25 June 2020

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

Hello Swan Reach,

The end of the term looms and once again, another school holiday is drawing near. Where does the time go? What is it about maturing that makes time seem to pass by more quickly? Is it because as adults we are more consumed with ‘busy-ness’? How nice it might be to return to younger years where each season seemed to last a lifetime and holidays seemed endless. Regardless of this phenomena, semester 1 closes with a whole school assembly, outside, under the primary shade on Friday 3th July at 1:30pm followed by early closure at 2:15pm.

During holidays, families can experience an increase in sibling rivalry as brothers and sisters spend more time together. Arguments are part and parcel of growing up and our children are more exposed to conflicts than previous generations, through technology and mass media. Knowing how to assert and to listen are important life lessons for getting along and treating others with respect.

Have a wonderful and blessed holiday; whatever your family has planned SRAS wishes you the best and hope you have a terrific time.

FAREWELL

Mr Peter Jesser has announced his retirement. The SRAS community will sorely miss his Art and Musical expertise. He has mentored a number of budding musicians and artists and ignited enthusiasm and passion for learning these skills throughout the school. Mr Jesser has clocked up over 30 dedicated years as a teacher and in leadership roles. SRAS staff will miss his calm influence and ability to think in innovative ways to improve teaching and learning. Our sincere thank you to Mr Jesser and all his time, effort and commitment to our schooling community. “Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.” — Dalai Lama. Thanks for taking a risk on SRAS. You’ll be missed – talent like yours is not replaceable.

COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS EASING

The Premier has announced step 3 of the COVID-19 roadmap.

This means we can prepare to ease some of the restrictions currently in place for schools, preschools and early years settings.

Physical distancing requirements remain in place

All adults must continue to follow the density and physical distancing guidelines outlined by SA Health:

• no more than 1 person per 4-square metres in an enclosed space
• maintain a minimum social distance of 1.5 metres.

A reminder that the AHPPC does not believe that it’s appropriate or practical for students and children to maintain physical distancing requirements in classrooms or corridors.

From Monday 29 June, there will be no cap on the number of people in 1 room, however the above physical distancing and room density requirements must be followed by adults e.g. staff meetings.

From Monday 29 June, the following activities can resume providing government health advice and physical distancing requirements are strictly followed:

• parents, volunteers, departmental support and other service providers may again enter school and preschool grounds. All external service providers and volunteers must complete the site access form on entry
• school assemblies
• class photos
• all intrastate camps and excursions
• all school sport competitions, sports days and carnivals, including inter-school competitions (use of change rooms and shower facilities is not permitted)
• inter-school choirs, bands and other performing art activities
• school formals, socials and discos
• playgroups and occasional care
• larger face-to-face professional learning activities.

Please note that this is a list of activities that can recommence at the discretion of the site leader.

Requirements that remain in place

• It’s important that students and staff stay home if they are unwell.
• Physical contact (even between students) must be limited. Non-physical greetings should be encouraged.
• Daily student attendance reporting for all schools must continue to be reported by School, preschool or early childhood visits to nursing homes cannot recommence.
• The general public should not access school playgrounds or play equipment.
• Parents must continue to physical distance, including at school pick up and drop off.
• Interstate and overseas travel remains on hold.

SRAS will conduct learning area plans and risk assessments for Playgroup, Occasional Care and Parent Child Mother Goose before re-opening these services in TERM 3. Community Library will also return to normal hours of operation from the beginning of term 3.

Volunteers and P&F are welcome to return also and need to liaise with the principal before re-engaging with SRAS. Thank you to our community for your patience with the long but necessary waiting time.

Mr John Robertson
Principal

JUMP ROPE FOR HEART

On Friday 12th June, Primary students participated in the “Jump Off Day” to celebrate the conclusion of their skipping unit and fundraising for the Heart Foundation. We have raised $348.42 in total.

Students have participated in various skipping activities and had shown their unique tricks that they have been working on for a few weeks. The weather was beautiful and we all had a wonderful time.

