3 April 2020
Newsletter Articles
Executive Principal’s Report
Dear Parents / Caregivers,
Term 1 has presented us with many unexpected challenges that we did not foresee and we conclude the term not knowing what the term ahead may present. This week our staff have spent considerable time collaborating and preparing for Term 2, considering all possible scenarios to ensure learning is a priority for our students.
I am deeply concerned for our students as they face the challenge of isolation over the coming weeks. We are exploring all options to find ways to engage with them beyond the learning program next term. It will certainly be a challenge for many parents juggling screen time with limited alternative options.
I would like to acknowledge and congratulate our Student Leaders who have embraced the challenges we are facing and utilised their positive leadership to support the student body. They hosted a Social Distancing activity and sent daily Eblasts to students, encouraging positivity and focus. Their leadership with this has been very much appreciated by staff and students and they have been positive role models for us all. Well done!
I am very excited to report that our two major building projects will begin over the Easter break and I look forward to reporting on the progress of these new learning facilities as they progress. Something for us to be optimistic and hopeful about in these challenging times.
I sincerely hope that you and your families stay healthy and safe over the Easter vacation. I continue to keep emergency and health workers in my thoughts and express my gratitude for all they are doing in our communities. My heart goes out to all those affected by COVID-19 during this difficult time.
Thank you for your continued support over the past couple of weeks. We will get through this – we are CORINDA.
Helen Jamieson
Executive Principal
P & C News
Annual General Meeting
Last week we conducted our AGM via Zoom Meeting. It was our first attempt at this and it turned out to be quite the experience. At the meeting we acknowledged the work and commitment of our outgoing President Alan Birchley. Alan has been President for the past 4 years and we express our gratitude for all his efforts during this time. Alan has been instrumental in moving our Tuckshop forward and leading the Air Conditioning Project prior to the provision of Government funding this year. We also thanked Sharon Jack, who has acted in the role of Treasurer for the past twelve months; a time consuming job that has been very much appreciated. Tom Bates in his roles as Vice President and previously as Treasurer also stepped down from his position as an Executive. Tom has been in his roles over the past 5 years and has devoted a lot of time behind the scenes with working bees and supporting a variety of fund raising activities.
We welcome and congratulate Naomi Henry who has accepted the position of President and Leanne Girola returning to the position of Secretary. We still have a vacancy for the position of Treasurer and Vice President. If you would like to nominate for one of these positions we would welcome your interest (form below). We are now seeking nominations to be considered at the next General Meeting to be held on Wednesday 29 April at 7 pm (possibly via Zoom).
Corinda State High School Council Election
Notice is given to the school community that there is a meeting called for the purpose of electing parent members to the Corinda State High School Council. A proposal to expand the School Council membership has been discussed and supported.
An election for one (1) Parent representative will be held at a meeting:
- in the school’s Paradox Room
- on Wednesday 29 April 2020 at 5.30 - 6:00 pm (prior to the General Meeting).
- Please return the nomination form by 22 April 2020. The nomination form can be found below.
This can be done by:
- delivering to the school front desk during school hours
- e-mail to info@corindashs.eq.edu.au
- mail to Returning Officer, c/- Corinda State High School, 46 Pratten Street, Corinda 4075
To be eligible for election as an elected parent, a person must:
- not be the principal of the school or the Parents and Citizens’ Association (P&C) president;
- have not been convicted of an indictable offence, unless the Minister gives approval under the Act (s.93);
- attend a meeting called for the purpose of electing parent members;
- be the parent* of a student attending the school; and
- submit a completed nomination on time.
Coming Events
|
Date |
Event |
|
Fri 3 April |
Term 1 ends |
|
Mon 20 April |
Term 2 begins |
|
Sat 25 April |
ANZAC Day |
Some of our best…
School Leaders – Social Distancing
Recently, our student leaders stepped up and organized a whole school social distancing activity to demonstrate to students the space required. We got some sunshine and fresh air and had a little fun together spacing it out.
Australian Youth Cricket Championships
Earlier this month Layla Proctor represented Queensland at the Australian Youth Cricket Championships. The QLD Team beat NSW in the grand final to be crowned Natioanal Champions. Layla contributed to her teams success with the most dismissal's from the carnival with 9 stumpings and 3 catches. To top off an outstanding tournament behind the wickets, Layla was selected in the Australian Training Squad of 26 who will reconvene later in the year. Congratulations Layla!
Class of 2019
Some of our 2019 Seniors came in for some expert advice from Jane (Merit Solutions) and Megan (Challenge Employment). Their future pathways are in good hands!
Gifted and Talented
Football Excellence
Over the last 2 weeks a large number of our Football Excellence students trialled for our regional representative sides. After quite a lot of football games and students progressing through to possible/probable sides we were successful in having 21 students selected to represent Met West this year for school boys and girls Football!
