2021 GRADE 7 ENROLMENTS

Any current families looking to enrol their child in Grade 7 for 2021 are asked to contact Coby Kinder on coby.kinder@catholic.tas.edu.au or 6229 0104.

Current Grade 6 students do not need to reapply.

 

A MESSAGE FROM THE COUNSELLOR

As students prepare their return to school on 25th May , there may be a lot of mixed emotions in your house. As you support your children with this return, here are a few things to keep in mind.

FIRST DAY JITTERS
Coming back to school after an extended period away can, and for many kids, will provoke some nerves. Although this may feel very similar to the first day of a school year there are some big positives you can remind your kids about: they already know where to find their classroom, how hard the work will be, who their teacher is and who is in their class.

One of the best ways to calm first day jitters is to pick up a friend on the way to school. It’s much easier walking into the class with a friendly face beside you.

SEPARATION ANXIETY
We always expect that students may experience some separation anxiety when they return to school. The return to school after learning at home is not the same as a new year in that many children have spent weeks at home with their parents. You might find that your kids who have never been worried about separating from you find this a hard day. It is okay for them to feel this way and they will be okay.

AVOIDING REASURRANCE
Reassuring your child when they talk about worries seems the most natural response, you can make them feel better with only a few words! Unfortunately, in the long run, this isn’t always the most helpful response. As a parent you can’t always be there with your child and you want them to be able to comfort themselves in those moments.

When you notice your child worrying one of the best things you can do is allow them to soothe themselves by asking questions which focus on the truth of what might happen, not just the thing they are worried about. For example: What do you think will happen when you get to school? What happened on the mornings before you worked from home? Have you ever felt worried at school before? What did you do? And how were you okay? You’ve been away from mum and dad before, what made you feel better then?

GET BACK INTO A HEALTHY SLEEP ROUTINE
We know that, especially for those teenagers in your life, late nights and sleep ins have become the norm for many. Its important to start getting back into a normal routine in order to make returning that much easier. If your teenager is spending their nights on their phones, consider leaving all phones and devices in the lounge room after an agreed upon time.

FOCUS ON THE POSITIVE 
Your child has managed to work (somewhat) independently for weeks. That is a HUGE achievement. Remind them that they have done a great job and you are proud of them.

Also, don’t hesitate to give yourselves a pat on the back at the same time!

If you are worried about the return to school, please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s homeroom teacher. You can also contact the College Counsellor at
Joanna.orchard@catholic.tas.edu.au 

For more ideas and support you can check out the following resources:

Blackdog Institute

Headspace

Beyond Blue

  

EXPLORERS ONLINE ADVENTURES

The College SETUP for Success Birth to 5 year old's program "Explorers" has been operating online since mid March. We have been doing our best to continue to support the Explorer's children in their development, finding activities to help during isolation, and providing ideas for how parents can engage and support their child. We have enjoyed seeing how our online communication has enabled families to keep connected with each other and to continue building relationships.

Each week, our Explorers families can access reading of stories recorded by Mrs Reece, Mrs Boon and her children Harry and Elsie, or Grade 10 Child Care students. Activities are shared that connect to the stories or their theme, along with details of the learning opportunities they provide for children.  We have been doing weekly Zoom Music and Movement sessions, which have been a fabulous way to catch up for some fun action songs, and to get to see each other through the gallery view. 

The activities and Zoom sessions are being uploaded to our Explorers closed Facebook group (for attendees and future attendees only) and our new Explorers online site. If families with children aged 0-5 yrs old, are interested in accessing these online activities, please email Mrs Reece (andrea.reece@catholic.tas.edu.au).

Here are some photos of some of our Explorers children sharing the activities they have done and some activity ideas they have shared with our group. You can also hear an incredibly creative reading of the Charlie and Lola story "But Where Completely Are We", by Lauren Child; made into an iMovie and narrated by Harry Boon, and acted by Harry and Elsie Boon (such a talented pair). After sharing this book we asked our Explorers if they have ever camped in their backyard or even made an indoor camp? We shared some inspiration for making sheet tents inside and outside, to hopefully help provide a fun adventure during a period of restricted activities.

GUILFORD YOUNG COLLEGE TRANSITION

Due to the COVID-19 restrictions GYC staff are unable to attend the Huntingfield Campus to discuss transition with Grade 10 students.

They have created the following videos for students and families to view-

If you have any questions around enrolment - fees, uniform etc.  please contact Bernadette Pogorzelski at GYC on 6238 4312 or enrolments@gyc.tas.edu.au

IMPORTANT DATES

KINGSTON CAMPUS CAR PARK

• Students to alight from the car on the left-hand side only onto the footpath.

• Parents need to remain in the car. Students who use the Drop & Go zone must be capable of getting in and out of the car by themselves, including putting on their seat belt. If they are not able to do so parents will need to park in a designated car park space and assist them as they currently do.

• School bags should be in the car and not retrieved from the boot. These need to be in the car with the student so that students do not have to go behind or in between cars.

• Teardrop flags will clearly mark the allocated Drop & Go zone.  Students are not to enter or leave cars which are waiting in line to use the zone - please be patient and wait until you are safely parked in the zone.

• Please ensure you have your handbrake on once you have pulled into and stopped.

• Staff supervision will be present at the start and end of each day.

• When in the drop and go zone please drive to the front to allow for cars coming in and out to flow smoothly.

SUSTAINABILITY AT HOME

In the theme of all things @ home during these times please see this fortnight's Sustainability  @ Home update from the Environment and Sustainability Officer