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Hello Swan Reach,
We strongly encourage students, staff and families to continue applying the 5 keys to successful life-long learning (organisation, confidence, getting along, persistence and resilience) every term, however it is important that we ‘dig in’ this term to finish with the best possible outcomes. Our ability to persist and be resilient and finish strongly will significantly affect students’ academic endeavours and results. This is especially true for our seniors, as they hone in on completing their well-deserved SACE accreditation. Together We Can Do It!
CHILDREN’S WEEK
Children's Week 2022 is a national annual festival to be celebrated from October 21st to October 30th with the theme: 'Children have the right to food, clothing and a safe place to live so they can develop in the best possible way’.
In recent years, SRAS students have engaged in the Commissioner for Children and Young People SA survey that collects data on children’s views about their world. Below is a summary of findings from this year’s survey.
When it comes to the future of the planet, children really are the proverbial ‘canaries in the coal mine’. They provide advance warning on all that is well and not so well with the world. And they offer us solutions that if implemented, would return positive real-life outcomes for them and us. Their insights and experiences should be a key ingredient of any corporate scenario planning, long term strategy, or horizon scan. That way we can ensure we are ready to scaffold and support these 21st Century citizens into the future.
We can learn much from how they speak about themselves and from their views on adulthood, community, relationships, and challenges. When we listen to their aspirations, barriers, and worries, we gain insight into where our efforts need to be placed, and what we can do to navigate toward a better future.
Our children are currently telling us that too many of the adults in their lives are stressed, and that this is affecting them now. They’re telling us that this makes them nervous about the future. They’re telling us they’re concerned about the constant tests, measurements, and comparisons they are subjected to, and that they’re really worried about issues facing society — big issues like climate change and poverty. They’re also telling us that they want to know more about the good things that are happening, so they can feel positive about the future and not always be facing doom and gloom.
These are not the same things that concerned children in the ’90s and '00s. These are by-products of vast technological and sociological shifts that are occurring around children now. Today’s children are growing up learning and navigating relationships in a hyperconnected, fast-paced world. Their diverse and complex lives have been shaped by rapid technological, cultural, political, and environmental change, with decisions being made by leaders, decision-makers and policy developers that directly affect their lives, mostly without their input.
Children are asking adults to take a sharper focus on their rights, interests, and wellbeing, and to integrate these into economic, social, and environmental policy. They want more of a voice and to be taken seriously — in the classroom, in their homes, in the community, and at government level.
Being heard is key to children making their own lives better. It’s also key to improving whole communities. By listening, empathising, and validating children’s lived experiences, we will be building enduring relationships with them that are grounded in trust. By directly addressing their concerns now, we will be intervening early to do things differently for their benefit down the line.
Mr John Robertson
Principal
TERM 4
Staff are looking forward to a dynamic and busy term, full of learning engagement and opportunities. Some of the main events are outlined below:
- Pink Stumps and Book Fair
- World Teacher Day
- R-6 Hiccup
- School Magazine
- 9/10 basketball
- Remembrance Day
- Student Free Day – 2023 Site improvement planning
- Whole School Transitions and Principal Tour
- Swimming Carnival
- Self Esteem Course
- End of Year Activity Week
- Reports
- Presentation Night – outdoor event this year
We eagerly welcome and continue to further re-connect with families at a number of these events, as we thankfully emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic – being mindful that it is still with us.
WHOLE SCHOOL TRANSITION & PRINCIPAL TOURS
SRAS believes that transition for students and their families is important for learning continuity and sense of belonging. We will again facilitate 3 transition sessions for students, including a principal’s tour and morning tea for parents and carers. Below are the dates for the transitions:
- Thursday 17th November – morning lessons including principal tour and morning tea
- Thursday 24th November – lessons 3 and 4
- Thursday 1st December - morning lessons
2023 CLASS STRUCTURES AND STAFFING
SRAS is close to finalising class structures and staffing for 2023. This process is done with the key priorities of:
- what is best for the students learning and teacher’s teaching – our core business
- alignment with our site learning goals and targets
- 2023 funding and budget
The process is guided by the Personnel Advisory Committee in consultation with ALL staff.
SRAS is blessed with being able to sustain low numbers in classes. We anticipate that ALL SRAS classes will be no greater than 15 in 2023. We’ll be able to inform the community of class structures and most staffing by the end of week 5.
THE RESILIENCE PROJECT
Last term, staff reviewed our WeMatter and social-emotional learning program (You Can Do It – where the 5 keys for life-long learning are embedded). We unanimously decided to refresh our whole-school community approach to increasing wellbeing and positive community relationships by engaging with The Resilience Project (TRP).
TRP is an evidence based, inspiring and proven initiative that will enhance the wellbeing outcomes we know are vital for everyone’s wellbeing and mental health. SRAS staff will begin 2023 with professional learning to implement the initiative with students in term and then with families in term 3.
Below is a quick blurb about TRP from their website @ https://theresilienceproject.com.au/
The mental health statistics in this country are confronting. Our mission is to teach positive mental health strategies to help people become happier and more resilient.
We share emotionally engaging stories with hundreds of schools, workplaces and communities to help make the topic of mental health more accessible. The research is clear; the more positive emotion you experience, the more resilient you will be. For that reason we focus on three key pillars proven to cultivate positive emotion; Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness (GEM). Our programs also have a strong focus on Connection, Purpose, Kindness, Emotional Literacy and Physical Health.
