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Message - Deputy Principal (Inclusive Education - Learning Adjustment Leader)
Dear Families,
Welcome to Week 10. Where has the term gone? From going through a period of remote learning to the opportunity for our senior students to attend three days in the gorgeous hills of Gippsland, there has certainly been some diversity for our students.
During these different periods of time, our students learn a lot about themselves as learners and their ability to cope with new situations. We have heard much in the media over the last year about strengths and challenges of remote learning but what about camps?
Melbourne Child Psychology and School Psychology Services in Port Melbourne has published an article on the benefits of sending our students on camp.
Camp is part of the school curriculum. Some schools say going to camp is compulsory, but in reality, parents have the last word on deciding whether or not their child will attend camp.
School camp is a fantastic opportunity for children to develop new skills, friendships and interests.
The benefits of school camp are numerous, here are our top five:
1. Development of social skills
School camp is a great opportunity to develop a range of social skills. Most activities at camp involve team work, which is great to strengthen established friendships and also to develop new friendships by connecting with children they don’t regularly talk with at school.
Through bonding activities, children develop supportive relationships not only with different children, but also with their teachers. At camp, children have the opportunity to learn about acceptance, caring and understanding.
2. Development of independence skills
For many children school camp is their first time away from family and home for a few nights. Parents are not there to remind their kids to eat their vegetables, brush their teeth, or to have a shower.
Therefore, this is a great opportunity for kids to grow up by learning how to take care of themselves and to do things on their own. Most kids do rise to the challenge and learn to rely on themselves when they spend time away home.
3. Development of decision-making skills
Should I go with my friends or should I do the activity I really want to do? Should I have the third slice of pizza? Should I stay up or go to bed? Supervising teachers are not able to hover over each child all the time, so at camp, children are responsible for making more of their own choices.
4. Increased environmental awareness
During camp, children are exposed to authentic nature-based experiences. Hands-on activities in the outdoors stimulate all senses and facilitate learning. Children become more aware of the environment, develop outdoor skills and appreciation for nature.
5. Learning new skills
At school camp, children will be exposed to a range of activities that they may not have tried before. When away from their parents, children are often more adventurous and willing to try new things. (2021).
I hope everyone has a wonderful, relaxing and safe break with your family and friends. We look forward to welcoming you all back for a successful Term 3.
Prayer & Gratitude
Most people have an innate tendency to be thankful. We teach our children to be polite and thank people when the need arises. Around the world in every culture, there is a built-in part of the human psyche that compels us to show gratitude. Scientists, psychologists and wellness experts are starting to realise the biological changes that happen in the body when a human being expresses true gratitude. You may have heard of the recent trend to do daily gratitude journals or make it part of a meditation. It’s clearly good for the soul.
This is where ancient wisdom wins again. Prayer has been part of our tradition for thousands of years and only now is there a scientific explanation for it’s healing power. Here’s another St Thomas moment - until we see or touch it, do we understand something! In the Catholic tradition, we have had gratitude as part of our prayer experience. It’s part of the Prayers of the Faithful at Mass and Prayer Services. And it is beneficial for the person doing the praying as well as the recipient of the prayer. God is constantly inviting us into relationship with Him and part of that is being thankful for this relationship and our life here on earth.
I am truly grateful for the experience I had on camp with the senior students, and I’m sure the students are grateful for the leadership and support they received from their teachers too. The camp experience is made possible due to the Holy Spirit working through these people who made it possible.
The important point here is that gratitude only manifests when you stop to be mindful about our opportunities and gifts. It’s when you can stop to think specifically about the aspects of this extraordinary life we are given.
Thursday June 24 |
Last day of school term |
Friday June 25 |
School Closure Day Cofirmation Mass 1 - 7:30pm |
Saturday June 26 |
Confirmation Mass 2 - 11am Confirmation Mass 3 - 7:30pm |
Saturday July 3 | St Thomas the Apostle Feast Day |
Monday July 12 | Term 3 begins |
Basketball court cover
The plans for our court cover are moving forward. During the school holidays the footings will be placed in. Then in mid-late August the basketball courts will be temporarily fenced off for 2 weeks while the frame and cover are installed. We hope to have shelter for rain and sun by the end of August!
Parent Notified Absences (PAM)
Parents should notify the school of any absence by 9.00am. This can be done via PAM or alternatively by contacting the school by phone.
Holidays
If families are wanting to take a holiday during term time a holiday request form must be completed and emailed to principal@cranbourneeast.catholic.edu.au. Forms are available online via PAM or on request can be emailed.
Uniform Reminders
Winter Uniform will be required to be worn from Term 2. Uniforms can be purchased from PSW located in Hampton Park.
NB: We have a number of unnamed items in lost property. Please clearly label your child's items of clothing so they can be returned to your child if handed to lost property.
Illness
Dear Parents
If your child is unwell, has a fever or has been vomiting or have had gastroenteritis, they must stay at home until they are symptom free for 24 hours. If they are not completely symptom free eg: runny nose, cough they will need a medical certificate to confirm they have recovered and are not contagious in order to attend school.
Change of Clothing (Foundation – Junior students)
Accidents happen, from muddy puddles to tummy troubles; there may come a time when your child needs a change of clothes. Please ensure your child has a spare set of clothing in
their bags at all times in the event they are needed.
Bread Bag and Tag Recycling Program
Our school is participating in a bread bag and tag recycling program. Every bread bag and tag that is collected and brought into the office by July 16th will be used to purchase new sporting equipment for our school. The bread bags and tags can be any brand and can be dropped off in the boxes located in the office.