Term 3 Week 8
Weekly 5 with Leadership
Gullarn ngheeree - Welcome to this beautiful place,
As we work to our final weeks in Term 3, it is evident how quickly 2024 is passing. Term 3 is important for laying the foundations for the 2025 school year. Staffing and class structures are given significant consideration; the suite of specialist curriculum offerings is carefully considered with information shared in Term 4. Applications for Principal 2025 closed last Friday. Interviews with Mr Stephen Dale will be held in the coming weeks with an announcement to the school community before the end of term.
Each day with one another is a gift, whether it is for a short time or a long time, the journey is always a blessing. Mrs Melanie Ellis will finish her role in the Administration team in the first week of Term 4. Mel has been a breath of fresh air in our school office and I know you join me in appreciation for Mel's positive contributions to the role. Candidates who had applied for the Finance Secretary position in Term 3 were considered. I am happy to announce that Mrs Melissa Wilkings will join the Administration team on Monday 30 September. Some of you may know Melissa with her daughter, Siena, a past student at St Francis. Mel will be assisting with inductions in Term 4 Week 1 and we will have the opportunity to share appreciation and good wishes to Mel. Mel is taking some leave in Weeks 9 and 10, I am grateful to Mrs Fiona Owen for her continued flexibility in covering the office during this time.
During the moments of challenge and the moments that made you smile this week, may the love of an ever-compassionate God watch over us all.
PAX et bonum - Peace and all goodness,
Meredith Grove
(Principal 2024)
From Kylie's desk - APC
Nurturing Conflict Resolution Skills in Primary School Children
As our world becomes increasingly interconnected, the ability to resolve conflicts peacefully and effectively has never been more important.
Primary school is a crucial period for children to develop these essential skills. By fostering conflict resolution abilities early on, we are not only enhancing their social competence but also laying the groundwork for their future interactions.
Why Conflict Resolution Skills Matter
Conflict is a natural part of life, and children will inevitably encounter situations where disagreements arise. Whether in the classroom, during playtime, or at home, knowing how to handle conflicts constructively can lead to healthier relationships and a more positive environment. Children equipped with conflict resolution skills are likely to:
- Experience less bullying and negative peer interactions.
- Develop empathy and understanding for others' perspectives.
- Enhance their communication and negotiation abilities.
- Cultivate better emotional regulation and problem-solving skills.
Key Strategies for Developing Conflict Resolution Skills
Model Positive Behaviour
Children often learn by observing adults. Parents and teachers can demonstrate how to handle conflicts calmly and respectfully when disagreements arise. Share your thought process and the steps you take to resolve issues.
Teach Active Listening - encourage children to listen to each other without interrupting. Practicing active listening helps them to understand different viewpoints and fosters empathy.
Role-Playing Scenarios
Use role-playing to help children practice resolving conflicts. Create hypothetical scenarios (e.g., sharing toys, group project disputes) and guide them through different approaches to finding solutions.
Encourage Open Communication
Promote an environment where children feel comfortable expressing their feelings and thoughts. Teach them to use “I” statements (e.g., “I feel sad when…”) to express their feelings without blaming others.
Problem-Solving Steps
Introduce a step-by-step approach to resolving conflicts:
- Identify the problem.
- Discuss possible solutions together.
- Choose a solution to try.
- Reflect on the outcome and adjust if needed.
Praise Conflict Resolution Attempts
Recognize and commend children when they attempt to resolve conflicts independently, even if the outcome isn't perfect. This encourages them to continue developing these vital skills.
Schools play a pivotal role in teaching conflict resolution. Incorporating programs focusing on social-emotional learning can significantly impact children's ability to navigate conflicts effectively. Activities such as group discussions and cooperative learning projects can reinforce these skills.
By equipping children with the tools they need to navigate disagreements, we can help create a more understanding and compassionate society. As educators and parents, let us work together to guide our children in becoming effective communicators and empathic individuals, able to turn conflicts into opportunities for growth.
Please reach out if you require support,
Kylie Linforth
Assistant Principal Curriculum
Affirmation Awards
Child Protection Week 01/09 - 06/09
St Francis Feast Day - Fri 13 Sept
Bush Dance - Prep - Year 2
Scooter Track Tuesday 10/09
Tuckshop News
There is a day change for tuckshop in Week 10 (last day of school) due to Mass and beach play at Canoe Point. Tuckshop will be Thursday 12/09. No tuckshop Friday 13/09 - please book through Flexischools
P & F Group News
FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT – Friday 6th September, arrive from 6pm, movie starts 6:30pm
Get excited for our upcoming Family Movie Night, screening Despicable Me 4! Arrive from 6pm, with movie screening to start at 6:30pm.
What to Bring: Bring your pillows and cuddly toys to snuggle up with, picnic rugs or camp chairs. Gold coin donation. Dinner or purchase from the tuckshop.
Food and Drinks: We will have hot dogs, soft drinks and delicious hot chocolate for sale from the tuckshop, or families are welcome to bring their own dinner to eat. Cash and EFTPOS will be available for purchases at the tuckshop. To finish off with some sweet treats, Poppa’Licious Sisters will be selling popcorn and fairy floss.
Lend a hand? Want to help make this fun event a success? Check out the Sign Up Genius for times and tasks that you can put your name down to help out with. We appreciate all help!
Sponsors: A massive thank you to our sponsors for this event; Elevate Real Estate, Brooks Leathercraft, and Electroco. We hope that you support these local businesses that support our school community.
Please note that children must be supervised by parents/guardians at all times.
See you there!
FATHER’S DAY GIFT GIVING
To help celebrate the special Father Figures in our lives, this year the P&F Group has organised a Father’s Day Gift Giving. There won’t be a stall for students to choose a gift, instead the eldest child of each family will receive a gift to bring home for their father figure. The gifts were distributed on Thursday.
PARENTS & FRIENDS GROUP MEETING
We want to thank those who attended the P&F meeting on Tuesday evening. It was a great turnout and positive conversations about how we can continue to build our school community for the benefit of our children, teachers and families. Minutes from the meeting will be published in next week's newsletter.
The P&F Core Committee will begin to work on a proposal for 2025 goals, budget and calendar through Terms 3 & 4. We’d love to hear from you – where funds should be spent, events and activities to run, and fundraising goals to enable the objectives. Let us know!
Please remember, you can contact us at any time via the P&F email SFTS_PandFSecretary@rok.catholic.edu.au, the feedback & suggestions box at the school office, or by attending the general meetings.
We appreciate and encourage your thoughts and involvement which nourish the St Francis community.
Parents & Friends Group
Father's Day
We are Hiring ...
Our OSHC service is recruiting for an OSHC Assistant (minimum 2 years qualified) to join our dynamic team. Please share!
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