night

For more dates & events, have a look at the school calendar

TERM 3 FARM DAYS

• 9th AUG - Grade 6
• 16th AUG - Prep
• 23rd AUG - Grade 1
• 30th AUG - Grade 5
• 6th SEP - Grade 2
• 13th SEP - Grade 3
• 20th SEP - Grade 4

SETUP FOR SUCCESS - BIRTH TO 4 PROGRAM

Every Wednesday from 9:00am - 10:30am in the Kinder classroom.

Bring a drink and a healthy snack.

Everyone welcome!

In Grade 2 This Week ...

In Grade 2 we have been learning about Baptism and have written our prayers of thanks. Students have taken turns at offering their prayers during daily prayer sessions and we have made a lovely display in our room.

Last Week in Grade 1 ...

Grade 1's took the goats over to Mount Esk to visit our buddies.  They all enjoyed their time in the sun! 
We also went to the Chapel at Mount Esk for Mass.  We spoke about the important people in our lives and how to help them. 

Father's Day Breakfast

We will be holding our breakfast for our dad's, and all the special men in our lives, on Thursday 29th August @ 8am. Please RSVP before Thursday 22nd August.

All welcome!

Book Week 2024 - Reading is Magic

This year we are excited to share the 'Magic of Reading' with our school community.  Following is some information about activities that have been planned.
All classes have been invited to decorate their rooms in the theme of their favourite book, one of the shortlisted books, or a book that fits in with the theme of 'Reading is Magic'.
We are holding a competition for students, 'Reading in Unusual Places' as per the attached flyer.  We look forward to receiving some imaginative entries.
We will have an afternoon where parents/carers will be invited into the school to share stories with their children.
Guest readers will be invited to share stories during library lessons.

Book Week Activities