Author: Linda Amos

From Mrs A

Linda AmosAssistant Principal

Introducing Our Education Support Team: Building a Strong Foundation for Student Success

From time to time we like to highlight various teams/work around the school. 

This week, we are thrilled to feature our dedicated Education Support Team, a group of passionate adults who are committed to nurturing the growth and development of our students both inside and outside the classroom. With the shared goal of fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment, our team works tirelessly to provide invaluable support during classroom instruction and playtime in the yard. We firmly believe that a strong foundation is key to every student’s success, and our team is here to ensure that no child is left behind.

On Monday 10th July, Professional Practice Day, our ES team undertook learning about ‘High Impact Wellbeing Strategies’, and trauma-informed practice.  The learning, reflections and high-order discussions were impressive.  We have an amazing team here at Beacy!

In the classroom, our Education Support Team collaborates closely with teachers to create a dynamic and engaging learning environment. They assist in various aspects of classroom management, offering personalised attention to students who may require extra support or guidance. Whether it’s reinforcing lessons, facilitating group activities, or providing one-on-one assistance, our team members are committed to ensuring that every student can thrive academically, regardless of their unique learning needs.

During playtime in the yard, our Education Support Team takes on the crucial role of fostering social interaction, promoting inclusiveness, and ensuring the safety of all students. They actively engage with the children, encouraging them to develop essential social skills, resolve conflicts peacefully, and embrace the joy of cooperative play. By actively supervising and participating in recreational activities, our team members create an environment where students feel supported, respected, and empowered to explore their interests and build friendships.

At the heart of our Education Support Team’s work lies a deep belief in the potential of every student. They embrace diversity, recognising the unique strengths and challenges that each child brings to the learning community. With their unwavering dedication and unwavering commitment to student success, our team plays an integral role in creating a nurturing and enriching educational experience for all.

A big thanks to our dedicated ES team!

Darcy, Emily, Julie, Kim, Tracy, Tracey, Jenny, Kylie, Taylah, Sam, Georgia. Absent: Linda, Margaret

A Word from Mrs A

Linda AmosAssistant Principal

Promoting Self-Confidence and Wellbeing in Your Child
As your children grow up and navigate the world around them, it’s important to promote their wellbeing and self-confidence. Here are some tips to help you support your primary school-age children:

  1. Encourage positive self-talk: Help your children develop a positive inner voice by praising their efforts and accomplishments, and reminding them of their strengths and abilities.
  2. Foster healthy habits: Encourage your children to eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, and engage in regular physical activity. These habits can help improve their mood and overall wellbeing.
  3. Teach problem-solving skills: Help your children develop problem-solving skills by encouraging them to think through challenges and come up with solutions on their own. This can help build their confidence and resilience.
  4. Nurture their interests: Support your children’s interests and hobbies, and provide opportunities for them to explore new ones. This can help them develop a sense of identity and purpose, and boost their self-esteem.
  5. Celebrate their uniqueness: Help your children embrace their individuality by celebrating their differences and encouraging them to be true to themselves. This can help them feel more confident and comfortable in their skin.

By promoting wellbeing and self-confidence in your children, you can help set them on a path to success and happiness. Remember, your support and encouragement can make all the difference!

Leave
Speaking of wellbeing, I have decided to take a 5-week long service leave break to prioritise my personal needs/wants. During this time, I will spend quality time with my loved ones, study, go fishing and unwind. I eagerly anticipate this break and will return at the end of the term. In my absence, Cara Trott will be temporarily taking on some of my responsibilities.

News from Mrs Amos

Linda AmosAssistant Principal

What a fabulous start to school we have had.  Our children seem to have settled so well into their 2023 classes.  Be prepared though, as we get through February, history shows that our children start to get a little tired.  They have been settling into new routines, meeting new friends and adults, and hot weather can also affect sleeping patterns.  For our new Prep students, school days can be exhausting.  Take this into account when organising extra curricula activities this term, and don’t forget to pencil in some down time for your family.

Parenting Ideas
Looking for parenting ideas and help?  Let’s admit it, parenting can be really hard sometimes.  We are here to help or point you in the right direction when things get tough.  Sometimes it helps just to have someone listen.  Our newsletter blog, does house some really helpful articles written by professionals in the field.  Go to the menu and look at the Parenting Ideas there.  Scroll through the articles to see what is of interest.  We also have access from time to time to some really helpful webinars.  Keep your eye on the Sentral Parent app for updates.

Our newsletter blog also has articles about cyber safety.  No matter how young your children are, we strongly encourage all of our families to stay abreast of the latest in cybersafety.  Tara Costello in her Digitech classes, has been discussing some very important issues in regards to cyber safety. She has also sent out links to some excellent webinars for parents. We strongly suggest that you take the time to participate in the webinars. (esafety.gov.au/parents/webinars)

Not all classes will do Digitech this semester.

Blogs
Don’t forget also subscribe to our class blogs to ensure that you are kept up to date on all of the latest news in the classrooms.  Click on the ‘Subscribe Now’ link and enter your email address.  Be sure to check your junk mail, because we have found that for some people the emails end up in there.  If you are having any difficulties, just email the school and we will sort it for you.

