Dear mums, dads, carers and colleagues

Story time grows

It is wonderful to see more parents and children taking advantage of the opportunity to enjoy reading together in a warm and inviting environment.  Make story time one of your school routines each morning.

Social media, screen time and our kids

This is a very hot topic at the moment, particularly with the current push for all social media being legally banned for children.  Research shows that social media and on-line gaming negatively affect the mental health of children (and adults).  While the school has no influence on parent decisions in the home, it is important I feel, to explain how school helps children use technology.

• We teach cyber-safety practices each year
• We teach mindfulness and resilience each day at school, from Prep to Year 6
• We currently do not promote homework.  Children do not need screen time at home for school purposes - unless your teachers explain the task.  We use devices at school for learning and it is rare that children will have any free time on school apps
• We have firm expectations at school and children who break IT rules (including messaging, using VPN or using home apps) will have their device blocked for a set period of time.
• We teach children how to be cyber-safe, but it will always require close adult supervision
• We encourage sporting activities and do more PE each week than is required by the Department
• We offer before school fitness and sport training and before school skipping and basketball clubs
• We encourage cultural activities, like our musical or instrumental programs, to build creativity in young minds
• We offer after school chess, and before school reading and lego clubs
• Our OSHC will not use devices.  Instead they offer a multitude of enjoyable activities each day, morning and afternoon.

Your children need you to teach them about what you expect with their online behaviour and how these expectations reflect your family values and communtiy expectations.

Our world is saturated with technology and we all need to learn how to live successfully with it.  Our children are extremely vulnerable so I implore you to reduce or remove social media, gaming and excessive screen time at home and enjoy face to face activities instead.  

Great resources for parents:

Parent tips on screen time:  How much is too much?

eSafety for kids:  Advice for parents

School's Kokoda Challenge is tomorrow

Good luck to our Kokoda teams this weekend when they compete at the School's Kokoda Challenge in Brisbane.  The squad has trained each week and has come together every Saturday fortnight for big training sessions. 

I went to Brisbane this afternoon to collect our race packs and set up our tent.  Thank you to our staff team (Ms McLean, Mrs Broy, Mr Ken, Mr Pryce and Mrs Barnes and Mrs McMurtrie) for their continued support.  We are all excited to compete tomorrow - bring it on!

Revised Diamond process has started (Years 3-6)

Students in Years 3-6 are able to challenge their character, citizenship and collaboration virtues to be recognised as 'Diamond' level at our school.  Teachers help every student in their class to set goals to develop their skills, attitudes and values and develop both a growth mindset and 'above the line' problem solving.  Teachers will also support those students whom they believe are ready to apply for Diamond, to make their application.  

Please note that Diamond level and an A on the report card are separate.  An A on a report card does not automatically result in Diamond - as Diamond is really an A+.

More incredible young talent

Congratulations to Sofia on her achievements at the recent Future Stars Dance Competition.  She competed in two solo dances and two duos, earning:

• 1st place for her Hip Hop Duo
• 2nd place for her new Song & Dance Solo
• 2nd place for her Jazz Duo
• 3rd place for her new Acro Solo

What a superb achievement.

Kind regards

Vic