School News
Student Services
We have recently sent out school statements by post and email. If you did not receive your statement, please contact the school office to ensure your details are up to date.
From the Guidance Officers
Looking after your family’s mental health during the pandemic
This year has certainly posed many challenges to us all, especially parents. It seems each day we are bombarded with negative news stories, disasters and tragedies that can at times challenge our own sense of wellbeing. Here are some ways that you can support your family during this challenging time.
1. Be aware of and find ways to manage your own stress.
Young people look to adults for behavioural clues which tell them how concerned they should be about anything unknown or difficult. So it is important that we have support people to turn to and healthy coping mechanisms when we are feeling anxious ourselves so that our stress doesn’t become contagious.
2. Normalise anxiety.
Anxiety is a completely understandable reaction to all the covid-19 information out there, but it is not always a negative. On the positive side, anxiety does work as a warning system in our brains to help us keep safe and alert to danger. It only becomes a problem or a negative when the alarm system is oversensitive and leaves us with irrational fears that effect our daily functioning.
3. Keep in mind your child’s age and maturity level when exposing them to information.
For older children and teens it is important to talk about it more openly in terms of the facts and always with a positive slant focussing on how your family can work together through this challenging time.
Whilst we can’t offer guarantees that family members won’t contract the virus we can empower our families through the CARE approach:
Choices – Channel anxiety into useful action to avoid the disease by practising the recommended preventative strategies, limiting exposure to media reports, maintaining normal routines (as much as possible) and finding healthy distractions.
Agenda – develop and discuss plans for how your family will deal with activities being cancelled and also if a family member contracts the virus.
Resilience – find ways to focus on the positives (e.g. taking time to be grateful), enjoy some humour (there’s some great toilet paper memes circulating!) and encourage your family to turn their attention to supporting others during difficulty e.g. picking up some groceries for an elderly neighbour or running an errand for and checking on a vulnerable family member.
Emotional Support – keep an eye on how your children are feeling and remind them you are there to listen to their concerns. Look for signs they are not doing well – sleep issues, appetite changes, behaviour difficulties are just a few things that indicate your child may need some extra reassurance and support.
(Source: Ideas to Manage T(w)een Anxiety about COVID-19 – Collett Smart, 2020)
REMEMBER: Physical distancing, handwashing and good hygiene is crucial in stopping the spread!
Mental Health Support at Home
For Students:
Telephone & Online counselling:
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 /
https://kidshelpline.com.au/get-help/webchat-counselling
Eheadspace:
https://headspace.org.au/eheadspace/
Apps:
Smiling Mind
What’s Up
Mind Shift
Self-Help for Anxiety Management (SAM)
Website:
Head to Health:
https://headtohealth.gov.au/
For Parents & Carers:
Parentline: 1300 30 1300 /
http://www.parentline.com.au/
BeyondBlue: 1300 22 4636
Lifeline: 13 11 14
For a full list of online mental health resources head to:
https://www.emhprac.org.au/directory/
Stay safe,
Lisa Henderson
Guidance Officer
Family Assistance during COVID-19
Every family needs a little help now and then. When friends and family are unavailable, it can be hard to know who to call for support. That’s where Family and Child Connect can help.
Family and Child Connect non-government community-based service designed specifically to listen to families and help them connect with the right supports at the right time.
Whether you are a parent, a young person, a concerned friend, neighbour or professional, if you are looking for information and advice on how you can best help yourself or someone else, you can contact Family & Child Connect and speak to a real person about how to get the right assistance.
Family and Child Connect’s friendly, professional staff know all about the people and services in your area and how they can help with any challenge a family might be facing. They can provide you with information about these supports and in some cases can even introduce you to them. If you are worried about a family other than your own they can help you with ideas of how you might be able to reach out and provide some personal support to them.
If you would like to connect with us you can call us on 13FAMILY (13 32 64). All enquiries are most welcome.
Parenting Ideas Insights
The latest insights from Parenting Ideas is available now.
Community News
School Writing Competition
Looking for a fun activity at school or home?
The 2020 Australian School Writing Competition is NOW OPEN.
Write your best 16 line (or less) poem or 500 word (or less) short story to be in the running for the great CASH and PRIZES on offer!
Creative writing gives students the chance to express their thoughts and emotions in a safe and FUN way!
Entries close 30th April 2020
https://www.write4fun.net/competitions/67?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Writing%20Competition%202%20-%202020&utm_content=Writing%20Competition%202%20-%202020+CID_309b951afcb48c3cd633232182db1de6&utm_source=Email%20marketing%20software&utm_term=FIND%20OUT%20MORE