Gratitude What is gratitude? It’s about paying attention to the things and moments we have right now, and not worrying about what we don’t have. We practise gratitude by noticing the positives that exist around us, and by being thankful for things, places and people in our lives. |
Empathy What does empathy mean? Empathy and kindness are closely linked. So are empathy and compassion. To be empathetic is to put ourselves in the shoes of others to feel and see what they are. We practice this by being kind towards other people. |
Mindfulness How to practise mindfulness? Mindfulness activities help us to be present in the moment and often create a feeling of calm. We practice this through slowing down and concentrating on one thing at a time. This includes meditation, colouring in and flow states. |
SAVE THE DATE - The SRC will be holding a Fundraiser Fair on Friday 18th November, 2022 from 12:45pm to 1:30pm. There will be stalls, games and competitions. More details to follow.
The Swan Reach Area School Magazine highlights our activities, class highlights and events over the past year. The magazines will be available after Presentation Night on Tuesday, 13th December. The magazines cost $20 each. Orders and payment can be directed to the front office.
The Swan Reach Area School apparel store is now live. This means you can now order school shirts without having to go through the school. For more information contact Tracey in the front office.
Here is the direct link: https://www.printcity.net.au/product-category/swan-reach-area-school/
OPENING HOURS
The library now has a mobile phone for communication. Please let me know if you would like to be included on the message list to receive notifications, holiday and opening hours etc.
The number is: 0460 366 067
myGov - CHANGES
Your myGov account gives you access to a range of government online services. It will soon be changing with a fresh new look and more features, making it easier for you to access services you need.
When myGov changes, you won’t need to change anything you currently do. You will still:
- find myGov at the same website address – my.gov.au
- sign in the same way, using your current sign-in details
- have access to all your linked services, including the ATO
- access ATO online services the same way
- receive ATO messages to your myGov inbox
- go to ATO online services to view reminders, messages and information relating to your tax and super
- lodge your business activity statement (BAS) through ATO online services if you’re a sole trader.
Curious? You can visit the myGov Beta website, a trial site that lets you explore and get familiar with some of the new features.
Remember, your myGov account is different to the myGovID app. You can use the myGovID app to sign in to your myGov account by entering or accepting a 4-digit code.
'BEING DIGITAL INNOVATION'
being digital is a program to help promote the digital assistance and learning that SA’s public libraries offer to adult South Australians.
The being digital webpage provides a useful portal for those less experienced with technology and digital to start learning the basics. The content featured is provided by partners including Be Connected and the eSafety Commisioner. We encourage you to further browse the courses offered by these partners on their websites to continue your digital learning journey. being digital is jointly funded by State Government and Local Government. We’re making it easy for you to develop your skills and confidence to connect with today’s digital world. Learn more about our being digital program. Need additional assistance? Contact your local library.
The webpage which has learning content by topic and links to related digital literacy programs at libraries is at http://www.libraries.sa.gov.au/beingdigital
COVID-19 DIGITAL PASSPORTS
Can't access your digital passport or load on your phone? The Community Library can scan your paperwork and reduce to credit card size for your wallet or purse. No charge.
The Swan Reach Area School website is where you can find all the school information including the newsletter, forms and policies. Please visit https://swanrchas.schoolzineplus.com
Due date for the next Newsletter is 10:00am, Wednesday, 9th November, 2022. The newsletter is distributed via the SZApp and school website. Printed copies are still available upon request.
Articles can be emailed to dl.0423.info@schools.sa.edu.au clearly marked in the subject box as Newsletter, faxed to 8570 2325 or delivered to the library/front office. Due to the way the Newsletter is now being set up, not all photos are included in the print copy, however there are several photo galleries included online and via the SZApp. Apple devices: open the App store and search and download SZapp, on Android devices open the Play store and search and download SZappa; select the Asia Pacific region and search for Swan Reach Area School. Follow the prompts to register using an email address and create a password to access the online newsletter. Contact the school should you require any assistance.
A vacancy exists for a school cleaner for 10 hours per week. If interested please contact Hazel Ireland on 0448 169 464.
24 - 31 OCTOBER | Book Fair @ Pop-Up Shop in Silver Vale |
28 October | Pink Stumps Day |
7 November | Student Free Day |
17 November | Whole School Transitions Lessons 1/2 |
18 November | Mid Term Assembly |
18 November | SRC Fundraiser Fair, 12:45pm - 1:30pm |
24 November | Whole School Transitions Lessons 3/4 |
28 November | Finance Meeting 5:30pm, Governing Council 6:00pm |
31 October | P-2 Pevan and Sarah Performance |
1 December | Whole School Transitions Lessons 1/2 |
2 December | SRAS Swimming Carnival (tbc) |
12 December | R-6 Funtopia |
13 December | Presentation Night, 6:30pm |
15 December | R-10 AFL Max, Adelaide |
PLEASE NOTE COVID RESTRICTIONS WILL APPLY TO ALL
COMMUNITY EVENTS UNLESS ADVISED OTHERWISE.
Swan Reach Christian Women's Group invite you to join them for Bible study and fellowship each month. 11am, second Tuesday of the Month at the Swan Reach Lutheran Church Hall. BYO lunch. For more information please phone Taryn 0427 702 377 or Josie 0419 708 224. All welcome.