Happy Mother’s Day 

Wishing all the mums a very Happy Mother’s Day on Sunday! Hope you all get very spoilt.

Mother’s Day breakfast

Don’t forget we have our Mother’s Day breakfast at school on Monday 15^th May starting at 8am.

We will be serving egg and bacon rolls for mum (or special guest) and a sausage in bread for students. There will also be a vegan option for those that require it.

There will be a coffee van there from 7:45am for anyone who wishes to buy a coffee to have with their breakfast. 

EDUCATION WEEK 15^th May – 19^th May 

Bonbeach Primary school will be celebrating Education week by having an open afternoon on Wednesday the 17th of May. Classrooms will be open for families to visit between 2:45-4:30pm. Please note that students must remain in their classroom until dismissal time, at 3:30pm. Any concerns, please contact your child's teacher. 

3 Tips to make your Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day creates all sorts of feelings for every mum. For many mothers, it’s a day of delight and joy. For some, it is a day of high hopes that hubby (or partner) and the kids will come through with a special something (and no fighting!). In some cases, you get what you really wanted: a “World’s Best Mum” coffee cup from the school Mother’s Day stall, and everything is perfect.

And some people mourn Mother’s Day. It’s a day of difficulty. The pain of not having your own mum with you, the pain of having a mum who wasn’t safe, or even the pain of knowing you’re not doing great right now with your own kids (or don’t have any) can make the idea that we would celebrate seem insensitive.

Today, as we move toward Mother’s Day, our Insights article is about you… mum – and how you can get more out of Mother’s Day. The three ideas I share are designed for every mother, regardless of your approach to, and feelings about, Mother’s Day.

1. Get into ‘We’-Time vs ‘Me’-Time

Canadian researcher, Dr Elizabeth Dunn, has discovered that connection through time together (we-time) is associated with greater happiness than having time alone (me-time). The irony here is that on Mother’s Day (or other special occasions) there is often a pull towards that quiet bath, massage, or brunch without kids asking questions and getting in the way!

To be clear, there’s nothing wrong with having some me-time. In fact, sometimes it’s the only thing that provides the sanity you’re seeking. If you need it, take it.

But… once you’ve had that respite, jump back into being mum with both feet!

Close to a century of the very best research tells us that “Happiness is love, full stop.” And we experience that love through high quality connection: feeling seen, heard, and valued. Relationships where we feel seen, heard, and valued, are life-giving relationships. They elevate us. They build us. They sustain us.

This Mother’s Day, enjoy your moments of peace and indulgence. You deserve them. But make time for relationships where you and those around you feel seen, heard, and valued. Maybe you can pause and really ‘be there’ for your kids? Or perhaps they can dive in and give you that foot rub or back massage – or get into doing the dishes and folding clothes?

2. Savour

Being a mum is hard at times. It’s a long game! But studies show that being able to pause and really take in what’s happening around us might be one of the most direct pathways to happiness.

Sometimes that little bit of heaven that happens when you see your child (or children) smiling as you receive your gift from them, or feel their body squeezing up against you as they give you that hug, or even as you watch them eating brekky with you (after they’ve made something scrumptious as a treat!) is all it takes for the world to feel right again.

I know it’s a word you hear thousands of times a day/week/month, but have you closed your eyes and savoured the fact that there is a kiddo (or a family of them) who make it possible for you to have the special privilege of being called “Mum”?

3. Do Something For You

Ok, so I pushed the ‘we-time’ pretty hard. But this is your special day. Can you find an hour where you get to set the agenda? Maybe you take a walk, a bath, or some time to lie down and immerse yourself in a novel. Perhaps you can do some art or craft?

And yet, there’s the thing where “it’s Mother’s Day” and it’s nice to spend the time doing what you want, but with those humans who make you a mum. It could be that you take the family on a ride, a rainforest walk, or a sunset stroll.

