Welcome back to Term Two!

We now feel the brisk onset of autumn and the winter months ahead cause us to prepare for comfort and warmth. There may be days when we need to stay inside at recess and lunch. From a teacher perspective, it is always an interesting experience observing students at play on ‘wet weather’ days. The types of games change and students interact with classmates who they wouldn’t necessarily play with out in the yard. Last year at this time, remote learning provided opportunities for us to slow down and enjoy the simple things. Board games were dusted off, colouring books and puzzles invested in and more time spent baking, reading, crafting and constructing. As we come into the cooler months, we can build on the positives and opportunities from last year to complement our time at school this year.

Whether students are learning or playing at school, the expectations of SHINE remain the same. All people have a right to stay safe, be treated with respect and engage in their learning. Therefore, we all have a responsibility to interact with each other appropriately and notice and own our actions. Below are the SHINE expectations for the next fortnight. Have a conversation with your child about what these expectations look like, feel like, are and are not. Model these expectations and support your child to reflect on the impact they have on others.

Using books, stories and novels to share reading time and teach positive qualities is another great way to support our children in growing to be responsible, resilient and respectful contributors to society. The three links below will take you to some lists of books you may already have access to or wish to source for your family.

The Ultimate List of the Best Picture Books About Friendship

The 50 Best Books for 9- and 10-Year-Olds | Brightly

Books About Life for 8 to 13-year-olds: Feelings, Friends, Worry, and More