From the Principal Week 2
Dear Parents and Carers,
When presented with new material and complicated topics, we need to be focused and calm as we approach the work. Children are no different. At school we use brain breaks and focused-attention practices to positively impact the students’ emotional states and learning. We try to refocus their neural circuitry with either stimulating or quieting practices that generate increased activity in the prefrontal cortex, where problem solving and emotional regulation occur.
Brain Breaks
A brain break is a short period of time when we change up the routine of incoming information. Our brains are wired for novelty. We know this because we pay attention to every stimulus in our environment that feels threatening or out of the ordinary. When we take a brain break, it refreshes our thinking and helps us discover another solution to a problem or see a situation through a different lens. During these few minutes, the brain moves away from learning, memorizing, and problem solving. The brain break actually helps us to develop and process new information. Some common brain breaks we often use include Simon Says, stretching, dancing, skipping, game and Go Noodle.
Focused Attention-Practices
A focused-attention practice is a brain exercise for quieting the thousands of thoughts that distract and frustrate us each day. When the mind is quiet and focused, we’re able to be present with a specific sound, sight, or taste.
Research repeatedly shows that quieting our minds ignites our parasympathetic nervous system, reducing heart rate and blood pressure while enhancing our coping strategies to effectively handle the day-to-day challenges that keep coming. Our thinking improves and our emotions begin to regulate so that we can approach an experience with variable options. When we’re focused and paying attention to our thoughts, feelings, and choices, we have a much greater opportunity to change those thoughts and feelings that are not serving us well in life and in school. At school we often use deep breathing, meditation, stilling our bodies to watch how we breathe and focused breathing.
You may like to try these at home with your children or next time you are learning something new or challenging!
God bless.
Rachel Smith
Principal
Principal’s Notes
School Canteen
We would love to reopen our canteen for counter sales at recess and lunch this term. We will only be able to do this with volunteer support from parents, grandparents and carers. If you are able to volunteer a view hours on a regular basis or an occasional basis please contact the canteen via michelle.wood@cg.catholic.edu.au
Learning Journeys and Parent Teacher Conferences
As communicated at the end of last term Catholic Education Canberra and Goulburn (CECG) has determined that general comments will not be required on the Semester 2, 2022 reports. This is in line with other educational jurisdictions and systems. Given teacher workload at present, including staffing pressures across the profession, CECG’s position is to prioritise parent/teacher conferences. We will be holding a Learning Journey on Tuesday 8th November during which your child will be able to share their work from this term with you. Semester 2 Reports will go live in COMPASS Friday 2nd December. Parent Teacher Conferences will be held the week beginning Monday 5th December.
Summer Uniform
It is customary for our students to begin Term 4 by wearing their summer uniform. This year due to the fluctuating weather we are allowing a two week transition from winter to summer uniform. It is expected that all students will commence week 3, 24th October with the summer uniform.
Leaving St Clare of Assisi
Don’t forget to let us know if you are planning to leave St Clare of Assisi at the end of the year. We need to begin planning for staffing and class configurations for 2023. Thank you to those who have let us know already, this is very much appreciated. Naturally Year 6 parents need not respond to this request.
https://stclareconder.schoolzineplus.com/form/10
2023 School and Term Dates
Please be aware the term dates will be as follows for next year;
- Term One 31 January - 6 April
- Term Two 26 April - 30 June
- Term Three 18 July - 22 September
- Term Four 9 October - 14 December
COVID Update
The restrictions in place at the end of last term have lifted and we excitedly welcome parents and carers back into the school grounds. We look forward to providing opportunities to welcome parents and carers back into the classroom shortly.