I hope you had a safe and restful break with your children. We look forward to an exciting and productive second half of the school year. As we return from our mid-year break, I would like to extend my thanks to everyone in our school community for your support throughout the first half of the 2024 school year. We are excited about the term ahead and the many activities and events it brings for our students to learn and grow. Term 3 promises to be another busy term with many extra-curricular activities including: Book Week / Science Week, ICAS, Choir, Sapsasa Events, and much more.

Welcome – new reception students, families and Mrs O’Sullivan

A very special welcome to our 16 new Reception students and families who began their school journey with us on Tuesday, the first group of new mid-year intake students.

A warm welcome too, to Bronwyn O’Sullivan who joins our team, working with the new students, as well as our existing reception students.

Unlocking a Bright Future: The Power of the First 1000 Days

The Australian Primary Principals, Association (APPA) is committed to supporting families in ensuring every child has the best start in life. They have partnered with early childhood professionals to produce the Thrive with Five paper.  

In the first 1000 days of a child's life, their brain grows really fast. Every time they see, hear, or touch something, it helps their brain make new connections. Eating healthy food and getting good sleep are very important because they help the child grow strong. When parents show love and care, it helps the child feel safe and learn to trust others. Playing and exploring help children learn to talk and become curious, which makes learning easier as they get older.

Families benefit from a supportive community, ensuring both they and the child thrive. Our school is part of a supportive community, and we want to partner with families to shape a lifetime of benefits for every child. 

Our school newsletter today, and in coming editions will share information about the important five: play, talk, read, eat well and sleep. Share these ideas with friends and family. Be a ripple for a bright future!

1. Play is good for babies and adults!

Play can happen anywhere and can be fun for baby and carers.  A good shared laugh is a mood booster!

Play Peekaboo: While sitting with baby, hide your face behind your hands or a blanket and then reveal it saying 'Peekaboo'.  This helps baby understand that understanding that objects continue to exist even when they cannot be seen, heard, or touched.

Dance: Hold a dance party to a favourite song and dance with your little one. It improves motor skills and is a good way to be active together.

Play Hide and Seek with Toys: Hide a toy under a blanket and encourage your baby to find it. This teaches problem-solving skills.

Stacking blocks: Simple stacking toys, building blocks or plastic containers help develop motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

Bubble Chase: Blow bubbles and let your baby try to catch or pop them. The movement and colours will captivate them.

Outdoor Exploring: Let your baby feel the grass, leaves, and flowers. You can also collect safe items like smooth stones or pinecones for them to explore.

Tummy Time on a Blanket: Lay a blanket on the grass and let your baby enjoy tummy time while looking at the sky, leaves, or toys. Talk out loud about what you see and hear.  

2. Why Talking with Babies is Super Important!

Talking with babies helps them learn to understand and use words, which is key for their brain growth and future learning. Here's how you can make it fun and helpful:

• Talk About Everything: Describe what you're doing, even if it's boring. For example, say, "I'm washing dishes now."
• Repeat Their Sounds: If they say "mama," you can say, "Yes, mama loves you!"
• Show Interest: Look into their eyes and smile when they babble or talk.
• Talk About What They Like: If they play with a toy train, say, "Toot, toot!"
• Read Together: Look at picture books and name what you see. Point to a cat and say, "Look, a cat! Can you say cat?"
• Praise Them: If they point to a dog and say "dog," you can say, "Well done for pointing out the dog!"
• Ask Questions: Even though they can't answer, asking questions helps them learn about conversations. For example, ask, "Do you want your teddy bear?" and then give it to them.

Doing these fun activities helps babies learn to talk and gets their brains ready for learning more as they grow!