Special thanks to Mrs Katie O’Shaughnessy for taking so many photos.

Mrs Yuka Endersby (Primary PE Teacher)
Mrs Sarah Bolt (SAPSASA Coordinator)

JULIE'S COLUMN

Earlier in the year a newsletter article of mine had an insert about Kindness that I sourced from a book titled “When I’m Feeling Kind”.  The back page had parent notes written by a couple of Psychologists and this is what I shared with you.Recently, I found another article about kindness in the Kimochis manual.  If you’re not sure who the Kimochis are, ask your primary school children.  I found this article very interesting and I think you will too.  Kindness is good for our health!

What Research Tells Us About Kindness (from the Kimochis Early Childhood manual)

Research has shown that there is a close association between kindness and happiness.  Kind people experience more happiness and have happier memories (Otake et al. 2006).  Performing acts of kindness actually results in an increase in life satisfaction and fulfilment (Buchanana and Bardib 2010).  Scientific research shows that being kind not only makes you feel good, but also provides a significant health benefit, both physically and mentally.  Acts of kindness have been shown to reduce stress and can actually boost immunity.  Many people notice feelings of pleasure and well-being when helping others.  Research has also found that helping others can provide an increase in energy, a feeling of “being healthy”, increased longevity, improvements in insomnia, a stronger immune system and decreased feelings of loneliness, depression and helplessness. (Luks and Payne 1991)

Mrs Julie Maxwell

Pastoral Care Worker

SECONDARY SCIENCE

Last week the year 9/10 science class were using their practical skills to develop their understanding of relevant biological concepts. The class have made their own models of a double-helix DNA structure using toothpicks, lolly snakes and gummy bears. They later replicated their DNA ‘ladder’, using a colour code to accurately copy the different base pairings and components of their DNA structure. I’m sure a clear highlight for students was the opportunity to eat their DNA structure at the end of the lesson.

Jayden Coleman
Science Teacher

Science

MURRAYLANDS SAPSASA DISTRICT INFORMATION UPDATE

State-wide carnivals are due to resume soon, and at this stage will include football, netball and soccer. Softball and swimming will be available next term and the athletics date will be released shortly. This information, including all details and dates can be accessed via the link below, the Murraylands SAPSASA facebook page, or the link placed on the school’s facebook page. Should you wish to register for any of these sports, contact Sarah Bolt (SAPSASA Co-ordinator) for the appropriate forms. Please note, it is now the responsibility of the parent to forward a copy of the forms to Brian Wilsdon (fax, email, phone - photo) and take the original to the school office for appropriate filing. All forms are required to be completed at least 7 days prior to the first tryout. If, as a parent, you require assistance, please contact Brian directly.

Sarah Bolt (SAPSASA Coordinator)
Bryan Wilsdon (Murray River and Mallee Region Convenor)
(inc Murray Mallee & Murraylands Sapsasa Districts and Upper South East Zone)
Mannum Community College
Department for Education | walker Avenue, Mannum 5238
t 8569 1503 m 0439 508 475 e bryan.wilsdon907@schools.sa.edu.au

IMMUNISATION EVIDENCE REQUEST NOTICE

SCHOOL LUNCH ORDERS

We thank the Swan Reach General Store for supplying lunch orders for the school. The menu and ordering details are below. Please note there are no lunch orders available on Wednesdays.

SRAS WEBSITE

The Swan Reach Area School website is where you can find all the school information including the newsletter, forms and polices. Please visit the link below:

NEWSLETTER INFORMATION

Due Date for the next Newsletter is 10:00am, Tuesday July 21st, 2020. 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.

PLAYGROUP

Playgroup has been suspended until further notice.

P-CMG/Playgroup

Parent Mother Goose and Playgroup sessions have been suspended due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Community Notices

Community Library

Please note, the Community Library will be open to the Community during the school holidays:

It is expected that we will return to normal hours after the holidays, 20th July 2020.