Welcome our new Receptions!

Wow, it’s hard to believe another school year is about to begin. Hopefully all your little people are excited about getting started.

A reminder to make sure your child’s clothing and items are clearly labelled with their name. The lost property bin ends up over flowing each term and unclaimed items sold but we’d prefer that your stuff makes it back to you. It is also a good idea to show your child where the label is so that they can learn to check that they have their own clothing and take responsibility for it.

Hopefully you all received two Welcome Newsletter emails from Mr Freeman and Mrs Luke with details about the transitioning to school … here are a few reminders.

Tuesday 29th January will be the first day of school for your child. They should arrive between 8.30am and 8.45am. At the end of the day they will be dismissed from the classroom at the usual time of 3.05pm. Please talk to your child in the morning and show them where they will meet you at dismissal to help with any fears. Your child may feed off your stress so try to be relaxed and positive about the day and don’t prolong your goodbye. Your teacher will be there to help this all go smoothly.

If you are concerned about any anxiety with starting school here are some links to articles and resources about handling the first day:

New reception students will be introduced to the whole school at the first official assembly.

If you have any questions or concerns, make sure you comment below or contact the school.

Mrs Cathie Luke

Play is the Way

Woodend has incorporated PLAY IS THE WAY and other social and emotional learning programs such as Community Circle to target wellbeing and learning.

PLAY IS THE WAY® is a practical methodology for teaching social and emotional learning using guided play, classroom activities and an empowering language. It is a process that gives primary schools a way to develop, improve and entrench the personal and social capabilities of students.
PLAY IS THE WAY® is suitable for primary school children of all ages, abilities and ethnic backgrounds.  No particular sporting or athletic ability is required to successfully participate.
The PLAY IS THE WAY® Complete Program uses:
  • a unique program of physically interactive games 
  • key concepts to guide students through life and learning
  • a specific and empowering language to help attain self-mastery
  • a philosophy of behaviour education and student self-regulation that fosters independent, self-motivated, empathetic, life-long learners.

Wilson McCaskill is the Founder/Director of the program, Play Is The Way, and has presented workshops here at Woodend in previous years.

Bill Boylans is the Principal of Tapping Primary School in Western Australia where the purpose and ethos of the whole school centres around development of students social and emotional well being.

Wilson and Bill will work with us to consolidate our work with the programs we offer and support us in the next stages of our journey. We look forward to sharing our successes and using their expertise to improve our practices in the area of social and emotional learning.

For parents and caregivers, some great information, resources and videos can be found on the PLAY IS THE WAY website. For example the THE 4 I’s OF GOOD PARENTING and 10 TIPS FOR PARENTS. There is also a list of upcoming workshops if you would like to attend.

https://playistheway.com.au/content/53-tips-for-parents