ramco primary school newsletter
TRANSCRIPT
POWERFUL LEARNERS at
RAMCO PRIMARY PROBLEM SOLVERS ∙ SELF REGULATORS ∙ RESILIENT LEARNERS
R a m c o P r i m a r y S c h o o l
N E W S L E T T E R
17th February 2020 Week 4 Term 1
PMB 16, WAIKERIE, 5330 Phone: 8541 2984 Fax: 8541 2756
www.ramcops.sa.edu.au [email protected]
Principal: Mr Rob Smyth
Principal’s Report
Hello and welcome to week 4.
It was terrific to see so many at last week’s
Acquaintance Night and AGM as we reflected on
the achievements of 2019 and focused on the year ahead.
Our 2020 targeted priorities of Reading, Numeracy and Writing
achievement continue, as we all work together to provide the
very best learning opportunities for all.
At last week’s assembly I commented on the positive start our
students have had over the first few weeks, and how easily
students new to our school have fitted in.
Our attendance rate has been
outstanding and this plays a
significant role in students adjusting
back into school expectations and
assisting them with their social and
learning development. Keep it up!
Also at the assembly, we had the opportunity to
congratulate our many school leaders and present
their awards. Congratulations to our new School
Captains, Harry and Poppy who will be assisted by
Vice-Captains, Vanessa and Mimi. They are joined
on the Student Voice team for Semester 1 by; Bella,
Max, Madison and Evan. We are certainly looking
forward to working together to continue steering
our school in the best direction possible.
IMPORTANT DATES
18th February
Adelaide Footy Club
presenting “Growing with
Gratitude”
21st February
Friday Activities
25th February
Adelaide Crows player
visit
2nd March
Spanish visit
Cricket Cup
4th March
R/1 Class Camp depart
“Zoo Snooze”
5th March
R/1 Class Camp return
Assembly 1.55pm
6th March
STUDENT FREE DAY
7th March
PUBLIC HOLIDAY
Student Voice: Vanessa (VC), Poppy (C), Harry (C), Mimi (VC),
Evan, Bella, Max & Madison
Our newly elected House Captains, Vice Captains and REG members have all taken on
added responsibilities in their new roles and I am pleased they have made the great
decision to further develop their own skills while supporting others at the same time.
House Captains
PELICANS
Captains: Reily, Tamika-Rose
Vice Captains: Harry, Leila
SWANS
Captains: Poppy, Tarkyn
Vice Captains: Koby, Maisa
SPOONBILLS
Captains: Mimi, Ashten
Vice Captains: Vanessa, Rylie
It’s a Baby Boy!
Congratulations to Mrs Mitton, Scott, Lily and Chloe on the safe arrival of Ethan
Scott Mitton who was born on Saturday. No doubt he is going to very loved and
spoilt by his two older sisters!
Governing Council
Congratulations to the newly elected Governing Council of 2020. We appreciate your effort and
dedication in supporting our school and we look forward to working together throughout the year.
If you have any feedback about the school always remember that a Governing Council
Representative is another person besides a staff member you could approach.
2020 Members; Natalie Kranz, Ramon Thompson, Craig Thiel, Jason Fridd, Denise Shugg, Belinda
Steinert, Adam Davis and Tracey Hansen.
