Hi everyone,

This term is proving to be a little tricky with the extended cool weather seeming to also extend the flu season. We have many children who are struggling with being a bit under the weather, not necessarily sick enough to stay home but enough to affect their day at school. During this time, it is really important to do all we can to ensure children are getting enough sleep (10-12 hours for primary school children) and that we are consuming a healthy diet. I have included an article from Michael Grose’ Parenting Ideas that may assist you with some ‘Wellbeing tips for Primary School Children’ and I have sent home a hardcopy of some lunchbox ideas that one of our parents gave me. This parent has said this flyer has helped her children to take more responsibility for what they are eating at school and has also started to eliminate some of those fussiness tactics kids use. As parents and carers, I’m sure many of you are feeling a bit run down too, so please take care of yourselves as well. It is so easy to resort to the packaged food that doesn’t do much for us nutritionally but is pure convenience when we are time poor, stressed and / or exhausted. 

Thinking about making healthier choices for our lunch boxes is also a good time to remind ourselves of our commitment to create litter free lunches as best as we can too. Instead of using plastic wrap, use re-useable containers; instead of buying small multi packs of pre-prepared foods, buy in bulk, save money and our environment too. Preparing a healthy, litter free lunch does not have to be difficult, it just takes some thought during your shopping. 

Over the next week, I am going to be away for two conferences that are back to back with each other. Next week, I am meeting with all the Townsville Catholic Education Principals where we will engage in two days of professional learning with Dr Jo Lukis, a psychologist who has expertise in helping teams to reach their potential and the following week I will be in Adelaide for the Australian Primary Principals Association Conference  which is called ‘Leading the Way- collaboration, connection, community’ which is based highly on areas of interest I have for our school. I can’t wait to share what I have learnt when I am back. Mr Nick Christie will be acting in my place during my absence though I am always contactable through email if required. 

Thank you to all the families who assisted with getting children ready for our Book Week Parade and to those parents who were able to come along. The kids and our staff had a fabulous time. Big thanks to Mrs Whalley whose creative genius always brings the parade to life for us. Please enjoy the disco on Wednesday night; another great opportunity to come together as a community.

Have a fabulous week. 

Cheers 

Penny