Gr Prep https://blogs.beaconsfield.vic.edu.au/Preps/
Gr 1 http://blogs.beaconsfield.vic.edu.au/Grade1
Gr 2 http://blogs.beaconsfield.vic.edu.au/Grade2
Gr 3 http://blogs.beaconsfield.vic.edu.au/Grade3
Gr 4 http://blogs.beaconsfield.vic.edu.au/Grade4
Gr 5 http://blogs.beaconsfield.vic.edu.au/Grade5
Gr 6 http://blogs.beaconsfield.vic.edu.au/Grade6

Talking to your Kids
Ever asked your child what they did at school, and received the reply, “Nothing”?  Often our children can be tired, hungry or simply on ‘information overload,’ and don’t know what to share with you.  Sometimes they just don’t know where to start.

Why not try a new approach, with the following conversation starters.  Try to be more specific with your questions and you may find that you get a different response.  Sometimes thinking about a specific moment in the day, triggers a whole lot of memories that will be more easily shared.  Good luck!

What game did you play at recess?
Who do you remember seeing outside?
What did you read today?
What did you do in maths today?
What did you do well today in PE?
What does your classroom look like?
What is your favourite part of the classroom?  Why?
What did you like the best/least about today?

Remember it’s best not to turn it into an inquisition, just start with one or two questions and see what follows.

Have a great week!

News from Mrs A

Linda AmosUncategorized

Cyber Safety

Recent incidents on social media are a reminder to us all, that it is so important for us to be prudent users of technology and social media, and that our children need protecting from unsavoury and sometimes, dangerous content.  Whilst we have become incredibly dependent on technology, particularly in our COVID lifestyle, it is imperative that we remain mindful regarding our use and our children’s use of technology.  Sometimes it is all too easy to become complacent.

At Beacy, we feel that children of primary school age are too young to adequately navigate the intricate world of social media, and in fact many of the social media sites require users to be 13-15 years of age or above to sign up.  I often use the analogy, that if we wouldn’t leave our children unsupervised in the city, and then why would we leave our children unsupervised in the “cyberworld?”

At the top of the newsletter page, in the menu, you will see an eSafety tab/link.  I have put some updated information on there to help parents make informed decisions about technology use.  I hope you find it helpful.

Road Safety

Please remember to use our crossings, even if you have to walk a little out of your way. It sets a great example to our children and helps to keep everyone safe. Please don’t cross Lyle Ave down at the highway end, walk a little way up the road to the crossing. It is much safer.

Have a great week and stay safe.

Linda

News from Mrs A

Linda AmosUncategorized

Welcome back to school for 2022! It has been wonderful to see our children return to school with such enthusiasm this year. Our students quickly settled in to their new classes and were really happy to see each other after the holidays. Our prep students settled so quickly too.  Their classrooms were calm but busy places with lots of colouring, chatting and playing. They really enjoyed being in their new classrooms with their new friends. They all got out into the yard on their first day at school, and it was terrific to see our bigger children so eager to show them around and help them out.

 

Our Classroom Blogs Each year level in the school has its own blog. The classroom blogs are an excellent way for parents and carers to keep in touch with what is going on in the classrooms.  Don’t forget to subscribe to your child’s new year level blog.  You may need to check your junk folder for notifications. Blog addresses: Newsletter – https://blogs.beaconsfield.vic.edu.au/Newsletter Grade Prep – https://blogs.beaconsfield.vic.edu.au/Preps Grade One – https://blogs.beaconsfield.vic.edu.au/Grade1 Grade Two – https://blogs.beaconsfield.vic.edu.au/Grade2 Grade Three – https://blogs.beaconsfield.vic.edu.au/Grade3 Grade Four – https://blogs.beaconsfield.vic.edu.au/Grade4 Grade Five – https://blogs.beaconsfield.vic.edu.au/Grade5 Grade Six – https://blogs.beaconsfield.vic.edu.au/Grade6 Kiss ‘n Go – Reminder for New Parents The drop off area in Lyle Avenue is affectionately known to us as our “Kiss ‘n Go” area. Drivers are not to leave their cars, and should be in the area for no longer than 2 minutes (the sign is very hard to see). The area flows really well when everyone follows the rules. We do have Council officers visit from time to time and will issue fines. Also please remember to drive really carefully around the area, don’t park on nature strips or block roundabouts or driveways, as our children can be put at risk. We also need to consider the neighbours. Thanks for considering the safety of our students. Have a great week!

A Word from Mrs A

Linda AmosUncategorized

How nice it’s been to see our students heading off on excursions together. As we slowly ease ourselves into a “new normal” it is lovely for them to be having these experiences once again. Our students in grades 3 and 4 all looked exhausted but happy after their days out this week, and I know that the other students have fun activities coming up. Our community has been so accommodating in helping us to deal with the ever-changing situation we have faced over the last 2 years.

