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Southern Cross
Early Childhood School
Newsletter 6 |Wednesday, 22 October 2014
Dear Families and Carers
DATES TO REMEMBER
Thursday 23 October | 10.00am
Questacon Excursion- Molonglo &
Murrumbidgee
Friday 24 October | 12.00-1.00pm
Author Leonie Pye visiting Preschoo
Monday 27 October | 10.30-11.30am
Grandparents Day- Open Classrooms +
Morning Tea
Tuesday 28 October | 9.10-10.15am
Outside Learning Environment Draft Masterplan
Consultatio
The draft version of our Masterplan is up for consultation. It is in th
front corridor to the right of the school clothes display. Please take
the time to have a look and add any comments. It would be great to
know what you love about the proposed design or if you have any
questions. I know that Phil and Jenny from Wellspring are keen to get
your thoughts. The Masterplan will be on display until Friday
lunchtime
25th Anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the
Child
Hemlock the Acrobat
Excursion for Kindergarten
Wednesday 29 October | 7.00pm
P&C Meetin
Mon-Fri | 3-7 November
Scholastic Book Fai
Wednesday 5 November | 8.00-8.50am
Community Breakfast
Wednesday 5 November | 9.15-10.00am
Whole School Gathering
Stromlo + Molonglo
Thursday 20 November | 9.30-11.00am
2015 Preschool Orientation Visi
Friday 21 November | 9.30-11.00am
2015 Preschool Orientation Vsit
Wednesday 26 November | 9.15-10.00am
Whole School Gathering
Majura & Cotte
Wednesday 26 November | 10.00-11.00am
2015 Preschool Orientation Visi
Southern Cross Early Childhood School is pleased to be involved in
celebrating the 2th Anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the
Child.
The Convention on the Rights of the Child is the most rapidly and
widely ratified international human rights treaty in history. Th
Convention changed the way children are viewed and treated– i.e., as
human beings with a distinct set of rights instead of as passive objects
of care and charity. There is much to celebrate as we mark the 25th
anniversary of the Convention, from declining inant mortality to rising
school enrolment, but this historic milestone must also serve as an
urgent reminder that much remains to be done. Too many children still
do not enjoy their full rights on par with their peers.
(www.unicef.org2014 )
You can go here www.unicef.org.au/Discover/What-wedo/Conventio-on-the-Rights-of-the-Child.aspx to learn more about
the work of UNICEF and to download a child friendly version. If you
would like to know more about the progress that has been made over the last 25 years UNICEF have released a very interesting and
informative report located at
www.unicef.org/publications/files/CRC_at_25_Anniversary_Publicat
n_26Sept2014.pdf
Southern Cross Early Childhood School
Wirraway Crescent Scullin |ACT |2614
Telephone (02) 6142 0020
Email: info@scecs.act.edu.au
Web: www.scecs.act.edu.au
Southern Cross Early Childhood School acknowledges that our children learn on Ngunnawal Land.
At Southern Cross Early Childhood School we will be talking about children’s rights and responsibilities over the rest
of the year and we will also be involved in the Right Here Right Now - Children & Young People Seen + Heard project
being led by the ACT Children & Young People Commissioner. There is further information avilable in the newsletter
about this exciting art installation and how you can be involve
Year 2 Fun Night
I have been talking with the Year 2 children about organising a Fun Night with them to celebrate their time at
Southern Cross Early Childhood School. The fun night will be held from 5:30 – 7:30 pm on Thursday 11 December
2014. We still have to finalise some details about what the children would like included on the night but we wanted
to make sure that it was in your diaries as it is a busy time ofyear. The Year 2 Fun Night is for Year 2 children only
and, as the school will provide duty of care, parents are not required to stay. More information to follow
Professional Learning
On Saturday the teachers at Southern Cross Early Childhood School took part in some amazing maths and numeracy
professional learning with Rob Vingerhoets. Rob is an expert in the teaching of maths and numeracy and inspired the
team with his depth of knowledge, sense of humour and realistic approach. I know that staff condence and interest
in teaching maths has greatly increased after the session. Thanks to the team who gave up their Saturday to take
part.
