We welcome all of our students and their families back to school for Term 4. Students were eager to commence learning on Monday and it was wonderful to see their bright faces in the school again. 

Wellbeing Framework

We have recently completed a review of our whole school approaches to wellbeing, responding to bullying and the adjustments we make to support students. Over the next four weeks staff will be engaging in professional learning to deepen their understanding of the four universal programs we have agreed on to create a well rounded program:

1. Bounce Back

2. Protective Behaviours

3. Zones of Regulation

4. Positive Behaviours for Learning 

A copy of the framework is attached to the newsletter. We welcome any questions and constructive feedback as we finalise the framework for full implementation in 2021.

Class Requests for 2021

It is almost time for our teachers to start working on our class combinations for 2021. Could you please use the google form below to indicate your preferences. Please discuss with your child the friends they work well with and list up to 5 (including last name if known) on the form. It is a good idea to do the request again even if you have let us know in previous years.

Please remember requests are considered and teachers will make thoughtful decisions informed by the needs of every child. If you choose not to complete the form by the due date your child’s current class teacher will ensure your child’s placement is suitable.

Requests must be received by the end of Week 4, Friday 6 November 2020.

https://tinyurl.com/y4lawn86

School Calendar and Events During Term 4

Our newsletter platform also includes a live school calendar on the top right of the menu bar. We have recently included tags for specific year groups to make it easier to find events for your child's year level. An example of this is below. All events for parents such as kindergarten tours, 5/6 band performance and graduation will require families to make bookings as per the COVID-19 restrictions plan. Further details will be coming soon for these events.

Rebecca Turner

Principal

Literacy

Writing- In writing, we have been working on writing to describe using picture prompts. We write words to describe what we see and what we might hear, and then put these words into a sentence.

Reading- During reader's workshop, students have been learning how to make text to self connections. Making connections between the book and their life, their experiences and their emotions to support our comprehension of the book.

Spelling- Last term we have been focusing on onset and rime and using the connecting strategy to identify which word family a word belongs to. For example, students can identify that brick and trick belong to the ‘ick’ family and spell these words by listening for the beginning sounds. We have also been learning about digraphs and blends and understanding that two letters can work together to make one sound such as ‘sh’ in shark or ‘ch’ in chip.

Expert word- During one word spelling, students have the opportunity to learn all about their expert word for the week. They identify characteristics of the word, such as how many vowels and syllables it has, identify what the word means and how to write their word in a sentence before teaching their expert word to a peer. 

Mathematics

Number- This term during maths, we have been continuing to consolidate our number knowledge. This includes working on number identification, counting and basic addition.

Strand- During math strand, we have been exploring 3D objects and shapes and identifying their characteristics.

Congratulations to the following students receiving bronze, silver and gold awards. We have had a huge amount of students reaching milestones in recent weeks. Well done everyone. If we keep up this pace we will have to think of a new system for handing out awards!

Respectful

Safe

Responsible Learner

Responsible Learner

Respectful

Chelsea C	Felix S
Sebastian M	Riley T
Faye X

Responsible Learner

Samuel L	Travis S
Jordon T	Jason M
Janvi S	Constantina P

Talking with your child about tricky personal subjects.

Perhaps your child has been bullied online, sent or received an intimate image, or come across pornography online. Conversations about experiences like these can be difficult.  

When you talk to your child about personal subjects, you are trying to balance a number of different things: 

• respecting your child’s privacy while still making sure they are safe and happy 
• giving them space to test their own problem-solving skills online but supporting them as they make their own way 
• educating them about people’s different personalities but knowing you can’t make their choices for them 
• establishing boundaries while being understanding and open 

Office of the eSafety Commissioner parent resources:

https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents 

GINNINDERRA ATHLETICS CLUB 

Ginninderra Athletics Club is an all ages athletics club with programs for children from 3 years of age.   The club is welcoming, inclusive and upholds the Little Athletics ethos of Family, Friendship, Fun and Fitness. Ginninderra has an amazing Tiny Tots Program supporting children 3 - 4 years to develop and learn fundamental movement skills in a fun, engaging way.  In addition GAC has a junior coach program whereby athletes from 14years are mentored and supported to become "junior coaches" helping athletes from Tiny Tots through to Under 8s.  Registrations are open and the season starts in October. 

Website: Ginninderra.com

Email:  ginninderraathletics.gmail.com

CYCLABILITIES

Cyclabilites is a not for for profit charity led by a volunteer board. Cyclabilities aim is and vision is to provide meaningful inclusive life skills development opportunities for children with additional needs, disabilities or mental health concerns.  Cyclabilities programs are developed and are facilitated by a phenomenal team of Allied Health Professionals including Occupational Therapists, Exercise Physiologists, Psychologists, Social Workers and Registered Art Therapists.  Additionally teachers and disability support workers provide extra help.  Cyclabilities has a suite of programs with current availability for term 4 in their Waterabilities (swim safety and swim skills), Cyclabilities (learn to bike ride, movement skills and road safety) and Artabilities (creative art) programs. 

Website:  Cyclabilities.com.au

Email: info@cyclabilities.com