Ibis Flyer

This week, we acknowledge Reconciliation Week, a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. The theme for this year, “Now More Than Ever,” reminds us that the journey towards reconciliation is ongoing and calls on us to walk together with courage and commitment.

This week we welcomed Pre School aged children and their families to our first Mini Scientist Stay and Play sessions. Our Science teacher Kate has prepared the sessions, and it is wonderful to have local children, and their families come and join us at Balnarring Primary School for this program. This week Mini Scientists explored the concept of floating and sinking through the use of demonstrations, stories, songs and experiments. We are looking forward to the next session that is scheduled for next week.

We were grateful that the weather held out on Thursday afternoon for students to perform the Kinect 2 Dance showcase. All term students have been participating in dance lessons as part of the dance curriculum. All of this fantastic learning culminated in our live whole school performance on the basketball court. For some students dance is something that they can learn with ease, for other students it is quite challenging and complex. I would like to congratulate all students on their efforts throughout the term and for their wonderful performance on Thursday afternoon.

Bethany Jackson
Principal

Supporting Smooth and Confident School Morning Separations

We know how much our families value strong, supportive relationships with their children, and it’s natural to want to comfort them when mornings feel a little wobbly. Across the school, we’ve noticed some students feeling anxious at the start of the day, and we’d love to partner with you to help make drop-offs as calm and positive as possible.

One of the ways to support your child’s confidence and independence is through a consistent, brief and positive goodbye routine. Here are a few strategies that may help set your child up for a successful day:

• Keep goodbyes short and upbeat. A quick hug, a confident smile, and a reassuring “Have a great day-I’ll see you this afternoon!” goes a long way in helping children feel safe and settled.
• Avoid lingering or peeking through windows. While it’s completely understandable to want to check that your child is okay, children often take their cues from us. When they see that we trust their ability to manage the transition, they begin to trust it too.
• Keep parting messages confident. Phrases like “You’ve got this!” or “I know you’ll have a great day” help build independence. While offers like “I can stay nearby if you need me” or “Do you want something special?” come from a place of love, they can unintentionally reinforce worry and make separation harder.
• Trust the routines. Our teachers are wonderful at supporting children through tricky moments, and most students settle very quickly once the day begins. Once the day has begun if your child continues to need extra support to settle, please be reassured that we will contact you to let you know.

Please know that our priority is always the wellbeing of your child, and we’re here to support both them-and you-through any difficult mornings. If your child is having ongoing difficulties with separation, we’re very happy to work with you on a personalised plan.

Thank you for your ongoing support in helping all of our students begin their days feeling calm, confident, and ready to learn.

Bronwyn Green
Acting Assistant Principal – Wellbeing

Reconciliation Week

May 27th marked the beginning of Reconciliation Week. During this week students across the school have been learning about the importance of Reconciliation for Australia as Nation.

As part of our school Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), we have overarching vision.

‘Our vision for Reconciliation is an Australia that embraces unity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and all Australians. One which recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and heritages as a proud part of our shared national identity. Our intention is to create and maintain a culturally safe and inclusive environment in which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families are empowered, and their cultural identity is respected and celebrated. We believe a reconciled Australia will be achieved together when relationships are developed based on a commitment to social justice, mutual understanding, respect, truth and trust.

In the context of our primary school, this vision means educating all staff on the significance of integrating First Peoples perspectives into every subject area, ensuring that all students receive authentic and comprehensive education throughout their schooling. We will also collaborate and consult with local Elders and other relevant groups and celebrate significant First Peoples events within our wider community’.

If anyone would like a copy of the school RAP please contact: [email protected]