Stopping the Snowball

The theme of this term, You Can Do It, is confidence and resilience. During this week’s Prep-2 assembly, Mrs Hogan and Mrs Ridley shared the message of problem-solving through their friends “Calming-Cow” and “Put Down Pete Platypus”. Through the power of puppetry, scenarios were discussed, and our students shared solutions to their predicaments. As a bystander, I was amazed by the range of strategies suggested by our young people in response.

One such tool suggested is the ‘High Five Hand’ – speak friendly, speak firmly, ignore, walk away and report or get help. Students are reminded of their role if they are involved or a witness to problems; they have a range of problem-solving strategies that aim to solve potential issues between students.

Of course, we always possess the power to change the course of problems and situations that we encounter from becoming more significant than they need to be. In our Assemblies, I have used the analogy of a snowball rolling down a hill. When a snowball starts, it begins small and is easily stopped. If left unchecked, a snowball grows and grows, becoming unstoppable, eventually damaging everything in its wake. Luckily, there are many techniques we can use to stop a problem from growing into an uncontrollable landslide.

The ability to change the outcome of a situation toward a positive outcome rests with us all but, at times, can be challenging to attain. As part of our social and emotional toolkit, the “High Five Hand” aim to equip students with an easy-to-use tool that maintains relationships and empowers young people to control their relationships better.

Student movement before and after school

We remind families that adult supervision in the College begins at 8.00 am. Students being dropped at the College before this time are unsupervised and may be at risk of harm if they are on College grounds without adequate supervision. We ask that students be dropped off at the College after 8.00am or families contact the College OSHC for places within.

After the day, students are asked to make their way promptly off the school grounds and should be waiting in the designated drop-off zones. Adult supervision ceases at 3.30pm. However, the library is open until 4.00pm every day. All students have been reminded that after school is not the time to play games or use equipment on the grounds.

Students across Year Three to Five have also been reminded of their responsibilities around devices before and after school. That device should be in bags until students exit the College. They should not be used when waiting before or after school. Devices can be used under supervision in the library until 4.00pm.

In addition to this, we have received a timely reminder of the responsibilities of all road users from Queensland Roads. The College is conveniently situated in a locale that promotes transport modes alternative to cars. But as such, pedestrians, bike and scooter users have a responsibility to use the roads, bike paths and crossings as designed. Personal responsibility also includes the use of protective equipment such as helmets and following the expectations around crossings, entries and exits. This information will continue to be revisited in assemblies throughout the term and further information can be accessed via the following link https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/safety/rules/wheeled-devices/bicycle#riding

Smartwatches

As technology continues to evolve, the use of smartwatches has grown. A smartwatch has many positives but, as such, falls under the exact requirements of all devices when used at the College. Students have been reminded that contacting anyone external to the campus via a smartwatch is prohibited. This can create confusion and mixed messages, and families and students are reminded to use the appropriate communication channels by ringing the administration or emailing their child’s teacher. Students are also reminded that any wearable technology falls under our e-smart policy and that all smartwatches are required to be set to silent during school hours.

Student-Led Conferences
This week parents and students have taken the opportunity to engage with teachers, celebrate the growth of learning and discuss student reports delivered last term. We thank the wider community for taking this opportunity and the Prep-5 teaching team for their dedication and continued focus on student learning and growth.

Take care and God Bless.

Mr Damian Davis, Head of Staff and Students P-5