From the Principal's Desk:
The Gonski Institute for Education:
The Gonski Institute for Education operates out of the University of NSW faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. The core mission of the institute is to address the inequity experienced in education across Australia. In doing this the institute is able to act as a key enabler and powerful voice of change.
One of the recent resources presented by the institute is for Parents and Caregivers. Throughout Term 3 our school newsletter will highlight some of these resources. This week focuses on:
Why is play important?
What if you were told that there was something you could do everyday to help your child learn better, feel better, behave better and grow better? What if you were also told that it would not cost you a cent? Finally, what if you were told that your child’s doctor says it is an essential part of childhood? So, what is the answer? Let the children play! The attached guide talks about the research and also what parents can do to support their child’s need to play.
What is my child listening to?
Music plays an important role in our lives. For children, music has many positive benefits as it brings another level of language exposure as it can ignite intellectual, social and emotional skills.
As children become older their selection of music can become their own. They will have exposure to a wide range of musical styles that are presented in the auditory and visual form. Music also plays an important role in the socialisation of children and adolescents. Popular music is present almost everywhere, and it is easily available through the radio, various recordings, the Internet, and new technologies, allowing children to hear it in diverse settings and situations, alone or shared with friends. Parents often are unaware of the lyrics to which their children are listening because of the increasing use of downloaded music and headphones.
Unfortunately, some music can have an adverse effect on student behaviour and language choice. Lyrics have become more explicit in their references to drugs, sex, and violence over the years, particularly in certain genres. A student’s preference for certain types of music could be correlated or associated with certain behaviors. As with popular music, the perception and the effect of music-video messages are important, because research has reported that exposure to violence, sexual messages, sexual stereotypes, and use of substances of abuse in music videos might produce significant changes in behaviours and attitudes of young viewers. Often students do not understand the message or meaning of the lyrics. They then repeat them in social situations and subsequently, offend other people.
Parents have many responsibilities and moderating the influences on children is one of the most important. Parents need to be familiar with the role of music in their children’s lives and identify their children’s music preferences. Check what is being listened to through those headphones or earpods the next time you see your child reach for them.
Thank You:Thank you to all our parents and carers who adapted so easily to the wet weather dismissal this week. We were able to safely and efficiently dismiss the children. Your cooperation is deeply appreciated.
OOSH EDUCATOR DAY:
Today we celebrate and acknowledge the work of our OOSH Educators. Good Samaritan has had such positive feedback about the CatholicCare OOSH service provided throughout the school term and also the opportunity for the children to engage in Vacation Care.
During Vacation Care our Good Samaritan students set the standard for behaviour, following directions and including all in the activities of each day. What great news!
This video highlights the work of CatholicCare OOSH Educators as well as what is offered within this valuable service.