Carrie-Anne Thomas

Outstanding Speaker Series for Parents

Please be reminded that we have an incredible lineup of speakers for our upcoming events, starting with Leonie Smith in Week 3.

We are truly fortunate to have secured such experts to share their knowledge with our community. We strongly encourage all parents and carers to prioritise attending these exciting sessions.

Here are some further details and the booking link:

• Wednesday 2 August 2023: 7.00 pm – 8.00 pm (on Zoom)
  Leonie Smith will be presenting online about being ‘Happy and Safe Online’
• Monday 21 August 2023: 6.00 pm – 8.00 pm
  Grace Tame will be presenting as a part of an evening about Consent and Respect. Please see the article in this edition for more details.
• Tuesday 7 November 2023: 7.00 pm – 8.30 pm
  Judith Locke (author of Bonsai Child) will be presenting on campus on the topic ‘Confident and Capable’. Judith works with families and schools to provide proven solutions to cope with the ups and downs of life.
• Thursday 16 November 2023: 7.00 pm – 8.30 pm (on Zoom)
  Karen Young will be presenting online about ‘Building Emotional Regulation and Self-Control in Children’. 

Bookings can be made here.

Interrelate Program

This term, we are delighted to host the Interrelate providers as part of our wellbeing programs for Year 5 and Year 6. 

Interrelate has been recognised by the Australian government and education authorities for the programs that they offer to schools, addressing issues relating to relationships, including sex education. With over 90 years of experience, Interrelate has built an outstanding reputation for providing high quality learning opportunities, covering topics in an age appropriate manner. 

Our Years 5 and 6 students will have the opportunity to engage with highly-trained and skilled educators from Interrelate. These sessions will address crucial aspects of emotional and social development. The aim of these programs is to ensure that our young learners are informed about relationships and are encouraged to seek help when needed. Research has demonstrated that providing accurate and reliable information empowers young people to make informed and positive choices.  

Moving Into the Teen Years (Year 5 students)

In Weeks 4-6, the Year 5 students participate in Interrelate program titled, ‘Moving Into the Teen Years’ Interrelate Program. This program is run during school hours by an external presenter with the support of classroom teachers. The program covers the following topics: 

• Acknowledge personal differences and promote respect for, and acceptance of, others
• Increase awareness of personal safety and protective behaviours
• Develop students’ understanding of physical development at puberty, and provide strategies for managing these changes
• Discuss different types of relationships and strategies for managing conflict.

If you have any questions, please contact your child’s teacher. 

‘Where Did I Come From’ and ‘Preparing for Puberty’ (Year 6 students and parents) 

On Tuesday 15 August 2023, 6.00 pm – 8.15 pm, Year 6 students and parents are expected to participate in an online session hosted by Interrelate. This year’s sessions will focus on ‘Where did I come from?’ and ‘Preparing for puberty’. This online event is compulsory as it covers content in the curriculum. Therefore, it is essential all Year 6 students attend with at least one parent. The programs cover the following topics and more:

• Discuss the physical changes of puberty, emphasising that it can be different for everyone
• Develop students’ understanding of the physical, emotional, social and intellectual changes associated with puberty
• Sexual intercourse and conception, including assisted methods
• Enhance awareness of children’s personal safety and protective behaviours.

More information has been sent to Year 6 families directly. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s Year 6 teacher. 

Smartwatches 

I want to take this opportunity to highlight the growing number of smartwatches we see students wearing at school. The school’s policy on smartwatches and mobile phones is that students may bring them to school, but they must remain in their bags during the school day (8.00 am – 3.30 pm).

We understand that many parents want their children to have access to a mobile phone or smartwatch when travelling to and from school. At the same time, Emanuel School seeks to maintain a learning environment that is free from distractions. Therefore, we require a consistent approach to mobile phones and smartwatch technology. For safety purposes, students may access mobile phones or smartwatches at 3.30 pm and wear or use them on their way home from school. 

Whilst we understand that some smartwatches provide the option of activating school or class mode, there have been several incidents where this function has either been incorrectly set or deactivated so that children can be contacted before the end of the school day. This disrupts learning for the child wearing the watch and other students in their class. Furthermore, differentiating between watches to identify which models have these functions is not always straightforward and is not where teacher time is best spent. 

Students found wearing smartwatches will be asked to return them to their bags. Repeat offenders will have their watches confiscated, and a parent/carer will need to come into school to collect them.

Thank you for your co-operation.