Filter Content
We hope this newsletter finds you all in good health as we welcome the beautiful season of spring. Spring is a time of renewal, growth, and transformation, and it brings with it not only the beauty of nature but also numerous benefits to our wellbeing. In this edition, we will explore how spring's arrival can inspire empathy, kindness, gratitude, and mindfulness in our lives, as well as provide a glimmer of hope to those in need.
As we look out of our classroom windows or walk through our school's gardens, we cannot help but be enchanted by the growing vibrant colours and fragrant blossoms that surround us. Spring is a time when the world awakens from its winter slumber, bursting forth with new life. The budding trees, blooming flowers, and the return of chirping birds remind us of the endless cycles of nature and the opportunities for growth and transformation that lie ahead – and the promise of mulberries!
Spring's beauty can inspire empathy and kindness in our hearts. Just as nature goes through cycles of growth and change, we too experience moments of growth and change in our lives. Recognising the struggles and challenges that others may be facing during these times, and extending a helping hand or a listening ear, fosters empathy and kindness in our community.
Gratitude is a powerful emotion that blossoms like the spring flowers. Take a moment to appreciate the small joys that spring offers us - a gentle breeze, the warmth of the sun, or the smell of freshly cut grass. Encourage children to keep a gratitude journal and write down the things they are thankful for each day. Gratitude can remind us of the beauty in life and the importance of appreciating the little things.
In the midst of our busy lives, spring encourages us to be mindful and present in the moment. Encourage children to take a break from their screens and spend time outdoors, observing the beauty of nature. The act of being present in nature can help reduce stress, increase focus, and improve overall wellbeing.
Spring also carries a message of hope, especially for those on the land in need of rain and for those still recovering from last year's floods. Let us keep them in our thoughts and offer support where we can. Our community has shown tremendous resilience in the face of adversity, and together, we can provide hope to those who need it most.
As we embrace the season of renewal and growth, let us carry the lessons of empathy, kindness, gratitude, and mindfulness with us. By doing so, we can not only enhance our own wellbeing but also contribute to the betterment of our community and the world around us.
Wishing you all a vibrant and hopeful spring season.
PRINCIPAL
Mr John Robertson
WELCOME & FAREWELL
SRAS warmly welcomes Jarred, who has joined our 9/10 cohort. We wish him the very best for his schooling at SRAS.
SRAS farewells Mrs Mary Ann Humphris who departs our team after nearly 3 years. We will miss her expertise, knowledge and kindness for students, children and staff. Wishing her the utmost best and thank her for her contributions to SRAS.
THE RESILIENCE PROJECT (TRP)
Part 3: Empathy & Kindness
This next presentation from The Resilience Project is all about Empathy and Kindness.
Empathy is our ability to put ourselves in the shoes of others to feel and see what they do. We practice this through being kind and compassionate towards other people.
Brain imaging data shows that being kind to others registers in the brain as more like eating chocolate than like fulfilling an obligation to do what’s right (e.g., eating brussel sprouts)!
Research shows that practicing empathy, such as performing acts of kindness, taps into our brain’s ‘mirror neurons’, builds compassion and our behaviour becomes more social and community-based.
View Part 3 of the series here: https://theresilienceproject.com.au/2023-parent-carer-hub-inspire-hugh/
Here’s an activity to practise empathy and kindness:
- Reflect on someone in your life who could benefit from an act of kindness today. It could be a friend who would love some affirmation about their work, your pet who deserves an extra treat, or a family member who would love a phone call or text message.
- Make a plan for who you are going to give an act of kindness to, and what you are going to do.
- If you want to add accountability to your plan, share it with someone else and encourage them to do the same thing.
- Follow up with each other in a few days time, to ask how it went!
PRESCHOOL PARENT OPINION SURVEY
The 2023 Preschool Parent Opinion Survey will be closing on Friday 6 October, giving you the chance to collect valuable information from families to inform your preschool’s improvement planning.
