As the year gathers pace – sporting, social and other events resume and we settle back into the new COVID normal – let’s not forget the WWW (what worked well) of 2020. Whilst everybody recognises the challenges and opportunities provided by COVID-19 in 2020, there were many significant changes that occurred in people’s lives and, in particular, the way the family unit operated and changed from the regular weekly routine. As our lives were forced in many situations to slow down and we spent more time at home, we had the opportunity to forge different relationships and build different competencies with those living under our roofs. In many cases, this led to the re-emergence of the jigsaw puzzle, the increased time in the garden, the shared responsibility and time at the park with the family pet, the creation of the next generation of MasterChefs and, above all, the appreciation of what we have each and every day right under our noses. For many, the endless search for more to fill the day, week and especially the weekend was no longer an option. These changes were, for so many, a much needed reset and source of great joy. Remember these times with fondness and don’t lose sight of them as very necessary for you and your family’s mental health and wellbeing.
Don’t be late for school – JSK House Swimming
This Friday 5 March sees all Year 3 to Year 6 students compete at the Bulleen Sports Complex for the House Swimming cup. The carnival will commence with the Late-for-School Race. We certainly hope no students will be late for school on the day as it is a wonderful sea of colour and action. We will be taking a host of photos and creating a video which will be shared with parents and students on Canvas as a reflection of the day’s events.
Buddies bursting with colour and energy
Our new Prep students enjoyed the wonderful opportunities to meet their Year 6 and Year 3 buddies across two separate recess play times (pictured). There will be one more recess play session for all the Prep, Year 3 and Year 6 buddies before the Preps join their first House session on Friday 19 March.
The power of technology
Living in such a dynamic and technologically evolving world allows for immediate connection, access to information and endless opportunities. As devices with online access become the norm rather than the exception for our children, it’s a timely reminder that we have a responsibility to support and model appropriate technology use and practices. All Junior School students recently signed a Responsible User Agreement for their School devices. A few tips for managing home technology include establishing limits, both time and type of activities; using technology in open public spaces; creating a family charge station where all devices are charged overnight; reminders about not giving out any personal information online; and, most important of all, keeping the communication lines open by asking to see what children are researching, watching and engaging with online.
Exciting parent opportunities on the horizon
Following the large turnout of parents at Bulleen for last week’s Year 5 triathlon, we look forward to seeing many Year 6 parents at Bulleen next Wednesday for the APS sports open afternoon, the Prep Chapel Service on 18 March, Year 1 Chapel Service on 16 March and the Prep and Year 5 parents function on 25 March. Further details will be in Daily Messages and invitations are forthcoming.
Alby Ingles
Deputy Head – Student Welfare
