News 6
GA Flood Appeal
Many thanks again for the many ways in which we have supported this appeal. There is a special
program on the ABC tonight where they go back to the Lockyer Valley and revisit the people who
were affected by these floods. This is where our money is going – directly. We had over $1000 come
in last week, taking our school total now to $14000. This is a great effort, and one we all should be
proud of.
Christchurch
Our hearts and thoughts go out to these people who have had their lives so badly and tragically affected
by this natural occurrence. Our school has special links with this wonderful City, with a number of our
educational innovations having had their genesis there. Our Qualities of Angels, our Angels
Challenges and our Kids Connect are all innovations that we have adapted and taken on board here at
GA from the schools in Christchurch. If you are able, I ask that you make a donation to their appeal at
http://www.redcross.org.nz/donate
GA Open Day
This was held last Friday. We had a good number of visitors, including current families who were
present to see our school in action. I have to say that John, Michael and I all commented at how
impressed WE were with our school and our staff! And we work here! Everything, from the
Assembly, the morning tea, the lessons conducted in our new building, what was happening in the
classrooms, our Year 3 music lessons and the mighty Jazz Band was all something we can all be
justifiably proud of.
Planning for the Future
I know that parents of children in the upper part of the school are planning for their child’s High
School future. This is most important and something that all parents should take seriously. I am aware
that some of the private schools are putting pressure on these parents to bring their children over early
(Year 5, Year 6) – to guarantee a place in the High School. This is interesting, because, as Principal of
Guardian Angels, I can honestly state that Guardian Angels has never (in my time) had as many
enrolments from these same schools into our Primary as we currently have. This says something about
these schools. It says something about our school. Parents need to consider this carefully. It is most
disappointing for us to lose great kids just when they are setting themselves to be leaders her at GA. It
affects things here like our music program, where we rely on these pupils to be our backbone. Parents
need also to seriously consider staying here at Guardian Angels and enrolling their children into
Aquinas. Aquinas is becoming a very strong High School, with vastly increased enrolments, and
excelling Statewide in a number of areas. Every High School (like every Primary School) has its
strengths and its weaknesses. Paying exorbitant school fees and charges does not, by any means
guarantee educational excellence. You will be very happy with Aquinas College, and thereby you and
your child will feel great about being part of this great school until graduation.
Fire Drill
Last Thursday we conducted our first practice Emergency Evacuation procedure for the year. I believe
it went well. A reminder to all visitors and volunteers who are on site that they are required to follow
directions from staff to assemble with all other present at school during the practice. We will also be
conducting a practice Lockdown Procedure over the coming weeks.
Letter in Support of Cystic Fibrosis Associations
Please read the attached letter and support if you are able. This is a worthy cause, and, for the families
affected by this illness, a major way of showing our support. This organisation is dangerously low in
funding, and is not receiving adequate Government support. I have attached a proforma letter. You
may like to download, edit and send off. These things do mean something to Politicians (unless we are
talking about our Gold Coast Councillors and the Allconnex disaster – that defies common everything
– sense, fairness, compassion etc etc).
Old Uniforms
We have started collecting these. Please wash and iron them and send them in to the school. We will
be storing g these over the next 12 months with a view to sending off a supply to a needy school.
Shave For A Cure
I have been approached by a child wishing to shave for a Cure. I have been persuaded to allow this,
but ask that parents respect the school’s uniform standards and make this a one off.
School Website Photos
It was brought to my attention last week that some of our photos of our children were accessible
outside our security cover. I thank those parents for making us aware of this. This has now been
corrected.
Strategies For Coping
Over the next few weeks I will include a Strategy For Coping. If you like it you may want to have a
family chat about it at home. The series is the work of Michael Grose and more information can be
found at www.parentingideas.com.au
Strategy 1 Laugh
about it
Help your child see a lighter or funny side of a situation.
Have you ever noticed that when there is a major world crisis or tragedy that there is soon a
spate of jokes in the public arena about the issue? It didn’t take long for September 11 jokes to
spread through the Internet.
These jokes help people deal with the anxiety caused by the situation.
We are less likely to become depressed or feel helpless when we can laugh at a situation.
Humour is a great coping strategy. Encourage your kids to stand back and find a funny side to the
situation they may be in. I am not suggesting that we trivialize situations, rather develop the
ability to find some humour and hope in adversity. Humour is a powerful tool for resilience as it
heightens feelings of control. It helps kids reframe a situation and gain some perspective.
This strategy requires kids to look for a funny side and not take themselves too seriously.
What to say: “Come on, laugh it off.”
“Find the funny side.
Entry into Pool Precinct
We have had another incident where a parent has come into the staff car park after school and
blocked staff cars, preventing these people from departing. This off road parking facility was
built a) to allow staff off road parking, and b) to free up our overly busy road for parents.
Unfortunately, a number of people have abused this arrangement, forcing us to now monitor
entry and exit from our service road and staff car park.
From yesterday, no cars , other than staff and delivery personnel are allowed onto this road. This
includes early morning swimmers.