Emmaus Catholic Primary School
Term 3, Week 6 Newsletter: Friday 25 August 2023
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGES
Lord Jesus, open my eyes to recognise you as you walk beside me,
accompanying me on my journey in life each day. Amen.
Courtesy of Praying Each Day of the Year by Nicholas Hutchinson, FSC
'When the character of a person is not a clue to you, look to their friends.' - Japanese proverb
There is little doubt that positive peer relations impact on a child’s academic success, emotional well-being and state of mind. A big claim but the truth is that we tend to reflect the views and attitudes of our peer groups. It is hugely beneficial if a child’s predominant peer group cares for him/her, has positive expectations about the future and places high value on helping others as well as personal improvement.
Children’s peer groupings can be quite complex and dynamic. Most children will have a prime peer group consisting of between two and up to five others. These children are generally referred to as best friends, buddies or best mates. These social relationships are often formed early in children’s lives and are strengthened by shared school experiences, extracurricular or informal activities.
Children also have one or two secondary peer groups, which can be larger and generally reflect shared interests or shared best friends. When these groups contain children from different grades and even different schools, they have an insulating effect if adverse events happen and also offer exposure to wider peer groups. Children in positive peer groups look out for each other and don’t engage in such behaviours, whether verbal or physical, themselves. Having friends who care also lessens the impact of isolation and helps prevent it from impacting on other areas of a child’s life.
Parents and teachers can encourage positive peer groups to form and emerge by providing opportunities for children to mix and share experiences, drawing children’s attention to friendship behaviours and focusing on socialisation rather than achievement when they play sport or are involved in creative or group activities. In this achievement-oriented society we need to value positive peer relationships and ensure that they are not ignored or undervalued in our efforts to provide the best possible start for our children.
One element that all parents and friends can do is not judge other children when they may not have the skills to form friendships. Some children are blessed with these skills as are we as adults, but many people do struggle with what society perceives as appropriate behaviour and social engagement. This can often be misconceived as bad behaviour or even bullying. We get the opportunity as adults to support all children and give them the best chance possible to form these friendships and not be isolated. Parents can do this at home by speaking positively about other children, not saying negative things in front of their own children or in any conversations with other adults.
To help your child become a member of positive peer groups try the following four strategies:
- Discuss with your child how a good friend behaves. Ask him/her to identify some good friends and talk about what makes them a ‘good friend’.
- Encourage him/her to join at least one outside school group and be a member of at least one school artistic, sporting or interest group.
- Limit your child’s time in passive, solitary activities such as television-viewing, computer activities and Internet chatrooms.
- Make an effort to get to know some of your children’s friends and their parents.
CONGRATULATIONS!
A huge congratulations to our Year 1 to 5s who ventured to the Vasto Club on Tuesday 22 August and represented our school for the very first time in the Catholic Performing Arts Festival.
Our students showcased their amazing vocal ability brilliantly and received some very encouraging words from the judges. It was super exciting to see our students come together for their first official Emmaus choir performance.
Many thanks to Mrs Freeman who prepared the students so beautifully and for adding your own musical gifts to the performances. We also thank Mrs Gibbons for your expertise!
Please read on in the Music section of this newsletter for Mrs Freeman’s comments.
BOOK WEEK
This week we have been celebrating Book Week. The theme for 2023 is 'Read, Grow and Inspire'. On Monday, we were very fortunate to have author Nat Amoore as part of our school incursion, author of 4 best-selling books which we will soon have added to our Library collection. Each class were entertained by Nat's hilarious stories which inspired her to write her awesome books. Besides Book Week quizzes and various activities throughout the week, a highlight for the students was Book Week dress-up day today! What a great collection of superb costumes we had showcased today!
FATHER'S DAY BREAKFAST
A reminder to all our father’s that on Friday 1 September, we will be holding a special breakfast for all our dads or granddads or other male role models for our children.
Friday 1 September
8:10 am
Grassed area at the back of the Hall (near the Year 4/5 classroom)
We will have a slideshow running on the morning so a reminder to parents to please send photos to their child's classroom teacher by next Wednesday 30 August.
