Newsletter Term 3 Week 8

Principal's Message

Dear Parents and Families,

The assembly area was an array of colour and full of excited children as we gathered for our annual Book Week Parade on Friday. I am always so  impressed at the creativity and the effort that goes into producing so many amazing and original outfits. Not to be outdone, the staff certainly got into the spirit of things with everything from Fly Guys to the Three Little Pigs on parade! It was wonderful to see so many families there to celebrate the event with us. 

Thank you to Lisa in the library who makes the lead up to Book Week and the parade such a special one for the students.

The weather was perfect and the students were definitely very excited to participate in this very popular school event!  Everyone had a fantastic day at the senior sports so thank you to Mr Smith, the staff and parent helpers for making this such a successful day. Next Thursday  September 7th,  we will do it all over again, with our Junior Athletics Day happening here at school. 

Parent Teacher Interviews
This Wednesday 30/8 and next Tuesday 5/9  have been set aside for staff to conduct our second round of  Parent/Teacher Interviews. It has been terrific to see so many parents booking in and it is not too late to book in over the next few days! These interviews are a great opportunity for all parents to book a time to spend with your child’s teacher and all families are strongly encouraged to attend. Our Year 5 & 6 students will participate in Student Led Conferences while our Year 1-4 students will run 3 Way Chats with both parents and their children required to attend. Foundation interviews remain a more traditional Parent-Teacher style interview. Please ring the office if you have any issues with making a booking.

Bookings to be made via www.schoolinterviews.com.au
Code: 85yx5

Father’s and Special Friends Celebrations
Last year there were dads shooting baskets, showing off their footy skills, hanging in the sandpit and enjoying the playgrounds with their children and this year it's sure to be even bigger and better!  This  Friday 1st  September, we are holding a special event to  celebrate all of the Dads and special male figures in the lives of our students. Come along between 10.30-11.30 to see your child in action in the classroom and hear all about what they are learning before spending some time with them on the yard at recess. We look forward to seeing you there.

Junior Hub Update
It was almost 12 months ago when I announced we had appointed Condely Constructions to build our junior hub.Things are really starting to take shape and we expect to move into the hub in October this year.The junior hub will provide 8 contemporary classrooms which offer flexible working areas and which all open into a large internal learning street. Exciting times ahead!

I will be on leave from Monday 4th September until Friday 7th October. In my absence Mr Jason Perry will be Acting Principal and our Senior Leadership Team will be taking on some of Mr Perry’s normal duties. I have every confidence the school will be in good hands and am very appreciative that Jason and our Leadership Team have enabled me to spend some time away with my family.

I hope the week ahead is a good one for you and your loved ones and that our Dads and caregivers have a lovely day on Sunday,

Kate

"Never See a Need Without Doing Something About It"
Mary MacKillop - Sisters of St Joseph Foundress

Key Dates

Wednesday August 30th
Parent Teacher Interviews
Friday September 1st
Father's Day Event
No Assembly
Tuesday August 5th
Parent Teacher Interviews
Thursday August 7th
Junior Athletics (Foundation - Year 2)
Friday August 8th
Assembly - Foundation Blue 12.25pm
State Netball Finals

Wellbeing with Mr Prockter

In accordance with Child Safe Standard 9: Physical and online environments

The Vital Importance of Disconnecting from Your Phone and Being Present with Kids

In today’s fast-paced and digitally connected world, the allure of our smartphones and constant connectivity has become all-encompassing. While these devices offer unparalleled convenience and access to information, they also have a significant impact on our ability to be fully present in our offline lives, particularly when it comes to spending quality time with our children. The need to disconnect from our phones and be fully present with our kids is paramount, as it shapes not only their development but also the nature of our relationships with them.

Quality Over Quantity:
In an era where it’s easy to get lost in a sea of notifications and updates, it’s crucial to remember that the quantity of time we spend with our children isn’t as important as the quality of that time. Engaging in meaningful conversations, sharing experiences, and giving undivided attention fosters emotional bonding and nurtures a strong parent-child connection. This connection lays the foundation for trust, communication, and open dialogue as children grow.

The Impact on Child Development:
Children are sponges for attention and affection, and they learn and develop through interactions with their parents and caregivers. When we prioritize our phones over these interactions, we inadvertently limit their exposure to essential emotional cues, nonverbal communication, and social skills. Face-to-face interactions provide children with valuable learning opportunities, allowing them to develop empathy, emotional intelligence, and a sense of security.

