Term 3 - Week 7 - 7th September,2023

Principals Report

Dear Parents and Carers,

It’s been a busy Term 3, in the last three weeks:

• We celebrated Bookweek
• We’ve started using SeeSaw as a platform for students, parents and teachers to share and celebrate learning
• Claremont College visited our Year 10 students, and they engaged in course counselling
• Our Grade 3 to 6 took part in the Swimming and Water Safety Program
• Our 9/10 students participated in the Recklink Netball Challenge
• Marine and Safety Tasmania visited our Grade 3 to 10 classes
• The Strike Soccer School has started an afterschool program for K-Gr 6
• We celebrated Teacher Aide Appreciation Week

Congratulations to Niki Griggs who has won the recently advertised fixed term role of Assistant Principal at our school.  We’re very lucky to have her work with us at our school.

Last week was Teacher Aide appreciation week.  We’re very lucky to have Teacher Aides at our school who place the moral imperative of our schools, our students at the heart of their practice.

Their unwavering commitment and tireless efforts as educators have a profound impact on our learning community. From providing personalised assistance to students, aiding in classroom activities, working elbow to elbow with our teachers and students, to lending a helping hand in various administrative tasks, our teacher aides go above and beyond every day. Their kindness, patience, and passion for education create an environment where our students can flourish and succeed. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for their essential role in shaping the educational journey of our students and making our school a better place for all!  Our TAs put our students first always! 

Social Media

Social media is part of life and can be used in an appreciative and positive way.  It helps us connect with others, keep up to date with friends and family, gain access to news from around the world and we can follow our interests and hobbies in real time.  It also allows us to share our thoughts and opinions on various matters.  When thoughts and opinions are shared on social media platforms like Facebook, they can be misconstrued by others as the truth, when in reality they are personal opinions.

We can’t always control what is posted on social media by others.  Posts are often interpreted differently by whoever engages with them.  Once something is posted it is out in the open and the original intent can be lost.  How a post is received, who it is shared with and who engages with it can not be controlled. Social media posts leave behind a footprint that impact both the sender, the subject of the post and who ever sees the post. 

Social media can be a place where people ‘vent’ or share thoughts that are emotionally charged.  Rather than posting on social media about our school, staff, students and the community we request that you communicate directly with our school. If you have any questions, worries or concerns please call the office to make a time to discuss, query or explore any concern that you have about our school.

By doing this, we can ensure that you are informed, up to date and have the correct information. We want to work together with you to create a positive and collaborative relationship that benefits your child and the entire school community.

Gratitude

Each of our students from K-10 take part in the Resilience Project, that has a focus on Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness.  These skills are vital to our students wellbeing and wellbeing for learning.

Gratitude has been the subject of extensive research, and numerous studies have shown that practicing gratitude can have a wide range of physical, psychological, and social benefits. Here are some of the benefits of gratitude that have been evidenced through research:

1. Reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety: Numerous studies have demonstrated that gratitude exercises can effectively alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.
2. Enhanced overall well-being: Grateful individuals often report higher levels of life satisfaction and a greater sense of overall well-being.
3. Better Physical Health:

• Stronger immune system: Some research suggests that gratitude practices may bolster the immune system, contributing to improved physical health.
• Lower blood pressure: Expressing gratitude has been linked to reduced blood pressure, offering potential long-term health advantages.

• Increased prosocial behavior: Gratitude fosters a sense of interconnectedness, prompting people to help and support others.
• Enhanced social bonds: Grateful individuals are more likely to nurture and strengthen their relationships.

• Reduced negative emotions: Gratitude can effectively mitigate negative emotions such as envy, resentment, and regret.
• Greater emotional resilience: Grateful individuals often exhibit better coping mechanisms and greater resilience when facing adversity.

• Greater life satisfaction: Gratitude is strongly correlated with increased life satisfaction and overall happiness.
• Positive affect: Grateful individuals tend to experience more positive emotions on a daily basis.

