Can you drop a load of sand to the school on the weekend or early next week for our long jump? 

School Wide Positive Behaviour Supports

Our journey so far:

Over the first two terms this year everyone in our community: students, staff and parents, gave input into what behaviours we were seeing and what behaviours we want to see.  

We looked at our school values and reflected on what values are most important to us now. This led to the formation of our new values: Community, Kindness and Respect.

We identified what behaviours we expect to see to show Community, Kindness and Respect and what this looks like in all areas, of our school, inside and outside. These are specific, measurable and achievable.  You can see our Expected Behaviour Matrix around the school.

This term staff are looking at our systems so that we have consistent expectations across the school for how we do things, including lining up, movement around the school, using the bus or using sports equipment. These procedures will be taught in our Start Up program next year and will help to keep our school a calm learning space. It helps new staff and families who join us to quickly understand how we do things and will be available on our website.

Teachers are also writing lesson plans to teach expected behaviours from our Matrix. Next year we will teach these throughout the year. There will be lots of encouragement for students and recognition of them meeting these expectations. (I think badges may be a popular choice!)

We put lots of ajdustments and supports in place for our students. We recognise that there are strategies which work for all our students and that some students need extra support at times for many reasons. We access Allied Health services, Deparmental pyschologists, visiting teachers and speech pathogists for specialist recommendations for things we can put into place so that every child can succeed. We work closely with families and hold Student Support Group meetings, use Individual Education Plans and Behaviour support plans to assist the student.

Margot leads our Kimochis and Respectful Relationships teaching as part of our Social and Emotional learning. Personal and interpersonal capabilities are part of our Curriculum and taught throughout the week. We teach all our students to recognise and celebrate our similarities and differences, acknowledge our neurodiverse community and support each other to be our best. We have expected behaviours we are all working towards and we ask you to support us in this. 

If your child shares something that happened in class or the playground that upset them, spend time unpacking it and ask if it was resolved. Did they use the keys to communication to solve the problem? Did they ask a teacher for help? Did they feel it was resolved? If yes, fantastic and time to move on. If not, let their teacher or Bernadette know so we can follow up. We teach children to let things go once they have been resolved. As adults, we need to model that once things have been dealt with, we let them go. Being hypervigilant increases anxiety and does not assist children to be resilient. We teach children that when we say sorry it means we won't do it again. When we accept an apology, it means we are willing to let it go and make a fresh start.  We work towards rebuilding our relationship. 

Hands on Learning with Margot

On Tuesday 31 October we had two important guests join our program for lunch and a Halloween themed afternoon tea. The guests were Steven Schneider – Hands on Learning Measurement and Impact Lead and Natalie Korinfsky, the School Focused Youth Services Coordinator from Sunbury/Cobaw Community Health.

This week we have had some other important guests from CSC supporting our program.

A group of year 12 students from the school have been busily upgrading our shed. Two sky lights have improved our learning space by bringing in some much-needed light and some additional wooden boards will ensure any unwanted guests such as snakes – KEEP OUT.

This term's project is focused on restoring old wooden chairs and preparing the garden for summer. 

What's happening in P-2

Each week in Sustainability, Prep – 2 students participate in fabulous activities with Serena. This week students were looking at water bugs from Forest Creek, planting seeds and making compost. Have a look at our amazing vegetable garden. Our broad bean plants are huge!

What's happening in 3-4-5?

What's happening in 5-6?

Community Notices

 First Peoples Connections and information

Djaara (Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation)  https://djadjawurrung.com.au/

DJAARA - Home | Facebook Nalderun Education Aboriginal Corporation https://nalderun.net.au/

Uluru Statement https://ulurustatement.org/the-statement/ Voice https://www.firstpeoplesvic.org/treaty/voice/ Treaty https://www.firstpeoplesrelations.vic.gov.au/treaty