To date there have been 3 responses for our preschool – thank you.
We encourage parents and carers to participate in the survey by using your preschool’s unique link
https://survey.education.sa.gov.au/sc/WXDFt_za4Ah5G_FNBIqJyA2
OR
QR Code:
24-HOUR PEDAL PRIX
This weekend, the 24-Hour Pedal Prix Event will be run at Sturt Reserve, Murray Bridge, on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th of September. Racing starts at 12 noon on Saturday and finishes at 12 noon Sunday. Every member of the team is excited and aiming to achieve their personal bests. Best of luck to all participants!
Mr Greg Griffiths
Teacher
The Resilience Project – in the classroom
Each week in the newsletter, staff would like to share some of the fun and engaging learning that takes places amongst our classrooms through The Resilience Project. I’m lucky enough to start us off with a snapshot of some of the activities that the year 11/12 Homegroup have been involved with so far this year.
Each student has their own personal journal, which includes a series of lessons focusing on the themes outlined in the attached photos.
Students recently engaged with a range of gratitude activities – many were able to relate to the ‘if and then model’ lesson, where they explored the negative impact that this style of thinking can have on their happiness. For example: “If I get this new phone, then I’ll be happy” or “If I get my license, then I’ll be happy”. Through a range of class activities, videos and discussion, students understood that the problem with this thinking is that there is always something out there that is better than what we have. Hence, focusing on what we DO have rather than what we don’t have is one strategy to counteract this way of thinking.
Some of the other activities we’ve explored so far this year include: a mindfulness treasure hunt, a class kindness challenge and stress coping strategies. Our mindfulness treasure hunt firstly involved a brief meditation exercise, followed by a careful search around the classroom to notice things that they had never noticed before. Our class kindness challenge involved students filling a box with suggestions for small kind acts – students then picked a random challenge from the box each morning for them to complete. Our stress coping strategies are linked to emotional literacy, which explores the triggers of stress and how we can better manage these in our everyday lives.
Although we are still in the early stages of this program, it is so promising to see some of the life-long skills that are introduced to try and improve the overall happiness and wellbeing of our students, staff and community.
Mr Jayden Coleman
11/12 Homegroup Teacher
Students in years 3-6 visited Adelaide Goal and South Australian Parliament House. They explored how the prisoners lived in the early 18th century and how laws and regulations were made. Students on return to school reflected on their experience’s visiting the Adelaide Goal and Parliament House.
Some students commented on the experiences and reflected on their learning about how Elizabeth Wilcott was the first woman to serve time in the Adelaide Goal; How prisoners were punished and sentenced when they choose to break the law; How prisoners became wards of the government and on their passing were buried on the grounds of Adelaide Goal. Students reflected on the question and answer time at South Australian Parliament House. Some of their responses were; that they were supervised when a minister broke parliament protocols and was told to leave the house of assembly; how they noticed that ‘The Mace’ a large solid gold club is on display in the speakers corridor and wondered how they carry “the Mace’ into the House of Assembly and how the House of Assembly and House of Representatives are different colours.
Mrs Bonnie Harmer
Class Teacher
Year 7-8 DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY with Mr Griffiths
The Year 7-8 class are designing and making Metalcraft silhouettes which involve shaping, grinding, welding and painting.
REMINDER TO PARENTS/CARERS: Please make sure that ALL your children's belongings (clothes, lunch boxes, drink bottles, etc.) are CLEARLY LABELLED with your child's name. Labelled property can be easily returned to its owner. Thank you.
Please find following school lunch menu and prices which are supplied by the Swan Reach General Store. We thank them for this service to the school.
Due date for articles in the next Newsletter is 10:00am, Wednesday 27th 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
| 15th September | Pedal Prix |
| 26th September | Tag Rugby |
| 28th September | SRC Casual Day |
| 29th September | Early Dismissal 2.10pm - Last Day of Term |