• Lower stress levels: Gratitude practices have been shown to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
• Enhanced stress coping: Grateful people often employ better strategies for dealing with stressful situations.

• Greater psychological resilience: Gratitude can aid individuals in bouncing back from setbacks and adversity more effectively.

Incorporating gratitude into our daily life can lead to a wide range of positive outcomes, from mental and emotional well-being to physical health and improved relationships.

It's important to note that the specific benefits of gratitude may vary from person to person, and the effectiveness of gratitude practices can depend on individual factors. However, the overall body of research suggests that cultivating gratitude can have a positive impact on various aspects of physical and mental well-being, as well as on social relationships and overall life satisfaction. 

While much of the research on gratitude is conducted internationally, there have also been studies conducted in Australia that provide additional evidence for the benefits of gratitude. Here are some examples of Australian-based research on gratitude:

Gratitude and Well-being in Australian Adolescents (2015):

This study conducted at the University of Melbourne found that gratitude was positively associated with life satisfaction, happiness, and prosocial behavior in Australian adolescents. It also revealed that gratitude interventions could be beneficial for promoting well-being in this age group.

The Role of Gratitude in Australian Adults' Psychological Well-being (2013):

Researchers from the University of Sydney conducted a study that showed a positive relationship between gratitude and psychological well-being in Australian adults. Gratitude was associated with greater life satisfaction and reduced levels of psychological distress.

Gratitude and Mental Health in Australian Older Adults (2019):

This study, conducted by researchers at the University of Queensland, explored the relationship between gratitude and mental health in older Australian adults. It found that gratitude was associated with lower levels of depression and anxiety, as well as greater life satisfaction in this demographic.

Gratitude Interventions in Australian Clinical Settings (2020):

Researchers at the University of New South Wales conducted a study that explored the effectiveness of gratitude interventions in clinical settings in Australia. The study found that incorporating gratitude practices into therapy could lead to improvements in mental health outcomes for patients.

Gratitude and Workplace Well-being in Australia (2018):

A study conducted by researchers at Australian National University investigated the impact of gratitude on workplace well-being. It found that gratitude was associated with greater job satisfaction, lower work-related stress, and improved workplace relationships among Australian employees

As parents and carers of school students, fostering gratitude in children is a wonderful way to help them develop into well-rounded, empathetic individuals. Here are some strategies you can employ:

Model Gratitude: Children often learn by observing their parents. Demonstrate gratitude in your own life by expressing thanks for the little things, showing appreciation for others, and talking about what you're grateful for. Your actions will set a powerful example.

Engage in Gratitude: Create family traditions that centre around gratitude. For example, you can have a daily gratitude journaling session where each family member shares something they're thankful for or a discussion at dinner  "What are you thankful for?" then the big question "Why are you thankful for .....?". This practice can help children develop the habit of recognizing and appreciating the positive aspects of their lives and those who contribute to it.

Encourage Acts of Kindness: Encourage your children to perform acts of kindness for others, whether it's helping a friend with homework or doing chores for an elderly neighbour. Acts of kindness can foster a sense of gratitude for the ability to make a positive impact on others' lives.

Limit Materialism: Teach your children the difference between wants and needs. Encourage them to appreciate what they have rather than constantly desiring more material possessions. Discuss the value of experiences and relationships over material goods.

Volunteer Together: Engaging in volunteer work as a family can help children see the world from different perspectives and appreciate the blessings in their own lives. It also instils a sense of social responsibility and gratitude for the ability to give back.

Encourage Reflection: Encourage your children to reflect on their day and think about things they are grateful for before bedtime. This reflection can become a calming and positive bedtime routine.

Be Patient and Supportive: Building gratitude is a gradual process. Be patient with your children and provide support and guidance as they learn to embrace this mindset.

