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Dear Parents and Carers,
Next week we have planned our next Celebration of Learning. This is an opportunity for your child to celebrate their semester of learning with you.
Whilst you may like to look at examples of learning and bookwork from the whole semester, your child will choose two or three examples of work or which they are proud, to share with you.
Parents coming to school to talk about learning with their child, is a really positive action to show your child how much you value school, learning and their progress.
Thank you if you are able to dedicate some time to spend in the classroom talking about learning with your child between 2.30 and 4.30pm next Tuesday.
SOMETHING NEW! We are excited to begin a 6 month trial of our new Footsteps program. We look forward to welcoming our families!
Who: Parents bring their 0 years - preschoolers
Where: St Patrick's Library
When: Each Wednesday in Term 3 and 4
Time: 9-11am
What: Story time, activities, engagement and connection
Blessings,
Jo
Understanding School Refusal: A Compassionate Approach
School refusal, often referred to as “school avoidance,” is a complex issue that affects many students.
What Is School Refusal?
Unlike typical absenteeism, school refusal occurs when a child experiences emotional distress related to attending school. Caregivers are often aware of the struggle and have already made efforts to encourage attendance. Reasons for school refusal vary significantly.
Early Warning Signs
School refusal doesn’t happen suddenly. It can emerge at any age, from early childhood to secondary school. Look out for these early signs:
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Somatic Complaints: Frequent physical complaints (e.g., headaches, stomachaches) related to school.
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Depression and Anxiety: Emotional changes, withdrawal, or signs of anxiety.
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Attendance Decline: Gradual reduction in attendance, rather than sudden absence.
Strategies for Support
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Empathy: Understand that school refusal is distressing for the child. Avoid negative associations and focus on compassionate support.
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Collaboration: Work closely with families, mental health professionals, and educators to create a tailored plan.
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Gradual Exposure: Gradually reintroduce the child to school, considering their emotional readiness.
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Positive Reinforcement: Celebrate small victories and progress toward regular attendance.
Responding to school reluctance or refusal - Guidelines for Parents
School anxiety refusal can be very challenging. Here are some resources available to support parents:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mvMP3n3mhHRaK3oHr4G6dljtyPkHpAHu/view?usp=sharing
https://www.parentingstrategies.net/
Dates for your Calendar
Week 10 Class Mass- 1/2 Green. 9:15am in the Church (Families Welcome)
Grandparent's Day Liturgy and Morning Tea, Thursday 4th July from 9:45am. Please RSVP number of Grandparents attending to Melinda.ferris@cg.catholic.edu.au by Tuesday to assist with catering.
The Sudsy Challenge is on again! We're not changing our clothes for three days to help change the lives of people experiencing homelessness. This September, we'll be taking on The Sudsy Challenge to raise funds and awareness for Orange Sky - an organisation providing access to free laundry, warm showers and genuine conversation.Every dollar makes a difference, and we'd love if you could support us by making a donation!
If you would like to join the ‘St Pat’s Sudsy Challengers’ please click on the link below and sign up
https://www.thesudsychallenge.com.au/join/stpatssudsychallengers
St Pat's Public Speaking Competition
Well done to all of the students who competed in our school level public speaking competition.Students who will be moving to the next level, which will take place in Week 3, Term 3 will be announced next week.
Mel Ferris
Our come and try days will coincide with the Bega PSA event where 24 National and International Squash Players will be in Bega for a 5 day long competition.
At the Come and Try event on the Friday 2nd August the children will have the opportunity to meet and talk to these professional players, including Rachael Grinham, former World Champions and joint flag bearer at the last Commonwealth games.
Eddie Ockenden (Hockey) Rachael Grinham (Squash) – 2022 Commonwealth Games Flag Bearers