Breakfast will be followed by our Pre-Primary Assembly. We are looking forward to seeing many dads, pops, nonnos, didas etc on the day.
FATHER'S DAY STALL
Our P&F has kindly organised the Father's Day stall for all 4K -Year 5 students to buy a special treat for Dads and Father Figures.
When: Wednesday 30 August
Bring: Students to bring no more than $10 as well as a reusable bag
PARENT SOCIAL NIGHT - TONIGHT - FRIDAY 25 AUGUST - IT'S NOT TOO LATE!
Parents, caregivers and staff are invited to attend TONIGHT'S P&F Social Event. It's not too late to attend. Nibbles provided.
Date: Tonight - Friday 25 August
Venue: The Guildford Hotel
Time: From 7:00 pm
RSVP: P&F Social Night or via https://forms.office.com/r/DPZqw7YNAW
MUSIC
CONGRATULATIONS EMMAUS MUSIC STARS!
A big congratulations to all our students from Year 1 to 5 for the way they represented our school and community on their first appearance at the Catholic Performing Arts Festival on Tuesday. Classes have worked hard since the middle of Term 2 to prepare two items, developing their rhythm and beat skills, counting, use of classroom instruments, and listening skills through song.
The challenge was set high for both groups, our Year 1 & 2 Stars and Year 3, 4 & 5 Musicians, and I am proud of each individual’s commitment to learning the songs, support of their peers and dedication given towards preparing for Tuesday’s event. I know for many of our students it was not only a new experience, but one that pushed them out of their comfort zone, and they rose to the occasion!
Thank you to Ms Glasson for your weekly support in our Year 1/2 sessions. Thanks to Miss Thresher, Mrs Perrella, Ms Cameron, Mrs Tricoli, Ms Glasson, Mrs Hackner and all the parents and family members who were able to come along and support us on the day.
TABLOID SPORTS DAY
Our Tabloid Sports Day is fast approaching, it will be held on:
FRIDAY 8 SEPTEMBER
10:30 am START
normal classes until the start time
We require up to six parent helpers to assist with placings for the races, if you are available, please email admin@emmaus.wa.edu.au.
The aim of the day is to participate and have fun!
There are three lunch options for students and attendees on this day:
- Bring your own pre-packed lunch.
- Order your preferred lunch through Pasta In the Valley (usual online ordering).
- Purchase an Emmaus $5 P&F Meal Deal (1 x Beef or vegetarian sausage in a bun, 1 x drink and 1 x Zooper Dooper).
For those students and other attendees wanting a $5 Emmaus P&F Meal Deal, please order via the TryBooking QR code attached.
BOOK CLUB - SCHOLASTIC CATALOGUES
Our Scholastic Book Club catalogues were distributed yesterday, Thursday 24 August. Orders must be placed by close of business on Thursday 7 September for delivery by Thursday 21 September - our last day of term!
HELP NEEDED
- Monday 28 August - Pupil Free Day (No classes)
- Tuesday 29 August - Friday 1 September - Literacy & Numeracy Week
- Wednesday 30 August - Footy morning session from 8:10 - 8:30 am
- Wednesday 30 August - Father's Day Stall for students
- Thursday 31 August - Confirmation Retreat @ 9:00 am & Confirmation Rehearsal from 3:30 - 4:30 pm
- Friday 1 September - Father's Day Breakfast @ 8:10 am
- Friday 1 September - Pre-Primary Assembly @ 9:00 am
- Sunday 3 September - Father's Day
- Monday 4 September - Uniform Shop onsite (Multi-Purpose Room) from 8:15 - 9:00 am
- Tuesday 5 September - Reconciliation for Confirmation @ 5:30 pm
- Wednesday 6 September - Footy morning session from 8:10 - 8:30 am
- Friday 8 September - Tabloid Sports Day for Pre-Primary to Year 5s 10:30 am start
Our next newsletter will be sent out on Friday 8 September.
Have a fantastic weekend!
God bless!
Sandro Coniglio
Principal