By incorporating these strategies into your family life, you can help your children cultivate gratitude as a fundamental part of their upbringing, fostering their emotional well-being, empathy, and resilience as they navigate their school years and beyond.

Here are some resources that you may find helpful.

The Resilience Project - https://theresilienceproject.com.au/

The Resilience Project is an Australian initiative that focuses on promoting gratitude, empathy, and resilience in schools. Their website offers resources and programs for educators, parents, and students.

Generation Next - generationnext.com.au:

Generation Next provides information and resources on youth mental health and well-being, including articles and events that address topics related to gratitude and character education.

BeYou- https://beyou.edu.au/

An Australian mental health and well-being initiative for primary schools. Their website provides resources, strategies, and activities for educators and parents to support the social and emotional development of students.

• Our new Ag classroom and outdoor learning space are taking shape, we’re hoping to be using them by the end of the year
• Our new jumpers are being worn with pride and they look great, we have a whole school photo to share soon! The Sheep Station Cup have also funded the after school Strike Soccer sessions. If you get the chance, please express your gratitude and appreciation to the Sheep Station Cup who have worked really hard to give each of our students and staff member a high quality merino jumper.
• The Gretna Cricket Club are running sessions for the whole school this Friday and our Grade 9/10s took part in the Reclink AFL Gala Day on Tuesday
• If you’re missing some roosters, they are at school. Please collect them.

Congratulations to our students who have been recognised for living our school values and setting a great example to us all.

• Koa E - Amazing long word in boggle - Growth
• Mitchell B - Doing a great job measuring in centimeters -Growth
• Sophie B - Well done in the gym - Aspiration and Growth
• Leo W - For cleaning up after cooking -Respect
• Chloe Ellis - Working hard in English -Growth
• Matilda S - For helping Brooklyn with her phonics - Respect
• Katelyn N - Showing courage through hosting end of term 2 Assembly- Courage
• Piper B - Helping clean our classroom at end of term, even when everyone else went outside - Respect
• Jimmy E - Focusing on a challengeing piece of work and completing it. -  Aspiration, Growth
• Danielle B - Showing courage through hosting the end of term 2 Assembly - Courage
• Haylie K - Showing courage through hosting the end of term 2 Assembly - Courage
• Chloe E - Working hard and asking for feedback - Growth
• Mitchell B - Respecting classmates and encouraging them to answer questions - Respect
• Leo W - Seeing a big mess in the playground and cleaning it up -Growth
• Charlotte C - For seeing a big mess in the playground and cleaning it up. -Growth
• Lara W - Seeing a big mess in the playground and cleaning it up - Growth
• Chloe E - Taking control of and extending her learning - Aspiration, Growth
• Shelby R - Seeing a big mess in the playfround and cleaning it up - Growth
• Grace D - Seeing a big mess in the playround and cleaning it up - Growth
• Molly T - Working hard and independantly - Growth
• Indigo M - Taking control of and extending her learning - Aspiration, Growth
• Wyatt B - For excellant concentrating in writing and doing a fantastic picture
• Ava B -For helping others by cleaning up a mess - Respect
• Charlotte C - Fantastic writing in science. - Growth
• Evelyn A - Fantastic science work in the 1/2 class with great descriptive language and drawings - Growth
• Matilda R -For sounding out words in a book! - Growth
• Shelby R - For showing persistence in reading and writing - Growth
• Piper B - For striving to improve her reading and writing - Growth
• Evelyn A - Looking out for her friends - Respect
• Riley M - Helping out in Kinder - Respect
• Evelyn A - For being a caring and kind friend to Brooklyn.- Respect
• Brooklyn M - For participating in the whole PE class. Trying her best and having fun - Growth
• Lachlan G - Working together with his peers - Growth, Respect
• William R - Fantastic group work when brainstorming adjectives - Growth, Respect
• Brooklyn M - Participating well in PE and joining in with all activities - Growth, Respect
• Riley M - Regulating his behaviour - Growth
• Ava B - Great group work looking at adjectives.- Growth, Respect 
• Charlie F - Completing all work in HASS to a high standard in his lesson.-Growth
• Piper B - Participating with respect and encouraging others in PE - Respect
• Molly T - Working hard in class activities. - Growth
• Mia C - Working hard and trying her best at new activities.- Growth
• Jimmy E - Fantastic group work when brainstorming adjectives - Growth, Respect
• Grace D - Fantastic detail in her science work-Growth
• Shelby R- Fantastic detail in her science work. - Growth
• Nellie B - Working hard and trying her best at new activities - Growth
• Kaitlyn H - Working extremely hard to improve and make growth with her Algebra Maths work. - Growth
• Avril G - Tidying up consistently without ever needing to be asked. - Respect
• Indigo M - Working hard and asking questions. - Growth
• Riley M - Helping clean up the kitchen so well. Respect

