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PRINCIPALS REPORT
Hello Swan Reach,
Welcome to this fortnight’s news from SRAS. It is always wonderful to see families attend our SRC-led assemblies and we were certainly blessed with amazing weather. A hearty congratulations to our SRC, who have grown in their confidence with public speaking. The dance performance by the 3-6s was full of energy, entertaining and demonstrated terrific coordinated moves – well done to the students and teachers.
A reminder that this Friday, 1st September is student free day (SFD) and the following Monday, 4th September is a closure day.
Some general news from inside SRAS for your information includes:
- The long-awaited air conditioning upgrade for the gymnasium is finally cleared and the project will commence ASAP
- GC member, Mrs Julie Woods is giving her time and skills in graphic design to update our Parent Brochure, making it more user friendly, informative and succinct – thanks Julie
- The year 1s (receptions and year 2s too), will engage with the DfE, Phonics Screening Check this week. The phonics screening check (PSC) is a simple assessment that tells year 1 teachers how their students are progressing in phonics. It takes 5 to 7 minutes to assess each student. It is organised in 2 sections with a mixture of 40 real words and pseudo-words (made-up words). Phonics is vital in learning to read and is taught from reception. It is the relationship between letters and sounds (alphabetic code). The alphabetic code contains simple and complex structures using patterns of consonants (C) and vowels (V). Success in phonics depends on phonemic awareness. This is a prerequisite for learning the alphabetic code.
WELCOME
SRAS warmly welcomes Lila, who has joined her siblings and our 9/10 cohort. Wishing her the very best for her schooling at SRAS.
Department for Education (DfE) PUBLIC EDUCATION STRATEGY
DfE has recently released its new public education strategy. It will be driven by and built on the firm foundation provided by the ‘The Purpose of Public Education Statement’. This statement was created after extensive consultation with a wide range of stakeholders. A copy of the statement is contained in the one-page document titled, ‘Our Strategy For Public Education’ that is included with this newsletter.
More information can be found on their website @ https://discover.education.sa.gov.au/our-strategy/#group-section-Our-purpose-JkKoH2UO19
PRESCHOOL SURVEY
The 2023 Preschool Parent Opinion Survey will be opening on Monday 4 September, to collect valuable information from families to inform our preschool’s improvement planning.
We encourage all Preschool Parents to participate in the survey, which closes midnight Friday 6 October, by using your preschool’s unique link
https://survey.education.sa.gov.au/sc/WXDFt_za4Ah5G_FNBIqJyA2
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PRINCIPAL
Mr John Robertson
THE RESILIENCE PROJECT (TRP)
Part 2: Gratitude
This fortnight’s presentation from The Resilience Project focuses on Gratitude.
Gratitude is paying attention to the things that we have right now, and not worrying about what we don’t have. We practise this by noticing the positives that exist around us.
Research shows that practicing gratitude rewires our brains to overcome the negativity bias (which can lead to anxiety and depression) and see the world for what we are thankful for. It is also shown to broaden thinking, and increase physical health through improved sleep and attitude to exercise.
View Part 2 of the series here: https://theresilienceproject.com.au/2023-parent-carer-hub-inspire-hugh/
There are many ways in which you can practise gratitude, including starting a gratitude journal. You can simply use a notebook to list three things that went well for you each day, or use a more comprehensive Wellbeing Journal, like those created by The Resilience Project.
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - Subject Selections
The course counselling sessions, held during Week 6 of Term 3, were a resounding success. These sessions provided an invaluable opportunity for parents, students, and our subject counsellors to come together and make informed decisions about the educational path ahead. While the sessions have already taken place, we would like to reflect on the key elements of this process.
Meaningful Conversations: We encouraged parents and caregivers to engage in rich discussions with their children about aspirations and possible plans for the future. Your support in helping your child identify their passions and interests played a crucial role in guiding their subject selections.
Identifying Strengths and Passions: Reflecting on students' strengths and areas of excellence provided a foundation for choosing subjects that align with their talents. Your insights into your child's academic journey proved invaluable during this process.
Personal Learning Plans: The information and ideas students considered in their Personal Learning Plans were discussed and integrated into their subject choices. This ensured that the selection process was aligned with their individual goals and aspirations.
Support and Information: Many of you took advantage of the information booklet (attached) and support documents we provided. Your engagement with these resources demonstrated your commitment to helping your child make informed decisions about their academic path.
While the course counselling sessions have concluded, the journey is far from over. We understand that supporting your child's education is an ongoing endeavour, and we are committed to offering assistance whenever required. Feel free to reach out to us if you need any further guidance or have questions as your child progresses through their chosen subjects.
https://www.swanrchas.sa.edu.au/stage-1-2-subject-information
Mr Troy Cowland
Deputy Principal
SPORT UPDATE - SAPSASA District Athletics
SAPSASA District Athletics
On Tuesday, 8th August, 11 students from Year 4-6 had participated in the Murrayland District Athletics Competition at Unity College in Murray Bridge. Students that participated were Wesley, Layla, Anita, Mathew, Charlee, Ahna, Arkaeae, Shawn, Rayden, TJ and Lily. Every student had competed very well as a result of receiving the handicap shield.
Individual outstanding achievements were Wesley came 3rd place in Shot Put, Lily came 1st in High Jump and 3rd in 100m. Lily is selected to be part of the Relay Team and High Jump for Murrayland competing in the SAPSASA State Championship that will be held on week 9 Monday at Santos Stadium.
Congratulations to all the students who have participated. Wishing Lily all her best in the State Championship.
SAPSASA Coordinator
Mrs Yuka Endersby
Hi SRAS families and community,
I would like to give a big welcome to all the new families of students who have started recently. I am the Pastoral Care Worker at Swan Reach Area School and I am at school two days a week – Wednesday and Thursday. My main job is to look after everybody’s wellbeing. I am not a qualified counsellor but I have a good listening ear and can refer students on if I feel they need a qualified person to speak to. So, if you or your child need someone to talk to (about anything), please don’t hesitate to contact me at school. Either via my email Julie.maxwell32@schools.sa.edu.au or phone or text the school and they will give me a message.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Another thing I do at school is give birthday presents to the students, sometime around their birthday. I have a lot of gifts to set out for them to choose from, so I don’t do this every week. I only set it up two or three times a term. So, if your child comes home with a gift and says its for their birthday from Mrs Maxwell at school and you think it’s strange because their birthday has passed or not come up yet, you now know why! Also, if someone is away when I give out the presents, they may not get their present until months after their birthday.
Enjoy your extra long weekend with the student free day on Friday and school closure on Monday.
Warm Regards,
Mrs Julie Maxwell, PCW
Due date for articles in the next Newsletter is 10:00am, Wednesday 13th September 2023. The newsletter is distributed via the SZApp and school website.
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 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.
SCHOOL OPENING HOURS
The library 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
LIBRARY MOBILE APP
1st September | Student Free Day |
4th September | School Closure |
11th September | Governing Council Meeting |
14th September | Year 6 Graduation |
15th September | Pedal Prix |
26th September | Tag Rugby |
28th September | SRC Casual Day |
29th September | Early Dismissal 2.10pm - Last Day of Term |