Australian Early Development Census (AEDC)

Between May and July this year, our school will be taking part in the Australian Early Development Census (AEDC). This is a nationwide census/survey of early childhood development held once every three years. The AEDC is an Australian Government initiative run by the Department of Education, Skills and Employment and includes all children in their first year of full-time school.

The AEDC provides vital information to communities about how children are developing in the crucial early years. AEDC data is relied upon by schools, early childhood organisations, researchers and government to inform planning and improve services and supports for children and families.

The AEDC Instrument is completed by teachers about children in their first year of full-time school. The AEDC is voluntary and is not a school test. The information collected gives a picture of how children are developing before they start school in five key areas or domains. It shows what is being done well, and what can be improved. This is why it is important for all children in their first year of full-time school to be included in the AEDC.

Journey of Hope

This term our Year 1/2, 2/3 and 3/4 classes have the opportunity to participate in the Journey of Hope program. Journey of Hope (JoH) is an evidence-based psychosocial support program designed to build resilience for children. Many children endure the everyday stresses of living in communities impacted by natural disasters such as bushfires, witnessing significant changes to their homes, neighborhoods and schools. JoH offers the opportunity to begin to normalize emotions and develop coping strategies. The program is implemented by trained facilitators with the presence and support of the classroom teacher and is aligned with the Personal Development and Health aspects of the NSW curriculum. The program is designed to help normalize emotions and develop positive coping strategies through cooperative play, creative arts and literacy. 

The learning objectives of the program are to: 

1. Support children in understanding and normalizing emotions associated with trauma or other difficult circumstances. 
2. Support children in developing positive coping strategies to deal with these emotions. 
3. Build on the innate strengths of children, their families, schools and communities to further develop positive coping mechanisms. 
4. Instill a sense of hope, empowering children to feel more in control. 

CROSSFIT PROGRAM AT ST PATRICK’S BEGA

As our St Pat’s community continues to recover from the devastation of bushfires in our area, St Vincent de Paul Bega have made a generous donation to our school enabling us to implement a program during Term 2 and 3, assisting many students to build confidence,  and resilience through physical activity and flourish as learners. A number of children will be given the opportunity to be a participant in the Crossfit program.The students will participate in 30 minute sessions in small groups on a Friday afternoon for 5 weeks with the leadership of a physical trainer.

Physical activity can help kids cope with stress. It also promotes: 

• Healthy growth and development 
• Better self-esteem 
• Stronger bones, muscles and joints 
• Better posture and balance 
• A stronger heart 
• A healthier weight range 
• Social interaction with friends 
• Learning new skills while having fun 
• Better focus and concentration during school