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Dear Parents and Carers,
We welcome everyone back to Term 2 for another great term of learning at St Pat's. We look forward to a term of good health for all so that all St Patrick's students achieve excellence in attendance. The most important action parents can take toward student success starts with making sure children are at school every possible day (health permitting!).
Kinder 2025 Enrolment interviews have begun this week. It is always lovely to meet our 'new recruits' and revel in their excitement about the approach of BIG SCHOOL. If you know someone who has a child starting Kinder next year please let them know that now is the time to enrol, or to book a time for a tour prior to enrolling.
Phone Catch-Ups Mrs Grant, Mrs Ferris and I are still working through our conversations with every family. Some of our courtesy chats have been in person, many have been by phone. You may have a message left on your phone if you were unavailable. We have been checking in to find out how things are going at St Patrick's for your child/ren.
Blessings
Jo
ANZAC Day
In the second week of the holiday's we celebrated ANZAC Day. Thank you to the St Pat's students who were able to participate in the ANZAC March and Ceremony.
Week 1 At St Pat's
It has been a very busy Week 1. Healthy Harold visited with sessions for all classes K-6. 3/4 students had a Mini Beasts Incursion, Cross Fit started and our team of students represented us at the Zone Cross Country in Wolumla. All whilst upholding our motto every minute counts!
Dates for your Calendar
Friday 10th May, Mother's Day Breakfast followed by our school Beathathon
From May 2024, our school, along with thousands of others across the country, will participate in the Australian Early Development Census (AEDC).
The AEDC is a teacher-completed census (similar to a questionnaire) which provides a comprehensive picture of how children have developed by the time they start their first year of full-time school.
The AEDC is an Australian Government Initiative and is completed nationally every three years.
Children don’t miss any class time while the AEDC is completed, and parents/carers don’t need to supply schools with any new information.
The data collected through the AEDC is used by schools, communities and governments to better understand children and families’ needs, and identify the services, resources and support they need.
AEDC data is reported at a school, community, state/territory and national level. AEDC results for individual children are not reported and the AEDC is not used as an individual diagnostic tool.
Some teachers have found that completing the AEDC made them more aware of the needs of individual children and their class, and that the data was useful for planning for transitions to Year 1 and developing programs.
Participation in the AEDC is voluntary, however the AEDC relies on all schools with children in their first year of full-time school participating in the collection. Parents/carers don’t need to take any action unless they choose not to include their children in the census.
To find out more about the AEDC and how it is being used to help children and families visit: www.aedc.gov.au.
If you have any questions, you can contact the school.
Twenty-three St Pat's kids travelled to Wolumla yesterday to compete in the Southern Region Cross Country. The conditions were perfect, but the course is a tough one. Our students all finished their event and were a credit to themselves and to our school. We have five students selected in the Southern Region team. These children will travel to Canberra to compete at the next level. Well done and good luck to Archie, Arly, Will, Thea CC and Mia D. Of note, some great results from Archie, Arly and Thea, who each placed second in their event.
Beachathon Friday 10th May 2024
One Week to go!
There are fantastic prizes up for grabs in the main prize pool.
Hit your target of $80 to get your custom Beachathon t-shirt!
Get sponsored now for your chance to win!
SPONSORSHIP MONEY WILL BE COLLECTED ON THE 9TH OF MAY.
Healthy habits – Sleep
This term’s newsletters will focus on healthy habits, providing some information that may be helpful for looking after both ourselves and our children.
We know sleep is so important for both physical and mental health and yet it can be a tricky to get enough, have good quality sleep or know what we need.
Here is some information taken from the Health Direct website (https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/sleep-tips-for-children)
Why is sleep important for my child?
All children need sleep for growth, learning and development. Getting enough sleep is vital for your child's physical health, brain function, emotional wellbeing, safety, and ability to function day to day. Having a good night's sleep can help your child be happier, helps them to concentrate and remember things, and improves their behaviour.
Not having enough sleep or not sleeping well can affect how children learn and lead to mood swings, poor growth and behavioural problems.
How much sleep do children need?
The amount of sleep your child needs changes as they grow. Everyone is different, but as a guide, children need the following amounts of sleep every night:
- ages 3 to 5: 10 to 13 hours (including naps)
- ages 6 to 12: 9 to 11 hours
- ages 13 to 18: 8 to 10 hours
Tips to help children sleep well
Getting enough sleep is as important for your child as healthy eating and exercising. Here are some tips to help your child fall asleep, stay asleep and get enough good quality sleep:
- Establish a sleep schedule: Make sure your child goes to bed early enough to get the sleep they need. Once you have set an appropriate bed time, stick to it — even on the weekend.
- Establish a bedtime routine: Follow the same routine every day: bath or shower, change into pyjamas, brush teeth, read or spend quiet time in their bedroom, lights out and go to sleep.
- Help your child wind down: Busy children need some time to relax. Consider playing soft music or reading to them.
- Make sure the bedroom is suitable for sleep: Ensure the bedroom is dark and quiet. If your child is anxious or afraid at night, use a night light.
- Avoid stimulants: Make sure your child avoids tea, coffee, chocolate and sports drinks, especially in the afternoon.
- Turn off technology: Try turning off computers, tablets and television one hour before bedtime to help your child sleep better.
Signs of sleep problems
If you establish good sleep habits and your child is still having trouble falling or staying asleep, they might have a sleep problem. You might notice behaviour problems, difficulty concentrating or they might seem tired during the day.
Signs of sleep problems include:
- sleepwalking
- wetting the bed
- night terrors
- teeth grinding
- snoring
- trouble breathing while asleep, or taking long pauses between breaths
Whatever the cause, it is important to talk to your child about what is worrying them and decide on clear rules about a bedtime routine. Praising your child and reinforcing good behaviour will also help to improve bedtime problems. If you think your child may have a sleep problem, especially if they have trouble breathing while they sleep, talk to your doctor.
Thanks for reading, Sam, School Counsellor