Staffing Update
Our executive teacher Annie Wild will not be returning to the school in 2014. Annie has decided to ake up a position
in another school for the rest of the year. We wish Annie well as she embarks on the next stage of her teaching
journey. Gavin Molyneux will continue to act as our executive teacher and work closely with Jenny Millsteed t
support the children and families in Murrumbidgee for the rest of the year.
Kind regards
Lyndall
News from SCECS
Before School Supervision
We have had a couple of issues with before school supervision moving to the Outside Learning Environment. We
have a number of children being left at the school before 8:30 am. Before school supervision is provided from 8:30
am. If you need care before then please contact Anglicare to access before school care. Preschool Families
Please remember that it is a legal requirement that you must stay with your preschool child until classes begin at
9am. Please do not leave your child until 9am, even if an educator is present is the room. Again, if you need to leave
before 9 am please contact Anglicare to access before preschool care. Thank you for your support.
Our second issue is children have been accessing the rooms before school and we have had a number of teacher resources go missing. As of Thursday 23 October 2014 children will be required to bring their bags straight outside.
No child will need to go into their classroom or classroom corridor. All children and their bags are to come straight
outside down the main corridor. We will be talking to the children about this change and would appreciate your
support to help children make this change in practice
Car park on Wirraway Crescent
It has been noted on a number of occasions some families are driving into the car park designated for teacher use on
Wirraway Crescent. This has occurred just before and just after 9am. Could ou please ensure you do not use this car
park as it can be dangerous for children and families walking in via this entrance. Author Visit
On Monday and Friday this week the Preschool to Year 2 classes met the author of The Little
Shell, Leonie Pye. Leonie and her guide dog Franklin visited each class and read The Little Shel
which tells the story of a sea shell that was washed up and broken on a beach. The little shell
becomes a treasured possession of a blind woman. In the process, the shell learns a valuable
lesson. The story is a metaphor for life, for appreciating the beauty of ourselves and others
with all our differences and imperfections. The children enjoyed meeting Leonie and Frankli
and listening to the story.
Music Conference Report.
During the first week of the school holidays I was fortunate to attend the National Kodaly Music Teachers Conferenc
in Sydney.
The music lessons which the classroom teachers and I have been delivering this year at Southern Cross Early
Childhood School are based on the Kodaly method of music teaching. We have also been incorporating aspects of Orff
Schulwerk.
The Kodaly method is based on the children’s unaccompanied singing and includes dance, movement, instrumental
work, and importantly, music literacy. One of the key features of a Kodaly based music program is the sequential and
developmental approach that is taken towards children learning to read and write music. The children at Southern Cross have made great progress with their music literacy this year and it is a joy to see their
excitement as they notate the rhythm of known songs and create new rhythmic patterns. The Year 1 and 2 students
have also progressed to reading staff notation. They read and play the notes on their recorders and also tuned
percussion.
I gave a paper at the conference describing the Coaching and Mentoring work in Music that is being undertaken at
our school and two others in the Belconnen Network this year. It was pleasing to see the interest that was generated
and some leading Kodaly teachers came to find out how the program is working. I was very pleased to report on the
success of our program and the enthusiasm and musical skill that students and teachers at Southern Cross have
demonstrated this year.
I am grateful for the opportunity to be working at Southern Cross this year and I am looking forward to another great
term of music making.
Katharine Finlayson
Executive Teacher, Professional Practi, Music/Arts
Scholastic Book Fai
Starting on 3 November 2014 Southern Crss Early Childhood School will be holding a Scholastic Book Fai. This will
give children and families to opportunity to peruse a popular selection of books available to purchase.
The Book Fair will be open from 8.30 - 9.30am each morning and 2.30 – 3.30pm each afternoon in the school library
A special parent only session will be held after the Community Breakfast on Wednesday 5 November for people
looking to purchase gifts for their children
Funds raised from this event will be can used to support our growing school and classroom libraries.
Our School will be particiatin in the Right Here Right Now art project to celebrate the 25th
Anniversary of the Conventio on the Rights of the Child
This project is an initatve of the ACT Children & Young People Commissioner, supported by the
Educatio and Training Directorate.
Every student in Canberra is being invited to create their own self-portrait in one of a rainbow spectrum of colours
and to include a message about why it is important for adults to listen to children and young people, or their own
message they would like to share with the community. Portraits will generally be created at school, but students may
wish to work further on them at home. No names or identfying informatio will be included on the self-portraits and
particiatio is voluntary.
