Easter Sunday is just around the corner, and what better way to prepare than to attend tomorrow mornings presentation of Stations of the Cross. Presented by our students, the stations commemorate Jesus's passion and death on the cross. Each class will present a number of stations that depict a moment on Jesus journey to Calvary, through performances, prayers and reflections.

I invite all to join us at 9:00 am to reflect upon the event that lies at the heart of Christianity – Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection.

On our return to school on Wednesday 26 April, there will be a short reflection on Jesus' Resurrection on Easter Sunday morning. All are welcome to join us at 9:00 am in prayer to commence the new term.

In celebrating Jesus resurrection on Easer Sunday, students will also receive a small Cadbury Easter Egg. If you DO NOT wish your child to receive a chocolate egg, please contact me on principal@sbflemington.catholic.edu and I will provide your child a piece of fruit.

Our Student Leaders will play a role in the ANZAC Day Dawn Service at Flemington / Kensington Cenotaph, located opposite Woolworths in Racecourse Rd. On our behalf, they will lay a wreath during the dawn service.

We invite other interested families to join us in this community commemoration.

Statistics tell us that the average child spends just over three hours of every typical day on an electronic computer device. These statistics escalate over the school holiday period with some children playing on devices for more than eight hours a day. Whilst a break of routine means pressure on parents to fill in more time each day, with ipad addiction on the rise it’s good to mix it up so kids aren’t relying on electronic devices just to get them through a long and boring day. With a little bit of structure, effort and persistence you can help your child break free of ipad addiction and embrace all the other wonderful things the world has to offer.

1. Store it in a high cupboard

Have a storage spot out of the way for the ipad so it’s not always accessible. You then decide on when your child can play and he or she will need to go via you when they want to play. If it’s not right in front of them, it’s harder to play.

2. Model technology-free behaviour

Show your child it’s cool to be independent from technology. Of course you can keep your phone or laptop handy if you need to receive work messages and emails, but make an effort to put your phone and computer away when it’s not necessary. Send a clear message that it’s ok to have hours in the day not glued to an electronic device. This goes for BOTH parents.

3. Stick to a routine

A lot of kids struggle with the change to their daily patterns in the holidays. They become “lost” and “bored”. At the beginning of each holiday week, sit down and plan the week’s activities. Factor in playdates, outdoor activities and indoor activities such as cooking or craft. These are mostly free or with minimal costs. The routine does not have to be strict, but factor in one “special” activity per day that gives your child a sense of normality and something to look forward to besides the ipad. The added bonus is that this will improve their other skills; social skills, fine and gross motor skills, creativity and fitness as an added bonus.

4. Have a checklist of things that need to be done before screen time each day.

I like this one as a model, but feel free to make your own.

5. Make screen time a treat

Factor in an indulgent afternoon; especially good for a rainy day or when you need to get something done. Of course it’s ok for your child to spend a couple of hours on the computer every so often as a treat, just not every day. Help your child to understand the difference between enjoying the ipad on occasion and using it as a constant source of amusement.

6. Get Community-minded

Take advantage of what’s available in your area and beyond. Check out your local council… most have free activities during the school holidays. Take a trip to the local library, volunteer in the community garden, visit an art gallery or museum. These activities are stimulating and give the child a sense of being part of a community. This is a good alternative to online gaming “communities” some children belong to, which are not safe or socially fulfilling.

7. Let everyone know the drill

Make sure the entire household and other environments your child spends time in are all behind the new changes in electronic behaviour. Avoid playdates at houses where computers are the focus or speak to the friend’s parents, let Grandma know there are limits on screen time and make sure the same rules apply for all siblings in the house and that both parents are consistent in their approach as much as possible.

It’s not easy making new habits and some kids will experience withdrawals from being separated from their electronics. This will spill over into emotional behaviour; anger, tantrums, tears, blame and accusation. Yep, it’s not fun for any parent, but anything worthwhile never came easy! The best strategy is not to buy into negative behaviour and simply walk away without engaging, leaving your child to sort themselves out and find something else to do. Stick to your guns as much as you can in the face of resistance, and if you do have a moment of weakness and relent, get back on the bike again tomorrow and re-establish your control. Any day with time spent away from electronic devices will help break the bond and benefit your child. With consistency it WILL get easier!

Steve Dalton

Student Wellbeing Leader

On Tuesday 4th April your child took home a form from the Australian Dental Health Team. This service is planning to visit our school in the week of Monday 22nd May, 2023.

Australian Dental Health VIC is an Independent Initiative providing all school students dental treatment beyond the Medicare eligibility criteria, meaning all students are able to participate. ADHV is an independent, stand-alone company that can see both non-eligible children alongside those who are eligible. The organisation runs on its own accord to ensure all children across the board are receiving vital treatment.

Oral Health Diseases disadvantage Australian Children across all states. The status of oral health is a significant reflection of children’s overall health and well being. Enabling children to maintain a healthy mouth allows children to speak, eat and socially develop with confidence. Not having to wait for treatment, is the impact that Australian Dental Health aim to develop.

The focus is on the finest quality dental treatment while making it fun, positive and memorable. The vans are fitted out with state of the art equipment and include entertainment systems to provide a stress-free environment for kids of all ages.

We encourage you all to take advantage of this free initiative. Please return the form to your child’s classroom teacher by Friday 28th April, 2023.

Sincerely,

Steve Dalton

Student Wellbeing Leader

In recent weeks we have noticed students bringing along 'energy' drinks to their sporting events. We strongly encourage all families and caregivers to read the labels carefully before purchasing and providing these drinks to their children.

There is a Prime drinks were introduced to Australia earlier this year with the sports drink's popularity immediately skyrocketing. Young people have been flooding supermarkets, trying to purchase the drink, with stocks quickly selling out. Despite not being available in stores in Australia, Prime Energy is reportedly being bought by young Australians through online sellers. Some retailers and consumers are also taking advantage of the scarcity and hype by selling the drinks at a higher price. One 500ml bottle of Prime Hydration, which retails for $4.50 in some stores, was listed on online marketplaces for about $20. Prime Energy contains a massive amount of caffeine. You won’t find the caffeinated option in stores in Australia because its caffeine levels exceed legal limits.

The consumption of highly caffeinated drinks have a range of physiological and cognitive effects, including insomnia, increased breathing and heart rate, and restlessness. On the back label of these products it says it's not suitable for children under the age of 15, pregnant or breastfeeding women. These and other energy drinks are not to be brought to school. Water is the best and cheapest option.

Steve Dalton

Student Wellbeing Leader

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS TO DATE!

On a daily basis, our students and staff have been placing food into the Parish Pantry located outside the Church. The food items have been gratefully collected and enjoyed by Flemington community members.

Thank you for your collective generous support.

I may be contacted on principal@sbflemington.catholic.edu.au

Best wishes,

Peter