Thank you to the parents who attended this week’s Meet the Teacher event. It was wonderful to share our goals and plans for 2019. Thank you also to all the teachers and P&F for their informative presentations throughout the evening. I mentioned various PSG and P&F initiatives requiring parent support. If you haven’t already done so, please follow this link to volunteer for some of the initiatives: http://bit.ly/2DZ4Sj9. We greatly appreciate your support!

Tany Milner

Head of Primary

Meghan Carroll – Deputy Head of Primary

The Leader In Me (part 1 of 2)

The Leader in Me program is one of our main wellbeing platforms and is based on Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People’. This approach runs across Years K-6 and equips our students with the skills and knowledge to be 360-degree people who act on their dreams and pursue their goals.

My next few Ma Nishma articles will provide a summary of each habit as well as at-home activities to build stronger connections and deeper understandings of the important concepts this program teaches.

The first three Habits focus on helping children to become more independent and responsible.

Habit #1 – Be Proactive

Being proactive means taking responsibility for your choices and behaviours. It is being able to stop and think before we act. This habit focuses on thinking about results before deciding what to do.

You’re in Charge.

I am a responsible person. I take initiative. I choose my actions, attitudes and moods. I do not blame others for my wrong actions. I do the right thing without being asked, even when no one is looking.

Activity suggestions:

• Role-playing scenarios that involve stopping and thinking about the results
• Work on eliminating an unhealthy habit together (eg: too much screen time, not exercising and so on).

Habit #2 – Begin With The End In Mind

When we begin with the end in mind we think about how we would like something to turn out before we start.

Have a Plan.

I plan ahead and set goals. I do things that have meaning and make a difference. I am an important part of my classroom and contribute to my School’s mission and vision. I look for ways to be a good citizen.

Activity suggestions:

• Make your favourite recipe together
• Plan and execute a family event/activity (eg: a day at the park, games night and so on).

Habit #3 – Put First Things First

This Habit focuses on prioritising; deciding what is most important and taking care of that first.

Work First, Then Play.

I spend my time on things that are most important. This means I say no to things I know I should not do. I set priorities, make a schedule, and follow my plan. I am disciplined and organised.

Activity suggestions:

• Develop a weekly planner with your child. Look ahead and rank tasks in order of importance
• Identify time-wasters and work together to figure out what to do about these tasks.

Meet The Teacher Night: competition winners

Thank you for attending our Meet the Teacher event on Monday night and participating in the music competition. The winners are Natalie Chesler, Michelle Gold, Sam Butt and Donna Mae Schwarz. Congratulations! Prizes will be sent home this week with your child/children.

Years 3-6 Swimming Carnival

The Swimming Carnival will take place next Monday, 25 February at Des Renford Aquatic Centre. Please see the parent portal for all details and the schedule of events.

New Parents Welcome Evening

We hope to see and meet many new parents in Week 6 at the New Parents Welcome Evening. Please join us on Monday 4 March at 7.00 pm. You will have received an email invitation recently. Please RSVP by 26 February to mfavero@emanuelschool.nsw.edu.au

Bus behaviour

To ensure the safety of all children travelling on the bus please remind your child/children of the following expectations:

• Students must remain seated until the bus stops and it is safe to get up
• Students should be seated properly with their back to the chair
• Conversations should be kept to a respectful volume
• Appropriate language should be used at all times
• When chatting on the bus please ensure that your conversation topics are appropriate
• Technology should be used appropriately and respectfully
• Look out for the little ones and step in to help when appropriate
• Report any misconduct, inappropriate behaviour and so on to classroom teachers
• Be a good role model and represent your School proudly.

.b Mindfulness for Year 6

Mindfulness training continued this week with the Year 6 students and Kim Slender, our School Counsellor. Please encourage your child to share his/her learning with you at home on a regular basis.