 Bonus idea: Make Mother’s Day Meaningful for Your Mum

 The average woman in Australia lives to the age of 83. At the risk of saying something scary, the number of times you’ll say “Happy Mother’s Day” to your own mum is vanishingly small, and reducing each year.

Take this opportunity to say what needs to be said. Express love. Write a letter of gratitude and read it to her. Tell your mum why she’s your rock. Go one step further and tell her how she inspires you as a mum yourself. (And if things are strained, consider whether repairs can be made in meaningful ways. Small steps can make big differences). It’s possible that it might be the best Mother’s Day ever – because it’s (weirdly) not about you – but all about you!

An important note for husbands, partners, co-parents and kids

 Hubby, partner, co-parent… this week it’s time to step up. Make an effort. Find a way to express the magic that you have in your life – and the unspeakable support you receive – as a result of this great woman in your life. Involve the kids. Support them in their efforts to honour their mum. Make it count. Create space for your kids’ mum to spend quality time with her children. Do the household chores she’d normally do so she can have that space to do what she wants most – be a present, available, connected mum to her children.

Happy Mother’s Day – from the Happy Families Team.

regards

Ken

The 2023 Swimming program for students in grade 1/2 will be held at Mentone Girls Grammar Aquatic Centre at 17 Mentone Parade, Mentone on Monday 15^th  May, Tuesday 16^th May, Wednesday 17^th May, Thursday 18^th May, Monday 22^nd May, Tuesday 23^rd May, Wednesday 24^th May and Thursday 25^th May (Week 4 and 5 of term). 

FIRST BUS departs school at 8:55am with JKB (Mrs Batson). Children will be in the pool from 9:30am until 10:00am and return to school at approximately 10:45am.

THE SECOND BUS departs school at 9:20am with JFR (Mr Rankine). Children will be in the pool from 10:00am until 10:30am and return to school at approximately 11:15am. 

THE THIRD BUS departs school at 10:00am with JSB (Ms Brennan). Children will be in the pool from 10:30 until 11:00am and return to school at approximately 11:45am.  

THE FOURTH BUS departs school at 10:30am with JKH (Ms Hallowell). Children will be in the pool from 11.00am until 11:30am and return to school at approximately 12:15pm. 

THE FIFTH BUS departs at school at 11:00am with JBT (Mrs Ballos/Turner). Children will be in the pool from 11:30am until 12:00pm and return to school at approximately 12:45pm. 

Parent helpers at the pool are welcome. All parent helpers must have a valid Working with Children’s Check and have completed the Bonbeach Primary School ‘Volunteer Worker OHS and Child Safe Induction handbook.’ If you are interested as attending as a parent helper, please contact your child’s teacher or the office. 

Students should bring their normal lunch and drinks, but teachers may advise them to eat at different times according to their swimming timetable. 

PLEASE REMEMBER:

• Name everything with a permanent marker (especially goggles).
• Children must bring and wear a swimming cap. (Caps are compulsory).
• Plastic bags for wet clothing.
• Sandals/thongs to wear to the pool, put in school bag with towel. They will put them on at school before they go to the pool.
• Bathers should be worn to school to make changing at the pool easier. Don’t forget to put in underwear for coming back to school.
• Pack a little extra food, as they will be hungry after swimming.
• Allow for extra sleep time, as they will be more tired than usual.
• Please show your child the towel you are packing so they will know which is theirs.

       -Any other questions, please email Mr Mac.        

        corey.mccormack@education.vic.gov.au

                                 District Cross Country 2023

Last week we had 42 students participate in the District Cross Country at Cornish College. The weather was perfect for cross country running conditions. Everyone turned up with the right attitude and gave it their all, showcasing some terrific results. Thank you also to Mr Halperin, Ange Lang and all the parents and supporters of our students on the day!

Congratulations to the following 13 students who will now go onto represent Bonbeach at the Divisional Cross Country, which is to be held at Karkarook reserve, Warrigal Rd, Heatherton on Tuesday 30^th May. There were also a couple of students who finished 11^th-13^th and are emergencies for Division, I will notify parents if I receive any information regarding if they’ll be called up.

