Dear St John the Apostle community, 

Wow has it been cold this week! We've certainly experienced winter now in the capital.

One of the joys this week was to watch the students play in the mornings with the ice from the creek bed that now runs through our school as a result of our recent playground development. Their excitement and playfulness was infectious and we all had a little fun those mornings.

Keeping Warm

We have lots of school uniform items available at the Uniform Shop to help students stay warm through winter. I encourage everyone to 'layer up' with with their new and pre-loved items.

Our classrooms all have reverse-cycle air conditioning, helping students stay cosy and warm during their learning time. Students can take layers off when they come in from outside as well as layer up before play times. 

Sickness

If your child displays any cold or flu like symptoms please do keep them home for the day. They will recover much quicker than if sent to school and there won't be a risk of spreading anything to the other children or the teachers themselves. It will help to keep the classroom a happy and healthy place each day for everyone.

Silent Corridors?

We had an interesting phone call yesterday asking if we had a 'silent corridor policy'? For those who may be wondering....we don't have a policy that outlines 'silent corridors'. If anyone is curious about how we support positive behaviour in our school our Positive Behaviour for Learning Policy is available on our school website. However, I thought it might be a good opportunity to remind parents of our school's approach to supporting positive behaviour.

In our Positive Behaviour For Learning Policy you will notice that we do teach, acknowledge and celebrate simple behaviours that help the school to be a predictable, safe and orderly place so teachers can teach and children can learn. Our focus this week has been 'Walk safely and respectfully through the school'. We've talked about it, practised it and spotted children doing a wonderful job of it.

Walking through the school, either as individuals or in class groups, in a quiet and orderly way is important. This is particularly true during learning time, when classes are trying to learn without the interruption and distraction of a noisy class walking past. It also prevents injuries or accidents in crowded corridors. Families who have come to our various assemblies will have seen how we always move off to class in an orderly way each day. Doing this helps students to settle and transition smoothly into their classroom and to engage quickly in their learning.

Learning how to be respectful in sharing a busy space creates empathy, understanding and awareness; a precursor to adult activities such as working in team environments and driving on roads. Just like all parents want for their child, it's just one way we help our students learn to 'Respect Others, Respect Self and Respect the Environment'.

Semester 1 Reports

Thank you to all of our teachers who provided opportunities for families to have a Parent-teacher Interview during the last two weeks. I know that the conversations will have been fruitful and positive with a focus on what children are doing well and how we can support their development in Semester 2. Students on Personal Plans will have received their child's Personal Plan Report at the interview with an opportunity to revise their individual learning goals.

The Semester 1 Report will be forwarded home via COMPASS on Wednesday next week. The grades will be a confirmation of the conversations held at Parent-Teacher Interviews. Catholic Education have determined that no comments will be provided on this semester's report, however, they will be included in the Semester 2 Student Report. If you have any questions or concerns please do contact your child's teacher.

Have a lovely weekend and I look forward to celebrating everyone's Term 2 achievements next week.

Matthew Garton

Principal