POWERFUL LEARNERS at

RAMCO PRIMARY PROBLEM SOLVERS ∙ SELF REGULATORS ∙ RESILIENT LEARNERS

R a m c o P r i m a r y S c h o o l

N E W S L E T T E R

17th February 2020 Week 4 Term 1

PMB 16, WAIKERIE, 5330 Phone: 8541 2984 Fax: 8541 2756

www.ramcops.sa.edu.au dl.0372.info@schools.sa.edu.au

Principal: Mr Rob Smyth

Principal’s Report

Hello and welcome to week 4.

It was terrific to see so many at last week’s

Acquaintance Night and AGM as we reflected on

the achievements of 2019 and focused on the year ahead.

Our 2020 targeted priorities of Reading, Numeracy and Writing

achievement continue, as we all work together to provide the

very best learning opportunities for all.

At last week’s assembly I commented on the positive start our

students have had over the first few weeks, and how easily

students new to our school have fitted in.

Our attendance rate has been

outstanding and this plays a

significant role in students adjusting

back into school expectations and

assisting them with their social and

learning development. Keep it up!

Also at the assembly, we had the opportunity to

congratulate our many school leaders and present

their awards. Congratulations to our new School

Captains, Harry and Poppy who will be assisted by

Vice-Captains, Vanessa and Mimi. They are joined

on the Student Voice team for Semester 1 by; Bella,

Max, Madison and Evan. We are certainly looking

forward to working together to continue steering

our school in the best direction possible.

IMPORTANT DATES

18th February

Adelaide Footy Club

presenting “Growing with

Gratitude”

21st February

Friday Activities

25th February

Adelaide Crows player

visit

2nd March

Spanish visit

Cricket Cup

4th March

R/1 Class Camp depart

“Zoo Snooze”

5th March

R/1 Class Camp return

Assembly 1.55pm

6th March

STUDENT FREE DAY

7th March

PUBLIC HOLIDAY

Student Voice: Vanessa (VC), Poppy (C), Harry (C), Mimi (VC),

Evan, Bella, Max & Madison

Our newly elected House Captains, Vice Captains and REG members have all taken on

added responsibilities in their new roles and I am pleased they have made the great

decision to further develop their own skills while supporting others at the same time.

House Captains

PELICANS

Captains: Reily, Tamika-Rose

Vice Captains: Harry, Leila

SWANS

Captains: Poppy, Tarkyn

Vice Captains: Koby, Maisa

SPOONBILLS

Captains: Mimi, Ashten

Vice Captains: Vanessa, Rylie

It’s a Baby Boy!

Congratulations to Mrs Mitton, Scott, Lily and Chloe on the safe arrival of Ethan

Scott Mitton who was born on Saturday. No doubt he is going to very loved and

spoilt by his two older sisters!

Governing Council

Congratulations to the newly elected Governing Council of 2020. We appreciate your effort and

dedication in supporting our school and we look forward to working together throughout the year.

If you have any feedback about the school always remember that a Governing Council

Representative is another person besides a staff member you could approach.

2020 Members; Natalie Kranz, Ramon Thompson, Craig Thiel, Jason Fridd, Denise Shugg, Belinda

Steinert, Adam Davis and Tracey Hansen.

REG: Ethan, Ashten, Reily, Caleb, Leila, Lachlan Swans: Koby, Poppy, Tarkyn, Maisa

Spoonbills: Vanessa, Mimi, Ashten, Rylie Pelicans: Harry, Tamika-Rose, Reily, Leila

Elected office bearers;

Chairperson Ramon Thompson

Vice Chairperson: Craig Thiel

Secretary: Jason Fridd

Treasurer: Natalie Kranz

Have a terrific fortnight,

Regards,

Rob Smyth

‘Together we learn’

ASSEMBLY AWARDS

Teacher Student Reason

Ms Duffield

(Yr Rec/1)

Emily

Kaeleigh

Sophia

Having a great attitude towards her learning and not giving up

Showing initiative and helping others without being asked

Showing initiative and helping others without being asked

Ms Radolovic

(Yr 2/3/4)