REG: Ethan, Ashten, Reily, Caleb, Leila, Lachlan Swans: Koby, Poppy, Tarkyn, Maisa
Spoonbills: Vanessa, Mimi, Ashten, Rylie Pelicans: Harry, Tamika-Rose, Reily, Leila
Elected office bearers;
Chairperson Ramon Thompson
Vice Chairperson: Craig Thiel
Secretary: Jason Fridd
Treasurer: Natalie Kranz
Have a terrific fortnight,
Regards,
Rob Smyth
‘Together we learn’
ASSEMBLY AWARDS
Teacher Student Reason
Ms Duffield
(Yr Rec/1)
Emily
Kaeleigh
Sophia
Having a great attitude towards her learning and not giving up
Showing initiative and helping others without being asked
Showing initiative and helping others without being asked
Ms Radolovic
(Yr 2/3/4)
Bella
Tessa
For demonstrating our school values in the classroom by taking on extra
responsibilities within our room
For demonstrating our school values in the classroom by taking on extra
responsibilities within our room
Mrs Cain
(Yr 5/6/7)
Vanessa
Leila
Supporting school values
Self-regulator and self-motivator
Miss Marks Ollie
Jacob
Mimi
Demonstrating a great understanding of school values in the yard and
classroom
Demonstrating the qualities of a powerful learner through self-regulation
For being a great problem solver and displaying the qualities of a powerful
learner
Principal Award Daniel
Eleanor
Cooper
Positive start to the year with communication Being a responsible Powerful
Learner
Responsibility and effort during swimming
Responsibility and effort during swimming
Super Student
Awards
Mrs Cain
Koby
Lachlan
Being a resilient learner and organising camp in her own time
Persisting with Maths
Cleaning up without being asked
Wally Award Kaeden
PCW NEWS
Community Spirit is something that we are very fortunate to be able to enjoy here in the Riverland. There are so many opportunities for people to get involved and make a difference to not only those people who live amongst us, but also those a little further afield.
While for some, the bushfires that raged across large parts of Australia, may be fading in importance there are others who are still suffering deeply and will continue to need support and encouragement.
I attended the local concert in aid of the Kangaroo Island Bushfires recently and was so encouraged by the love and compassion that exists within our community. I trust and hope that those is need can greatly benefit from all the contributions made by so many.
It is important to keep in mind though, that while we were not directly affected here, younger children can see a perceived threat as being as great as a real threat.
Children will have seen some dramatic images on television and online and will undoubtedly have heard some frightening stories as adults engage in general conversation, so it is important that we stay vigilant to their emotional needs and respond if we see signs of emotional suffering.
Stress and distress can come in many forms and as such, the Department has provided a wonderful resource and fact sheet in response to the Bushfire Crisis. Take the time to have a read as it is a great resource not only for this particular event but also other traumatic situations.
However, if you feel you may need additional resource, always come and talk with the staff at school and we will be happy to find the right resource and support for you and your family.
Your PCW, Tamara.
Talking to children about what is happening in Australia
The current bushfires across Australia have raised anxieties for all Australians about how we will cope, what our lives will look like in the future, and what will happen if they reach us. Smoke from the bushfires has stretched across
Victoria, and this in itself is enough to raise the fears of children who have already been over-exposed to information
in the media. Media stories have contained graphic, scary and disturbing images of houses, animals and people
affected by the fires, and this can cause distress or worry for children and adolescent.
There is a common misconception that talking with your child may make a trauma or crisis worse, however research
suggests that it usually has the opposite effect. For children, not having information is scary, and many children will fill in the blanks with their own imagination – often imagining something far worse than the truth. For older children,
they make take to the internet for their answers, and this can sometimes become overwhelming.
How can parents help?
take notice when your child is feeling sad, frightened, angry or upset, and help them to name these emotions.
Reassure them that these feelings are normal in the situation, and help them to label where in their body they may be feeling the emotions
encourage your child to talk about what’s troubling them, and listen and show you understand how they are
feeling
if your child brings up the bushfires or smoke, find out what they know. Answer questions honestly and with
solid information about how the fires directly affect your child at this point in time
for older children, show them maps and help to develop fire readiness skills or a plan with them (even if you think it is unlikely). This will help them feel in control and prepared
help children to contribute to the relief efforts if you think this is a value that they hold dearly. Help them to
donate time or money and to identify a cause that hits home for them.This will help them to feel less helpless, and in control. Many children are particularly affected by reports of the deaths of animals, so
allowing them to create pouches or help in some other way can relieve distress
encourage your children to engage in things that help them to feel better – connect to their community, do something physical, play with friends, or do something kind for someone else
make sure you look after yourself. If you are feeling low, and are struggling to manage your own emotions
around your children, it can be difficult to not take it out on them sometimes. If you are constantly bursting
into tears or have lost your temper, talk to them about this. Help them understand why this is happened (in terms of an overload of feelings or a reaction to a loss but avoiding burdening children with adult anxieties about decisions to be made), and engage in activities together that will make you both feel calm
For further information and support, please visit Better Health Channel, the Red Cross and Phoenix Australia.