Message - Deputy Principal ( Inclusive Education - Learning Adjustment Leader )
Dear Parents and families,
Next Thursday 9th September is recognised as R U OK? Day. This day comes as a timely reminder to check in on each other as we continue to deal with the effects of the COVID pandemic. It encourages us to stay connected and have conversations that can help each of us as we face daily challenges and difficult times in our lives.
There will be a real focus on Wellbeing next week with many learning tasks incorporating an opportunity for our staff and students to check in on their friends to discuss how they are feeling and different strategies they can use to support each other and stay connected.
Our virtual weekly assemblies have provided a connection between home and school and our senior students have done a great job in building their leadership skills to lead this each week. Next week they will discuss steps we can take to have a conversation with a friend or family member to check if they R OK. There is one example of the steps seen here.
Below is the link to R U OK? Day. There are many ideas and resources you may like to utilise with your family and loved ones as a way of staying connected and checking in.
I have also included in today’s newsletter an article from ‘Parenting Ideas’ written by Michael Grose. He shares strategies around how we can build resilience in our young people particularly around this time of uncertainty. Strengthening our connections can support relationship building and more positive outcomes for our kids.
Such activities can include:
increasing family connections through shared mealtimes and enjoyable family activities
positive one-on-one activities between parents and kids
encouraging regular digital or face-to-face connection with friends
maintaining contact with extended family
Spend a few minutes reading the article to find out other ways we can support each other.
Father's Day
This Sunday we celebrate Father’s Day and acknowledge all our Dad’s and Father figures who do so much for us each and every day. God, our Father is our present Father, everywhere and always with us. He is the perfect example of love.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
Our St Thomas the Apostle school community is blessed with so many wonderful Father’s and Father figures who show the qualities of love, kindness, strength and humility to name a few. Below are some reflections from our students about their Dads.
My Dad is loving and caring and always puts us first. He is always there when we need him the most. Dad’s show love in different ways – Nathan
I love my Dad because he brings me to the park and buys me toys- Matteo
I love my Dad because he does just so much work - Angelina
My Dad is very caring and an active listener when we need to talk to him. Even when he is busy, he takes time to be active in the park across the road with us. Dad also apologises when he thinks he has made a mistake - Ava
Dad takes care of me and plays with me a lot. I’m very excited this week because Dad is coming home early from work - Sebastian
We wish all out Dad’s a very Happy Father’s Day on Sunday. Thank you for everything you do for our kids.