Bella

Tessa

For demonstrating our school values in the classroom by taking on extra

responsibilities within our room

For demonstrating our school values in the classroom by taking on extra

responsibilities within our room

Mrs Cain

(Yr 5/6/7)

Vanessa

Leila

Supporting school values

Self-regulator and self-motivator

Miss Marks Ollie

Jacob

Mimi

Demonstrating a great understanding of school values in the yard and

classroom

Demonstrating the qualities of a powerful learner through self-regulation

For being a great problem solver and displaying the qualities of a powerful

learner

Principal Award Daniel

Eleanor

Cooper

Positive start to the year with communication Being a responsible Powerful

Learner

Responsibility and effort during swimming

Responsibility and effort during swimming

Super Student

Awards

Mrs Cain

Koby

Lachlan

Being a resilient learner and organising camp in her own time

Persisting with Maths

Cleaning up without being asked

Wally Award Kaeden

PCW NEWS

Community Spirit is something that we are very fortunate to be able to enjoy here in the Riverland. There are so many opportunities for people to get involved and make a difference to not only those people who live amongst us, but also those a little further afield.

While for some, the bushfires that raged across large parts of Australia, may be fading in importance there are others who are still suffering deeply and will continue to need support and encouragement.

I attended the local concert in aid of the Kangaroo Island Bushfires recently and was so encouraged by the love and compassion that exists within our community. I trust and hope that those is need can greatly benefit from all the contributions made by so many.

It is important to keep in mind though, that while we were not directly affected here, younger children can see a perceived threat as being as great as a real threat.

Children will have seen some dramatic images on television and online and will undoubtedly have heard some frightening stories as adults engage in general conversation, so it is important that we stay vigilant to their emotional needs and respond if we see signs of emotional suffering.

Stress and distress can come in many forms and as such, the Department has provided a wonderful resource and fact sheet in response to the Bushfire Crisis. Take the time to have a read as it is a great resource not only for this particular event but also other traumatic situations.

However, if you feel you may need additional resource, always come and talk with the staff at school and we will be happy to find the right resource and support for you and your family.

Your PCW, Tamara.

Talking to children about what is happening in Australia

The current bushfires across Australia have raised anxieties for all Australians about how we will cope, what our lives will look like in the future, and what will happen if they reach us. Smoke from the bushfires has stretched across

Victoria, and this in itself is enough to raise the fears of children who have already been over-exposed to information

in the media. Media stories have contained graphic, scary and disturbing images of houses, animals and people

affected by the fires, and this can cause distress or worry for children and adolescent.

There is a common misconception that talking with your child may make a trauma or crisis worse, however research

suggests that it usually has the opposite effect. For children, not having information is scary, and many children will fill in the blanks with their own imagination – often imagining something far worse than the truth. For older children,

they make take to the internet for their answers, and this can sometimes become overwhelming.

How can parents help?

take notice when your child is feeling sad, frightened, angry or upset, and help them to name these emotions.

Reassure them that these feelings are normal in the situation, and help them to label where in their body they may be feeling the emotions

encourage your child to talk about what’s troubling them, and listen and show you understand how they are

feeling

if your child brings up the bushfires or smoke, find out what they know. Answer questions honestly and with

solid information about how the fires directly affect your child at this point in time

for older children, show them maps and help to develop fire readiness skills or a plan with them (even if you think it is unlikely). This will help them feel in control and prepared

help children to contribute to the relief efforts if you think this is a value that they hold dearly. Help them to

donate time or money and to identify a cause that hits home for them.This will help them to feel less helpless, and in control. Many children are particularly affected by reports of the deaths of animals, so

allowing them to create pouches or help in some other way can relieve distress

encourage your children to engage in things that help them to feel better – connect to their community, do something physical, play with friends, or do something kind for someone else

make sure you look after yourself. If you are feeling low, and are struggling to manage your own emotions

around your children, it can be difficult to not take it out on them sometimes. If you are constantly bursting

into tears or have lost your temper, talk to them about this. Help them understand why this is happened (in terms of an overload of feelings or a reaction to a loss but avoiding burdening children with adult anxieties about decisions to be made), and engage in activities together that will make you both feel calm

For further information and support, please visit Better Health Channel, the Red Cross and Phoenix Australia.