Setting a Healthy Example:
As role models, parents play a pivotal role in shaping their children’s behavior and habits. Constantly being glued to our screens sends a powerful message about what we prioritize. By demonstrating the importance of setting boundaries with technology and engaging in tech-free moments, we teach our children how to find balance in their own lives, fostering healthier relationships with screens and promoting face-to-face interactions.

Unplugging for Mental Health:
Excessive screen time can take a toll on our mental well-being, leading to feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and disconnection. The same holds true for children. Spending quality, device-free time together allows everyone to recharge, reduce stress, and focus on the present moment. Engaging in outdoor activities, games, and creative endeavors can have a positive impact on mental health, promoting mindfulness and strengthening family bonds.

Creating Lasting Memories:
Childhood memories are often centered around shared experiences with loved ones. By disconnecting from our devices and being fully present with our kids, we create memories that will last a lifetime. These moments of laughter, exploration, and discovery become stories that are cherished and retold, binding families together across generations.

Practical Steps:
Disconnecting from our phones and being present with our kids doesn’t mean abandoning technology altogether. Instead, it involves setting clear boundaries and designating tech-free times or spaces, such as family dinners or outings.

In conclusion, the importance of disconnecting from our phones and being present with our children cannot be overstated. As parents, we have a unique opportunity to shape our children’s lives and contribute to their well-being. By fostering genuine connections, promoting healthy tech habits, and prioritizing quality time, we not only nurture our children’s development but also create a legacy of cherished memories that will endure for years to come. 

Have a great week everyone! GO PIES!! 
Mr Prockter

St Mary's Stars

RE with Mrs Davies

Father James Anniversary – 10 Years a Priest! 
Mark your calendars! North East Holy Family Parish is looking forward to celebrating Father James’s milestone anniversary with a party in our Parish Function Centre after the 10.30am Mass in Swan Hill, on Sunday 10th September. All parishioners and our school community across Holy Family North East Mallee are welcome and encouraged to attend. There will be drinks and speeches immediately after Mass, with lunch, dessert and music to follow.

In order to ensure we are able to appropriately celebrate this joyous occasion, your support is most welcomed. We invite you to forward any photos or words of ‘Why we love Father James’, or other short snippets or reflections (or any queries or offers to contribute/help) to Teresa O’Brien by the end of August: teresaobrien0409@gmail.com; or (mob) 0437 440 971. There will be an opportunity to sign a card and contribute towards a gift on the day, or after Masses the weekend before.

PE with Mr Smith

Senior Athletics
The Senior Athletics took place last Friday down at Ken Harrison Reserve.  It was great to see all the children trying their best at all of the events and really enjoying the day!  Many thanks must go to all of the parent helpers who made the day run so smoothly. Without your assistance days like this can go ahead. Finally thanks to the Swan Hill Little Athletics Club for letting us use their facilities, equipment and marquees, it was great use on the day with the weather. The overall results are as follows;

Overall Winners
1st - Wombats Agg 14.82
2nd - Bunyips Agg 14.33
3rd - Bandicoots Agg 14.11
4th - Dingoes 13.93

Individual award winners will be presented at Assembly on Friday September 8th.  Parents will be notified if their child is receiving an award via email from their classroom teacher.

Junior Athletics
On Thursday, September 7th 2023, the Junior Athletics will be held here at St Mary’s on the oval.  Information in regards to this has been sent out via PAM.  Much similar to the Senior Athletics, many hands make light work so if you are willing to help out for the day either register via PAM or feel free to send me an email with a time slot that suits you.  Thank you to those who have already signed up as a helper.  It is greatly appreciated. 

@2 Murlong Before & After School Care

The Out of School Hours Care program, @ 2 Murlong, is operating out of the gym hub and provides before and after school care for school age children in the Swan Hill area. Please express your interest via the following link;

https://prodadmin.myxplor.com/enrollment/index/dHdBOThsSW9JeHUxYTEwaHNxZlMrdz0

News from the Office

Breakfast Club Donations
Breaky Club is kindly asking for donations of Jam. These can be left at the office.

School Beanies
The mornings are still cool and we still have Beanies available! Purchase on CDF Pay for $15.00.

Rapid Antigen Tests
We have excess supply of Rapid Antigen Tests available for families. You can collect test kits from the office between 8.30am and 4pm. 

News from the Canteen

Ordering from our canteen for recess or lunch is online via CDF Pay
https://smswanhill.cdfpay.org.au/
Orders are to be placed by 9.30am. We recommend ordering the night before.

If you are able to help in the canteen on any of the dates in yellow, please contact the office on 50332541 or email office@smswanhill.catholic.edu.au

We need your help to fill the Term 3 roster!!!

Birthday Wishes

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