Students working with the sheep

Looks like the sheep and the handlers are getting on very well.  Great to see the sheep looking as relaxed as the students handling them.  You should all be very proud of the work you are doing with the sheep.

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Book week Theme Read-Grow-Inspire.

Thank you to all the students for dressing up for Book Week you had amazing ideas & costumes a tough job judging these costumes. Thank you to nurse Hilary for judging the costumes & to Miss Dilger for judging the colouring- In competition.

Book week Most Imaginative costumes:

LIL- Kensi & Lacey B,    Kinder/Prep… Shelby R        Gr. 1 & 2….. Ava B      Gr/3 & 4 Chloe E     Gr.5/6 Sophie B  Gr. 7/8   Eliza E   Gr.9/10 Chloe D & Bonnie H.

Book Week  Most Imaginative colouring-in winners:   LIL. Angus D     Kinder Matilda S     Prep, Shelby R    Gr.1 Lara W   Gr.2 Malcom G   Gr.3 Indigo M      Gr.4 Mia C     Gr.5    Monique W Gr.6 Sophie B   Gr.7 Eliza E  Gr.8 Lilli B    Gr.9 Keeley F    Gr.10  Michael P    Adults Miss  Pennicott     

Thanks Tanya.   

As you can see from the photos our whole school had a fun time at Bookweek.

Brigette White

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Bothwell Library

Cooking with Brigette

In cooking on Thursday  17th August our cooking students made Cheesy Bacon turnovers.  They look very nice when you see the finished product. 

Then on the 24th August our students made Cinamon Scrolls.  These look  like they were really nice, very professionally made.  

Cooking on 31st August our students made Upside down Apricot cakes.  Great job to all.

Cooking on the 24th August, 2023

Cooking on 31st August, 2023

Reclink Grand Final

Well done to our Students who played in the reclink Grand Final.  Congratulations to Michael Pearce for getting Most Valuable Player on the day.

MAST visit to the school

On Wednesday, Ian from MAST visited our students in years 3-10 to talk about being safe in waterways when fishing and boating. Below is a picture of Class 3/4.

Accommodation for year 11 and 12 at a Hobart College

Did you know the Department of Education, Children and Young People has a student residence at the TasTAFE Clarence Campus, in Warrane? The residence aims to assist year 11 and 12 students access college.  
Opened in 2023 after the closure of the Springvale Hostel, the fully supervised residence accommodates up to 21 students, in 4-bedroom units.  Students have their own bedroom and a small self-catering kitchen. 
Students stay five nights a week during the school term.  The residence has a strong focus on student wellbeing and their studies.   It is ideal for students who want to further their education in specialist subjects that are not offered at their local high school. 
Students who live 56km or more from their nearest college may be eligible for Centrelink support and other allowances. 
For more information contact the Student Residence Manager David Adams on 0457 308 063 or by email david.adams@decyp.tas.gov.au

For futher information and an application form call into the School Office.

Gretna Cricket Season - Junior Dates

Dental Clinic

Little Athletics Weily Park