IMPORTANT DATES:

· Monday 17 July - Start Term 3 – All students start

· Wed 19 July - School Photo Day

· Thursday 20 July - Confirmation Retreat – Year 6

· Friday 21 July - Catholic Performing Arts (Bible Reading)

· Tuesday 25 July - CPSSA Cross Country

· Wed 26 July - BRLA Practice Test – Year 5

· Thursday 27 July - BRLA Practice Test – Year 3

Please note: Dates are subject to change, please also refer to the Term Planner on our Website.

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Last term I was blessed to be part of a pilgrimage so that I could take the time to connect with my faith, culture and personal beliefs. It was such a rewarding experience and I look forward to sharing parts of my journey with the children and staff. I would like to thank Mr Alan Morrison for taking on the role of Principal while I was on leave and doing such a fantastic job of leading our school with the support of Mr Corbett and Miss Peters. I know our school was in great hands and I have returned refreshed and eager to continue leading our school with an amazing and supportive team of staff.

Relationships in a school setting, involving parents, staff, and students, play a vital role in fostering a positive and supportive learning environment. These relationships are essential for the overall growth and success of the students and the school community as a whole.

Positive parent-teacher relationships are crucial for the academic and emotional development of students. When parents and teachers communicate effectively, it allows for a better understanding of a student's strengths, weaknesses, and individual needs.

• Parental Involvement: Engaged parents who are actively involved in their child's education can provide additional support at home and reinforce learning in the classroom.
• Student Progress: Regular communication between parents and teachers enables them to track a student's progress more effectively, identifying areas that may require additional attention.
• Supportive Environment: A strong partnership between parents and teachers creates a supportive and cohesive learning environment for the student.
• Problem-Solving: In case of academic or behavioural challenges, collaborative efforts between parents and teachers can lead to effective problem-solving strategies.
  
  

Teacher-Student Relationships:

The teacher-student relationship is at the heart of effective teaching and learning. When students feel respected, valued, and supported by their teachers, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated in their studies.

• A positive teacher-student relationship contributes to a supportive and inclusive classroom climate where students feel safe to express themselves and ask questions.
• Students are more receptive to learning from teachers they trust and respect, leading to improved academic performance.
• Teachers who build strong connections with their students can provide emotional support, helping students cope with challenges and stress.
• Understanding individual students' needs and learning styles allows teachers to tailor their instructional methods, accordingly, promoting better learning outcomes.
  
  

Overall, strong relationships between parents, staff, and students create a sense of community and shared responsibility for the students' well-being and educational success. When all stakeholders work together collaboratively, the school environment becomes more nurturing, motivating, and conducive to the holistic growth of each student.

Honesty is a fundamental and highly valued virtue in personal, professional, and societal contexts. It holds immense importance for various reasons:

1. Trustworthiness: Honesty builds trust between individuals. When someone consistently speaks the truth and acts with integrity, others can rely on them, fostering strong and meaningful relationships.

2. Integrity: Being honest reflects a person's inner values and principles. It demonstrates that they are committed to doing what is right, even when it is difficult or inconvenient.

3. Credibility and Respect: Honest individuals are respected and held in high regard by others. Their words carry weight, and they are more likely to be seen as credible sources of information.

4. Transparency: Honesty promotes transparency in both personal and professional interactions. Transparent communication helps avoid misunderstandings, conflicts, and hidden agendas.

5. Problem-Solving: Honest discussions lead to more effective problem-solving. When people are open about their concerns, challenges, and mistakes, it becomes easier to find solutions and work collaboratively.

6. Personal Growth: Being honest with oneself allows for self-reflection and personal growth. Acknowledging weaknesses and mistakes opens the door to improvement and development.

7. Authenticity: Honesty allows individuals to be authentic and true to themselves. Pretending to be someone they are not can lead to stress and a lack of fulfillment.

8. Ethical Behaviour: Honesty is a cornerstone of ethical behaviour. It ensures that people are accountable for their actions and take responsibility for the consequences.

9. Strengthened Bonds: Honest communication fosters stronger connections between individuals, whether in personal relationships, teamwork, or leadership roles.

10. Positive Influence: Honest individuals often serve as positive role models for others. Their actions inspire others to act honestly, creating a ripple effect of integrity in the community.

11. Reduced Stress: Being honest reduces the burden of keeping secrets or telling lies. It leads to a more relaxed and peaceful state of mind.

12. Enhanced Decision-Making: Honest individuals make decisions based on reality and accurate information, leading to more informed and sound choices.

Overall, honesty is a moral and ethical compass that guides individuals and societies toward trust, respect, and growth. While it may not always be the easiest path, the value of honesty in fostering meaningful relationships and promoting a harmonious community is immeasurable.

God Bless you

Paula MacKenzie

Principal

Arriving on time for school ensures that your child doesn't miss out on the important learning activities that happen early in the day when they are most alert. Set your child up for success and make certain he/she arrives to school “On Time. Every Time”.

Why should I arrive for school on time?

· It is important that children arrive in school on time everyday for a number of reasons.

· It is the legal responsibility of parent/carers to ensure that children attend their registered school on time each day.

· If a child is late they miss important information about the days activities.

· A child that is late will miss school work.

· Children that arrive in good time for registration are able to talk to their friends before school and settle into the school day with them.

· A child who is arriving late to school may feel sad, embarrassed or unsettled.

· A child that is late disrupts staff and other children.

Top Tips for being on Time

· establish good bedtime routines so your child has enough sleep, and doesn't struggle to get out of bed in the morning

· invest in a good alarm clock - and engage your child with setting it each evening!

· establish good morning routines

· make sure they have breakfast (or come to our breakfast club at school)

· prepare lunches and snacks the night before

· put out uniform the night before

· pack school bags the night before - you don't want to be searching for musical instruments, books/book bags or PE kit in the morning!

· leave bag and shoes near the front door

· get into the habit of completing home learning in the evening instead of trying to complete at the breakfast table

· keep keys in the same place so they are easy to find

· build in a 'time cushion', leaving home in plenty of time in case of delays in the journey.

If you have any particular challenges or difficulties in arriving on time for school, please talk to your child's class teacher, Mr Alan Morrison (Assistant Principal) or Mr Tony Corbett (Assistant Principal).

This week some lucky Year 2 students got to spend time with Margaret and Brandy reading their favourite books. Story Dogs is a fun and unique reading support program that improves children’s reading and communication skills by children reading to an accredited companion dog and its handler.

Students will spend approximately 20 minutes with the Story Dog Team once per week reading books which are appropriate to their reading level. During the session, the dog will be on its lead at all times and the volunteer will be with the dog and student at all times. The students thoroughly enjoyed this precious time.

Parents, we are here to support you and your children in before and after school hours! We offer a secure, safe and exciting environment for your children to thrive and be a part of a socialized group.

Please note an enrolment form and 1 days' notice is to be given to make your casual bookings for your children.

We are here to help! Enrolment forms are now online https://www.helpinghandsnetwork.com.au/register/#.

Vacancies Available Now!

E: stbrigidsmiddleswan@helpinghandsnetwork.com.au

The Midvale Hub Parenting Service offers a range of parenting programs to assist you to grow happy healthy children. Individual assistance with parenting is available for any parenting concerns you may have, just talk to one of our Parenting Educators and they will be more than happy to listen and provide practical support and skill building.

Our Parent Information and Support is offered through:

• Parenting programs for groups and individuals

• Individual and group support sessions

• Community events

Please click on the below link to view the workshops and programs that are being offered this school term for 2023.

https://www.midvalehub.org.au/copy-of-midvale-hub-parenting-servi