Prep School

Value of the week: cooperation

Cooperation is working together and sharing the load. When we cooperate, we join with others to do things that cannot be done alone. We are willing to follow the rules that keep everyone safe and happy. Together we can accomplish great things.

Attribute of the week: principled

When you are principled, you act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice and respect for the dignity of the individual, groups and communities. You take responsibility for your own actions and the consequences that accompany them.

Year 2

Writing, reading and vocabulary fun! Year 2A has blasted off to an amazing start using tier two vocabulary in sentences. They have been brainstorming and segmenting words on their whiteboards. As well as reading new and exciting books and creating visualisations using the clues in the text. We can’t wait for week two to continue our learning journey.

Shay Thomas
Prep School Teacher

Photos: Churchie Staff
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Warm greetings to you all! I am delighted to have the opportunity to connect with you through this newsletter. As the school counsellor, I am here to assist and support your child’s journey through the Churchie Preparatory School.

Firstly, I want to let you know that I am present on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, working across all grades except for Year 3. Additionally, we are fortunate to have Senior School Educational Psychologist Lisa Andersen, who will be working in the Prep School on Thursday mornings and Friday during the middle session for the Year 3 cohort. During this time, Lisa will also handle acute cases across the entire school.

In addressing the wellbeing of your children, I want to emphasise that, in the first instance, class teachers are the most appropriate people to handle concerns related to friendships, emotional awareness, a positive sense of self, and belonging. To support them in this endeavour, we have introduced Circle Solutions in all grades and Switch for Schools in Years 3 to 6. It’s noteworthy that these programmes are well-researched, evidence-based initiatives dedicated to enhancing wellbeing amongst our students.

We will also be actively involved, periodically working with teachers and classes on these important issues, as well as conducting sessions with students on child safety matters. Small-group counselling sessions will be facilitated when specific needs are identified across cohorts, such as helping students initiate new friendships or assisting students in dealing with conflict in the playground. You will always be notified if your child has been identified for additional support and of course, have the right to decline.

Most of our work will involve one-to-one sessions with students who have been identified by class teachers, parents, and housemasters. Our approach here is to offer four to six sessions for students with acute needs, following the trial of class-wide and house-wide strategies where appropriate. While most matters will follow the regular communication channels, urgent or highly confidential concerns may reach us directly. Following four to six sessions, if additional support is needed, we’ll refer out and collaborate with external providers. This enables us to ensure we are available for all students across the entire school year.

I’m excited to share that we have a fantastic resource called SchoolTV, accessible on myChurchie and introduced last year. This platform provides a wealth of well-being resources specifically for parents. This includes books, podcasts and videos on mental health issues such as eating disorders, anxiety, ADHD and gaming addictions. Articles from leading psychologists and educators on behaviour management, homework routines, friendships and school refusal are also at your fingertips on SchoolTV. I strongly encourage you to explore it when you can find some time or if you encounter challenges at home at any stage.

If you have any concerns or questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our contact details are on myChurchie or you are most welcome to phone the Prep School office and they will connect you.

Susie Hill
Guidance Counsellor

Mentoring Monday afternoons

Through a partnership between the Preparatory and Senior School, a group of Year 9 Personal Development and Leadership students is offering homework and mentoring on Monday afternoons for Years 5 and 6 students in Terms 1 and 2, starting 12 February. This group will meet at the steps of School House at 3:15 pm most Mondays then join Year 9 students for homework help, check-in time, organisational support and some fun activities together before being returned to parents and caregivers on Oaklands Parade at 4:15 pm. This group is supervised by a Senior School Housemaster.

There is space for 18 Years 5 and 6 students to join in Terms 1 and 2, with the opportunity to be offered in Semester 2 to Years 3 and 4 students. The dates offered are every Monday from 12 February to 18 March as well as in Term 2 on 29 April, 20 May, 27 May and 3 June.

If you would like your Years 5 or 6 son involved in this opportunity, please complete an application by following this link. Positions will be provided on a first come, first served basis with a waiting list applied to maximise the number of students able to participate. Queries about the programme should be directed to Director of Service Clayton Kelly, Clayton.Kelly@churchie.com.au.

Admission to Holy Communion Service

St John’s Cathedral, Wednesday 1 May at 6 pm
Churchie students are invited to celebrate being admitted to Holy Communion in a joint service with students from St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School, Ascot.

Admission to Holy Communion is an invitation to students in Year 4 and above.
All students in Year 4 learn about and explore the sacraments as part of their RE unit, ‘Celebrations express beliefs and values’. Students in Years 5 and 6 will meet together and prepare in small groups as they go through a workbook, facilitated by Chaplain Stephanie in the Prep School.

Students in Year 7 and above will be contacted by Senior Chaplain The Reverend Sharon Mitchell, for preparation as needed.

Sisters, from any school, are welcome to be admitted to Holy Communion with their brothers.

Please invite family and friends. They are welcome to support and attend this service, which will be followed by light refreshments.

Please complete the Admission to Holy Communion JotForm.

If your child has not yet been baptised, this can occur during or before the Admission to Holy Communion Service.

Please contact Chaplain Stephanie for further information at stephanie.cotroneo@churchie.com.au.

Medications

In keeping with school policy, if your son needs to take medication while at school, the medication must be administered by our Health Centre staff. Medication should be in its original packaging with clear directions for its administration and a note from the parent. Please provide this to your son’s form teacher, who will ensure that it is provided to the Health Centre.