The self-portraits and messages will be attached to thousands of cardboard boxes, which will be used as building
blocks for a large-scale art installatio in Civic Square for Youth Week 2015. The installation will be a mze in the form
of a fingerprint, symbolising children and young people leaving their mark on the city, and the unique contributio of
each child and young person in the ACT.
As well as providing their self-portraits and messages, students and their families will also have the chance to
particiate in the constructio of the installation as part of a fun and interactve event on
9 April 2015. The installatio will then be opened to the public in a formal launch on Friday 10 April
2015, and will remain on display for public viewing over the weekend. The installatio will be
documented in a short film. More informatio about the project is available on the website at
www.ACTkids.act.gov.au
The Commissioner is also seeking volunteers to assist with the creatio of the installationIf you are interested
please contact Alasdair Roy or Gabriele McKinnon on 6205 2222 or email ACTkids@act.gov.au
Grandparents Day 2014
Don’t Forget-Southern Cross Early Childhood School is holding an Open Classroom morning followed by morning tea
for Grandparents and other special people that play an important role in young children’s lives.
WHEN: Monday 27 October
TIME: 10.30-11.30am
WHERE: Children’s classrooms, followed by morning tea in the Café.
Come along to be shown through the classroom, meet the teacher and spend time together at school
Please RSVP:  nicole.emerton@ed.act.edu.au or 6412 0020
From the Education and Training Directorate
Insurance and Ambulance Transport
The ACT Education and Training Directorate does not provide any insurance cover for injury, disease or illness to
students resulting from school activities or sch-organised excursions. Claims for compensation are met where
there is a legal liability to do so. Liability is not automatic and depends on the circumstances in which any injury,
disease or illness was sustained.
As there is no automatic insurance cover for personal injury if your child is injured at school or during a school
organised activit/excursion you should therefore consider whether taking out personal insurance cover for your child is warranted.
This insurance might cover contingencies including medical/hospital expenses, ambulance transport outside the ACT,
and cancellation of transort/accommodation or loss of/damage to luggage.
The ACT Ambulance Service provides free ambulance transport for students who are injured or suddenly become ill at
school or during an approved school organised activitywithin the ACT.
Anglicare
Acting Diector
Tara is on leave from Monday 20 October until Friday 7 November. In her absence Bec Telek will be acting Director
Her hours will be 8.00am-5.00pm each day. Please don’t hesitate to introduce yourself.
Spring Menu
The Term 4 Spring menu has arrived. If you would like to place a lunch order for your child please fill out an envelope
at Reception and place in the basket provided.
Lunch orders consist of a hot meal and a piece of fruit at a cost of $4.00. The 4 week rotating menu has been created
using national nutrition guidelines with a multicultural and seasonal perspective. We are currently in Wee
2015 Childcare Placements
Please remember, if you haven’t already done so, to return your 2015 request form ASAP in order for us to complete
our enrolments for next year and give confirmation on your placements.
KidsMatter
Welcome to term 4!
Daylight savings is upon us, and the weather is beginning to warm up (or at least it was before this week!) Below, the
article Helping Kids Sleep, is a timely reminder of the importance of establishing a consistent bedtime routine a
getting enough sleep to allow us all to perform at our best. I hope you find it helpfu
Please remember to email in details and photos of your class get togethers so we can add them to our newsletter,
class portfolios and Kids Matter noticeboar
Enjoy the extra hour of Daylight!
Aimee Hunter , KidsMatter Coordinato
Helping kids sleep
Clocking up enough sleep can seem like chasing an impossible dream for busy families. In honour of daylight saving,
this month we look at how sleep relates to children’s mental health, the impact of screen time, and ways to
overcome common sleep issues affecting their rest
Sleep and kids' mental health
Around 40% of Aussie kids have a sleep problem. Rest, as we know, is so important to a child’s health and wellbeing. But what are the specific effects of a poor sleep quality on their mental health? Read more
How screen time affects rest
It’s now well established by experts that excess screen time– the use of TV, computers and mobile devices – can
disrupt a child’s sleep.
