Week 5, Term 3 2024

“The steps of a man are established by the Lord and he delights in His way. When he falls, he will not be cast down, because the Lord is the one who holds his hand.”

Ps. 37:23-24

We are inundated by news stories all day through our phones, television, radio, newspapers, magazines, and the Internet that seeing and hearing about local and world events, such as natural disasters, catastrophic events, and crime reports almost have become a normality. Every day new tragic stories of loss and hardship appear.

I watch and listen to these stories and imagine the real people behind them. People who are loved, people who have mums and a dads that love deeply, brothers and sisters, grandparents, family and friends. I hear the stories, and I try to relate to the pain, the hurt and grieve, because I know deep down, this could happen to any of us.

On this year’s Father’s Day I think of every dad who longs to protect his child, who longs to cover them in the safety of his presence but is unable to do so for whatever reason.

Would your father do or have done anything to save you?

Hopefully he would. Most fathers would do anything for their child. Fathers are brave and bold and strong. Fathers are loving, compassionate and kind. Fathers are faithful. Fathers are warriors who know where real strength is found. Fathers are powerful in the lives of kids. Fathers have hero status. Fathers are their children’s solid foundation.

As I watch the news this week, I am reminded how truly precious life is. How we need to make every moment count. And although we’re not guaranteed a tomorrow, God has given us today. This day. Today I pray for God’s mighty blessing and strength to rest on all dads this Fathers’ Day, and every day, as they seek to love well, live wisely and walk strong as they raise our children.

As we reach the midpoint of term 3, our school community has been bustling with vibrant celebrations and learning experiences. We've honoured the Feast Day of Mary MacKillop and the Assumption of Mary, reminding us of the deep roots of faith that guide our journey. Science Week brought an exciting presentation from our Youth Environmental Leaders (YEL), who educated all classes on the Regent parrot, emphasising the vital role we play in protecting this beautiful native species in our local environment. Book Week was a hit, with students enjoying visits to the Berri Barmera Library, Book character dress up day, Book Week assembly and the thrill of a new 'Mystery Guest' reading a different book each day. This week our school's choir combined with choirs from other schools to perform at the Riverland Primary Schools Music Festival at the Chaffey Theatre. All these events have enriched our students' understanding and connection to both their faith and the world around them.

The first half of term 3 has brought with it a wave of sickness that has affected both students and staff alike. While we always strive to keep changes to a minimum for our students, there are times when adjustments become necessary, especially when staff are unwell. We appreciate your understanding and patience as we navigate these challenges, ensuring that our students continue their learning and receive the best care and support, even during periods of disruption.

During weeks 5 and 6, we are conducting a Classroom Pulse Check survey across all classes as part of our commitment to supporting the well-being and growth of every student. This simple survey is designed to "check in" with our students and measure how they are feeling in their school environment. By gathering insights into their social, emotional, and learning experiences, we can better understand their needs and provide the necessary support to ensure they can continue to thrive.

Today is the final day to complete the Living Learning Leading (LLL) survey, and we strongly encourage all families to participate. Details on how to access the survey were sent out in a Seesaw message earlier this term. This is a valuable opportunity for you to have a voice in shaping the future of our school, helping us better meet the needs of our students and families.

In recent years, our completion rate for this survey has been low, which raises concerns about the accuracy of the data we rely on. Your feedback is crucial in ensuring that we continue to improve and provide the best possible educational experience for your children. The survey takes only 3-5 minutes to complete and offers us invaluable insights on a range of topics. Please take this chance to contribute and help us make meaningful improvements. The survey is open until the end of today, August 23, so don't miss out on this opportunity to share your thoughts.

Next weekend, on Father's Day, we will celebrate the 70th birthday of our school with balloons and a special birthday cake! Everyone is warmly invited to join us for mass at 12 noon, followed by lunch and a slice of cake. It promises to be a joyful occasion for our entire community. If your children would like to participate in one of the many roles available during the mass, it's not too late to give your permission for them to take part. We look forward to celebrating this milestone together!

The new school uniform items have started arriving, and it’s been wonderful to see students already wearing them. Both the dress and the shirt of the formal uniform have received much positive feedback. To accommodate the diverse needs of our students, we’ve added three larger sizes to the uniform range, which are expected to be available later this year. While the projected timeline for these larger sizes is October, please note that this may be subject to change. We understand that many families are feeling the strain of the rising cost of living, and new uniforms may be an unaffordable luxury for some. Please know that we are here to help and encourage you to come and speak with us if you need assistance.

As we look ahead to the coming weeks, our students have many exciting learning experiences to look forward to. The Year 3/4 Hotshots Tennis Carnival in Barmera, a special cricket session, the St Vincent de Paul Sleep Out, our Colour Run fundraiser, and Sports Day are just a few of the events that will engage and inspire our students. These exciting opportunities happen alongside the everyday learning in our classrooms, where our students continue to grow and thrive. We’re excited for the learning, growth, and fun that lie ahead and look forward to sharing these moments with our school community.

Finally, I’d like to wish all fathers and male role models in our lives a very happy Father’s Day on September 1.

Nanda de Winter

Principal

The Importance of Sleep for Primary School Children

Ensuring your child gets enough quality sleep is crucial for their overall well-being and academic success. Sleep helps children concentrate, remember things, manage emotions, and behave well—key factors in effective learning. Additionally, good sleep strengthens the immune system, reducing the risk of illness.

Sleep Needs and Patterns

Children aged 5-11 years typically need 9-11 hours of sleep each night. For example, if your child wakes up at 7 am, aiming for a 9 pm bedtime ensures they get enough rest. While some children fall asleep quickly, others may take up to 20 minutes to settle into a deep sleep. Most deep sleep occurs in the early part of the night, with more dreaming happening later.

Tips for a Good Night’s Sleep

• Establish a Bedtime Routine

A consistent bedtime routine helps your child wind down from the day. A sample routine might look like this:

6:45 pm: Put on pyjamas, brush teeth, and use the toilet.

7:15 pm: Quiet time with a book or chat.

7:30 pm: Lights out.

• Encourage Relaxation

Help your child relax before bed by incorporating calming activities, such as reading a story, listening to gentle music, or taking a warm bath.

Healthy Habits for Better Sleep

• Maintain regular sleep and wake times, even on weekends.
• Turn off screens at least an hour before bed.
• Ensure the bedroom is quiet and dimly lit.
• Encourage plenty of natural light exposure during the day.

By prioritising good sleep habits, you’re setting your child up for success both in and out of the classroom.