Our differences are what makes life interesting.  Imagine if we were all the same.  Often, what you like most about your friends are those character traits that are different to your own.  Then, you also enjoy the traits that you share.  It’s the differences that can cause conflict.

Talk about the differences between family members.  When this open conversation takes place at home, children may have a better chance of using this as a basis for their interactions at school.  The first link below is more suitable for older students, the second for younger.

Bridge Builders: Talk and Listen strategy

This is a great strategy to walk through with the children as it is a strategy that will yield great outcomes including confidence to have their say, learning to be a listener and negotiating a win-win.

Often, the child wanting to resolve the conflict can’t get the cooperation of the other and therefore, often requires the support of an adult.  Using this at home with your children gives them the practice they need and the skills and language to use it at school.  Encourage them and enjoy the peace that comes with their success!  How to do it?

Person 1:  Say their name. 

Tell them, when you …  

I feel …. 

Can you …, thanks.

Person 2:  So did you say …

Please note, you can listen to an audio of the parent information session we conducted recently via the Bridge Builders parent information session link below.

Be the Change … to stop bullying

We know that bullying is different to conflict for 3 reasons:

1. It is deliberate
2. It is repeated
3. There is a power difference

What has power got to do with it?  Power can be based on popularity, size, looks, intelligence, skills, accomplishments, being ‘in the group’, demeanour, who they know, position, etc.

Power can be misused by the bully. 

This is something we all know,  BUT DID YOU ALSO KNOW …..

Power can be given away by the target. 

That is, the bystander who knows what is happening but not doing anything to stop it, is giving power to the bully. 

… or reinforced by the bystander. 

Laughing at or encouraging the bully means the bystander is also bullying.

Religious Instruction (RI) – change

Payment for the student workbook is now due.  Please have this paid up by 7 May.  Without the workbook, the children cannot participate in RI.

While we still need to implement a COVID-safe plan, assemblies will be impacted for the children enrolled in RI.  The Yr 3 RI class ONLY will not attend assemblies in weeks 2, 6, 10 and will attend their religious instruction class instead.  This is unless they are receiving a reward or award.  In this case, children will be honoured on assembly and parents will be invited up.  Be sure to keep your eye on the newsletter for announcements.

International Competitions and Assessments (ICAS)

If you wish to have your child undertake any of the competitions this year, please take note of the information below and log on to the website to pay and enrol for this to happen.  Go to the link at https://shop.icasassessments.com/pages/pps and enter the school code: YZV875

Recently, young members of the Green Team and some other enthusiastic volunteers elected to plant some natives on our top oval near the yarning circle.  Their eagerness to do the job and cooperation was really special.  Thanks to Mrs Jen Green for sourcing the plants, too.

Principal’s Mathematics awardees – Year 3 & 4