As we head into the “silly” season it can be easy to become distracted with all of the events and things we need to do. I just ask that we remember to keep a special eye out for each other and our children, especially when we are on or near the roads. We have been alerted to a couple of near misses involving bikes and car doors, among other things, so just remember to take extra care and show some increased patience and understanding during this time. It’s good practice to only allow children to enter and exit cars from the kerbside of the vehicle and please be a little patient with each other at the congested areas around the school.

A Word from Mrs A

Linda AmosUncategorized

Cyber Safety

Recent incidents on social media are a reminder to us all, that it is so important for us to be prudent users of technology and social media, and that our children need protecting from unsavoury and sometimes, dangerous content.  Whilst we have become incredibly dependent on technology, particularly in our COVID lifestyle, it is imperative that we remain mindful regarding our use and our children’s use of technology.  Sometimes it is all too easy to become complacent.

At Beacy, we feel that children of primary school age are too young to adequately navigate the intricate world of social media, and in fact many of the social media sites require users to be 13-15 years of age or above to sign up.  I often use the analogy, that if we wouldn’t leave our children unsupervised in the city, and then why would we leave our children unsupervised in the “cyberworld?”

At the top of the newsletter page, in the menu, you will see an eSafety tab/link.  I have put some updated information on there to help parents make informed decisions about technology use.  I hope you find it helpful.

Have a great week and stay safe.

Linda

From Mrs A

Linda AmosUncategorized

How exciting to be moving out of lockdown and having our children all back at school. It is so nice to greet them on the gate each day and visit their classrooms and have them back learning and playing together. Our students have shown great resilience and independence and we are very proud of them. Head over to our blogs if you would like to see some photos of the happy faces of our students back in their classrooms. Blog links can be found on the school website here.

Classes for 2022

It hardly feels like we have been at school in 2021 and already we are talking about 2022!

Our planning can only be done when we have accurate enrolment numbers, and therefore we appreciate early notification of people enrolling or exiting for 2022.

Often parents worry about how their children will cope in a new classroom with a new teacher and with new friends. From experience, we have found that our children are far more resilient than you think and actually revel in the opportunity presented in experiencing new things. The last two years have taught us only too well how resilient our children are!  Our teachers benefit from being moved around the school too. 

Should you have requests for 2022 they must be put in writing and submitted to the Office by November 12. Any requests based on sound educational reasons will be considered but this does not necessarily mean that they will, or can be accommodated. Our teaching staff always take into consideration friendship groups, social/emotional implications and educational reasons when placing students in classes. Requests for individual teachers or requests based on gender will not be considered.

In the near future the children will be asked to list a group of approximately five friends. It may prove useful for parents to discuss this with their children.

Only this year’s requests are considered therefore any requests need to be put in writing each year.

World Teachers’ Day

On Friday 29 October, it’s World Teachers’ Day. This is a chance to recognise the incredible contributions teachers make to our community and an opportunity for our community to say ‘thank you’.

On this day, we recognise the passion our teachers have, and how teaching has extended beyond the classroom to maintain connections through remote learning.
Feel free to let our teachers know you appreciate their resilience, leadership and adaptability throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

You and your children can get involved by sending a message of thanks to a teacher who is making, or has made, an impact.

Head to World Teachers Day for a range of resources to help you and your children celebrate World Teachers’ Day 2021, including ‘Thank You’ card templates.

Exciting Times Ahead

As we move back to on site learning for all year levels, I look forward to all of the exciting activities that we can experience together for the last few weeks of 2021. Our staff plan experiences with the best of intentions, but we all understand that things can change at the last minute. Luckily we have all become so adaptable to change. Hopefully all of our end of year activities can go on without a hitch. If they don’t, we know that that’s OK too. At least we are safe and experiencing more freedom nowadays. If nothing else, COVID has taught us to appreciate the little things as well as the big things.

Have a great week!

From Mrs A

Linda AmosUncategorized

I hope you all take the time to have a good break with your families. Celebrate your successes whether they be big or small, and take the time to stop and enjoy this beautiful weather we have been having. Hopefully we will all be back on site together very soon.

Don’t forget to hug your loved ones.

News from Mrs Amos

Linda AmosUncategorized

Reports are Coming! – Parent Portal and Student Portal
It is coming up to report time and this means that all parents will need to access the portal to view and download their children’s June reports. The portal also provides access to attendance.

I strongly urge all families to log into the portal now so that they are ready for the release of reports later this term. If you are having trouble remembering your password, don’t click the “Forgot my Password” link – it doesn’t work well. All password resets should be done by the school, therefore if you cannot recall your password, please email the school and we will reset it for you. We will respond to your email when we have done the reset.

If you are having difficulties give us a call and we will help you out.

Alternate families who have not yet received their registration details, please contact the school. If your family situation has changed, please let us know so that we can adjust portal access accordingly.

Parenting Ideas Articles
From time to time we post articles of interest on the Parenting Ideas page of this blog. Please take the time to scroll down through some of the articles. They are written by experts in the field and provide practical examples for parents. This week’s article is on the importance of sleep, and how looking at screens before bedtime can interrupt our natural sleep patterns. A great reminder for us all, to put down our devices and keep them out of bedrooms.

Have a great week!