New Farm State School eNewsletter

Head of Department (Curriculum)

Melinda Norman

Creative Dance Industries

This term we have welcomed Vanessa and Clarence from Creative Dance Industries who are delivering quality dance programs across Prep – Year 6. All lessons have been engaging and energetic so far and the students are having a great time exploring their best dance moves, upbeat music and choreographing new dance routines. Vanessa and Clarence have been working to empower students to feel like seasoned dancers in their lessons and we can’t wait to see their performances later in the term!

Year 6 Graduation Dinner

Year 6 Students should have received their hard copy invitation last week for the Graduation dinner. RSVP due this Thursday via Flexischools.

Transition to Prep

There are many things that families can do to help make a child's transition to school successful. If you are enrolling your child into prep for 2021, the following links provide useful information and provide resources for preparing your child for the learning journey ahead:

Parent Tips

Often parents ask how they can help their child to achieve well at school. In the Health and Physical Education curriculum students learn more about themselves and explore their abilities. Through physical play with and without equipment, they learn skills like problem-solving and persistence, and become more confident and cooperative.

Here are some top tips to help support your child’s learning that connects to the Health and Physical Education curriculum:

Boost Your Child's Self-Esteem

Your child starts developing their sense of self as a baby. Your tone of voice, your body language, and your every expression are absorbed. Your words and actions are really important and can have a big effect on the way they see themselves.

Praise, praise, praise your child, however small. It will make them feel proud; letting your child do things independently will make them feel capable and strong. It will help them in the subject of Health too as students start to learn more about themselves and what they are capable of achieving.

Catch Kids Being Good

Try to catch your child doing something right: "You did your homework without being asked — that's terrific!" or "I saw you helping your sister tie her shoelaces and you were very patient." These statements act to encourage good behavior and will encourage more of what you would like to see.

Praising your child every day is really helpful. Be generous with your rewards — your hugs and compliments can work wonders and are often reward enough.

Set Limits and Be Consistent

Setting limits is an important part of helping children to understand your expectations and develop self-control. Some rules might include: no television until homework is completed, no name-calling, or hurtful teasing allowed.

One warning, followed by a consequence such as a loss of privileges can be helpful. Remember to follow through with the consequence. Being consistent teaches your child what you expect.

Make Time for Your Child & Get Active Together

It may seem obvious, but making time for your child is so valuable. Children often measure in the time you spend with them, so why not get up 10 minutes earlier to spend time eating breakfast at the table discussing the school day ahead, or take a walk together after dinner. Create a "special night" each week to be together and let your child decide how to spend the time. Look for ways to get active by bike riding or scootering together.

Be a Good Role Model

Children learn a lot about how to act by watching their parents. Be aware that you're constantly being watched. Aim to always model the traits you wish to see: being respectful, being responsible, being safe and being a learner. These are our four school rules and are a great place to start.

To find out more about the Australian Curriculum including Health and Physical Education visit:

https://australiancurriculum.edu.au/parent-information/

Warm regards,

Melinda Norman – Head of Department (Curriculum)