Because of the small amount of students going through, there will be no bus transport to the event. Parents will have to arrange transport for their child.

                 U12/13-         Eleanor. J     Maive. D      Lenny. G    Lucas. L

                      U11-         Van. L           

                  U9/10-          Alaine. B       Annika. L      Sam. C      Taylor. S

                                      Mia. M           Erin. M          Bella. C      Will. H                                          

Good luck and GO BONBEACH!!!

-Mr Mac.

Child safe organisations

On 1 July 2022 new Child Safe Standards were introduced in Victoria and staff at Bonbeach Primary and Preschool participate in regular training and reviews to ensure staff are up to date and skilled in ensuring the safety of all children in our care. Our school’s Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy demonstrates our commitment to providing an environment where our students, feel and are safe. We ensure that the community is informed about our strategies and governance arrangements and our policies help to create a shared commitment to keeping children safe. Child Safe supports our school community to know their responsibilities and parent/carer information can be accessed: https://ccyp.vic.gov.au/assets/resources/Information-for-Parents-and-Carers-about-the-Child-Safe-Standards.pdf

Bonbeach Primary and Preschool is a child safe organisation which welcomes and nurtures all children, young people and their families.  Children’s participation is valued, their views respected, and their voices are heard about decisions that affect their lives. We have no tolerance for child abuse and take proactive steps to identify and manage any risk of harm to students in our care. Every person involved in our school has an important role in promoting child safety and wellbeing and promptly raising any issues or concerns about a child’s safety.

As a parent or carer, you experience a range of organisations where your child is cared for, play, learn, develop new skills and meet other children and adults. Children have a right to safety, emotionally and physically. Everyone has a role to play in keeping children safe from harm. Harm can take many forms such as accidental injury, exposure to physical hazards, bullying, neglect, emotional abuse, physical abuse and sexual abuse. Organisations providing services to or working with children, whether run by staff or volunteers, have a duty of care to keep children safe and to respect their rights.

The 11 Child Safe Standards promote the safety of all children in Victoria:

Standard 1: Organisations establish a culturally safe environment in which the diverse and unique identities and experiences of Aboriginal children and young people are respected and valued.

Standard 2: Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture.

Standard 3: Children and young people are empowered about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously.

Standard 4: Families and communities are informed and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing.

Standard 5: Equity is upheld and diverse needs respected in policy and practice.

Standard 6: People working with children and young people are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing values in practice.

Standard 7: Processes for complaints and concerns are child-focused.

Standard 8: Staff and volunteers are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children and young people safe through ongoing education and training.

Standard 9: Physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing while minimising the opportunity for children and young people to be harmed.

Standard 10: Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is regularly reviewed and improved.

Standard 11: Policies and procedures document how the organisation is safe for children and young people.

Children have a right to be safe and organisations have a responsibility to ensure children are safe and protected from harm. The Child Safe Standards are designed to prevent child abuse in organisations. The Standards require organisations to take actions in a range of areas, including:

• background and suitability checks of staff and volunteers
• codes of conduct for staff and volunteers
• training and supervision of staff and volunteers
• documented risk assessments for activities
• clear procedures for reporting and acting on any concerns or allegations
• commitment to listening to children and encouraging them to speak up if they don’t feel safe.

Your relationship with an organisation may be short or long-term. To ensure the organisation continues to provide a safe environment for your child, it is important be involved and stay informed. You can do this by:

• maintaining regular and direct contact with staff
• subscribing to newsletters and regularly viewing their website
• following information on social media
• attending meetings, being involved in committees or groups
• volunteering, or
• participating in reviews of child safety and wellbeing policies.

If you have any concerns about your child in regards to an organisation they are involved with it is important that you raise any concerns with the relevant staff and management. Together we can work to ensure that each and every child experiences a safe and happy childhood.