Dr. Sarah Loughran, sleep researcher at the University of Wollongong, shares her tips for getting the balance right f
a good night’s rest. Read more
Dealing with bedtime worries and nightmares
Fear can keep kids awake, says Dr Sarah Blunden, a paediatric researcher and clinical psychologist treating sleep
disorders.
Here is her advice for dealing with two common fear-related sleep issues - bedtime worries and ightmares.
Read more
Sleep strategies for the whole family
If you want to improve the night time routine at your place, or even put to bed some bad sleeping habitslook no
further. Associate Professor Harriet Hiscock, paediatrician and sleep expert, lays down her golden rules and top sleep
strategies. Read more
Kids Helpline:
Sleep Health Foundation
KidsMatter
Sleep news
and research
Fact sheets
Fears and worries information
sheets
Building Resilience in Young Children – Part 6
Part 6 of our series about resilience from a booklet developed by the Best Start: Ontario’s Maternal, Newborn and
Early Child Development Resource Centre, Toronto, Canada. You can find more information at www.beststart.org.
The booklet was developed for parents of children from birth to six years. Many of the ideas will also help families
with older children. Some of the tips apply to all children from birth through six years. Other tips have been given a
age range that refers to general stages of child development. Please note that the age range is only a guideline. Every
child develops at his or her own rate. Whilst the booklet refers to “parents”, it will help anyone who cares for children
– like grandparents, relatives, foster parents and other adults
Last newsletter we learnt about developing sel-control and building self-regulation. This newsletter will talk abou
developing thinking skills.
Developing Thinking Skills
Why are thinking skills important?
The way we react to things has a lot to do with the way we think about the situation. That iswhy thinking skills play a
big part in our ability to regulate our emotions and behaviour. Here’s an example
Crystal, Katrina’s two-year-old daughter, has a tantrum in the shopping mall. Katrina thinks to herself, “This is
embarrassing. Everyone thinks I am a terrible mother. And it’s all her father’s fault for always giving in to her. He
spoils her rotten.” These thoughts make Katrina feel embarrassed about the situation and angry at her partner an
child. She grits her teeth, grabs Crystal’s hand and pulls her out of the mall. Crystal wails even louder and everyone
stares as they go by. Both Katrina and her daughter are terribly upset. Katrina’s anger grows and she can’t wait to yell
at her partner for spoiling Crystal.
We all jump to conclusions about why difficult situations happen in our lives. When we’re looking at what caused the
situation, we often blame someone. We blame ourselves or others for our problems. Instead of jumping t
conclusions, it’s very useful to follow three easy steps. These steps help us respond to stressful situations effectivel
instead of simply reacting. Let’s look at how these steps could help Katrina handle her daughter’s tantrum differently
Step 1: Stop and catch your thoughts
“This is embarrassing. Everyone thinks I am a terrible mother. And it’s all her father’s fault for always giving in to her. He spoils her rotten.
Step 2: Take three deep breaths
“Wait a minute, this isn’t helpful. I need to take some deep breaths so I can be calm enough to calm her down.”
Step 3: “Re-think” the situation by asking yourself– How else can I think about this?
“It’s really hot and crowded in here. And it’s almost nap time. Crystal is probably just trying to tell me this is too much
for her. After all, she’s only two.
So, Katrina picks up Crystal, and in a soothing voice says, “It’s OK. I know you are hot and tired. Let’s go home and
have a cuddle and a nap.” Although Crystal doesn’t stop crying immediately, she has calmed down by the time they
leave the mall. Mother and daughter feel connected and Katrina decides she won’t take Crystal to the mall again so
close to nap time
Katrina used “flexible” thinking to respond to the situation instead of reacting to her first thought
She realized blaming her daughter or partner was not going to help the situation. Instead, she was able to
• calm herself down and calm Crystal, too
• realize Crystal was tired and hot, but too young to express this with word
• plan for future trips to the mall
• avoid an unnecessary argument with her partner
Helping children develop thinking skills is best done in a caring relationship. This is an important part of selregulation.
Tips for helping children 3 years and older develop thinking skills
• Help your children talk about their thoughts. Often when e ask children to tell us what they are thinking, they
shrug their shoulders and say, “I don’t know.” However, questions like, “What are you saying to yourself inside your
head?” or “What is your head telling you?” often helps children to express thoughtsthat cause their feelings and
behaviours.
For example, a child who refuses to get dressed in the morning may be able to tell us what is actually causing this
behaviour. “I hate school! Everyone takes my toys. No one wants to play with me. I hate school!!!”
• Show empathy for your children’s thoughts and feelings. “I understand. You’re feeling sad and mad about what
happens in school.” Then, think together about ways to make the situation bette
“Let’s talk with your teacher about helping you enjoy your time at school. Yesterday, when I picked you up, you were
eating snack and laughing with Sanjay. Maybe you and Sanjay could play together today.
• Gently challenge your children’s negative thinking.
 “Always” thinking like “Jack always wants to play with someone else” can be turned around by pointing out
the times your child played with Jack.
 “Everything” thinking like “Now everything is ruined” can be changed by helping your child see that if one
thing goes wrong, it doesn’t mean that everything is ruined. Or, if one person doesn’t want to play, it doesn’t
mean that no one wants to play.
• Play thinking games together. Children can benefit from playing games that help them think about
“What would happen if…?” Games like these help children think about their actions and how to handle situations in positive way
• Encourage children to imagine another way to do something – like a different way to join others at the playground,
play with toys or tidy up. This helps them learn there is usually more than one wayto do things.
• Read or tell children stories about how others overcome obstacles, get along with others or turn a difficult situation
around. You could use puppets or stuffed animals to help bring the story alive.
Community Information
Another Chance Op Shop
Another Chance Op Shop at Scullin Shops is taking part in the Garage Sale Trail, Saturday
25 October 10-2pm. Be sure to put Another Chance on your trail map and call in for some great ‘spot special’ bargains on the day, along with our usual range of affordable
clothing, shoes, bags, kitchenware, manchester, books and toys.
2014/2015 Cricket Season
GIRLS Only MILO T20 Blast
For all girls keen to give cricket a try this year please come down to a FREE Come and Try Day on Wednesday 15th
October 2014 from 5:30pm- 7pm @ Griffith Oval, Griffith ACT. For more information, or to register for the Term 4
Program please contact Liz.McPherson@cricketact.com.au .
MILO in2CRICKET
MILO in2CRICKET Programs are ideal for boys and girls aged 5-10 years. Programs run all across the ACT and NSW, if you are keen to get involved and register your child please visit http://www.in2cricket.com.a or contact
liz.mcpherson@cricketact.com.au
CANBERRA STEPS UP FOR BONE/JOINT HEALTH AWARENESS DAY!
Friday 31st of October marks the launch of Bone/Joint Health Awareness Day (BHAD), a
fundraising and awareness event that highlights the work of Arthritis ACT. BHAD events and
activities are themed on how different cultures celebrate this date, which also happens to b
Halloween. BHAD raises awareness about the prevalence and seriousness of musculoskeletal
diseases such as Arthritis an Osteoporosis.
Proceeds from BHAD help support public health/educational programs and services that are
aimed at preventing and managing debilitating diseases
Arthritis ACT will be doing their part to raise Bone/Joint Health Awareness by hosting a specl Halloween themed
‘Costume for a Cause’ evening walk around Lake Burley Griffin on Friday 31st October. All registered participants go
into a draw to win $2,000 cash.
Money raised from the event will help Arthritis ACT improve the quality of life for peple with arthritis and
osteoporosis by:
•
Expanding existing service
•
Extending outreach activities in the Canberra Communi
•
Providing funds for self-management courses
•
Running water exercise programs
WHAT IS CANBERRA DOING?
Canberra residents are rallying together on October 31st for the first ever COSTUME FOR A CAUSE walk around Lake
Burley Griffin. Arthritis ACT is holding a walkathon at Rond Terrrace, Lake Burley Griffin on Friday 3st October. Registrations start at
5.30 pm.
There will be prizes awarded for best costumes, and a major prize draw of $2,000 cash. The walk will commence at
6.00 pm. After the twilight walk around the lake, there will be a sausage sizzle
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Donations will be gratefully received and will go directly to Arthritis ACT for the purposes described above. Join ou
‘Costume for a Cause’ team on Everyday Hero and make a donation. To get started, follow this link
https://give.everydayhero.com/au/costumeforacaus