We hope this update finds you and your families well and enjoying the glimpses of sunshine, holding promise for the months ahead!
Here is a summary of our many updates this month...
Move to Narre Warren NorthReport on Key Parent Function - Dr Gerard O'SheaInformation sessions upcomingOpen Day - Tuesday 11 October
"Save the Date!" - notice of upcoming events...
Fundraising dinner - Saturday 22 OctoberOfficial opening of Narre Warren North site - Saturday 5 November
Orientation Day for 2017 families - Saturday 3 December
Parenting Tips!
Move to Narre Warren North
It has finally arrived - the end is in sight! Buildings are in place (and stable), decking is attached, playground is installed, services are being connected as we write, preparations for the fit out, move and set up are in place.
Efforts for car pooling to Belgrave have been herculean and heroic - each day, only three cars arrive, transporting 13 children. Whilst parents will no doubt be relieved when the school is closer and transport more straight forward, the children will surely miss the company and play every morning and afternoon has brought!
Report on Key Parent Function - Dr Gerard O'Shea
We enjoyed an excellent key parent function last week by Dr Gerard O'Shea, author of As I Have Loved You, a valuable resource for parents providing a programme for a Christian education in human love and sexuality for children.
The topic and speaker attracted a sell-out crowd and left standing room only! His presentation was sprinkled with stories from his discussions with his own children - his advice has been family tested and has come up trumps. Whilst many developments in Australian society leave parents deeply concerned about the education upcoming generations are receiving in sexuality and family, parents left Dr O'Shea's presentation inspired and empowered.
We are very pleased to be able to offer the opportunity to learn from speakers on such important topics, not only to our own enrolled families but to the broader community.
We remind you about our upcoming information sessions. These sessions are intended to be small and intimate. We welcome both those who are making their first enquiries and those who are already familiar with the school and would like to know more, or have specific questions they would like to ask.
RSVP via our Contact Page.
Tuesday 6 September at 7.30pm
To be held in Berwick.
Tuesday 18 October at 7:30pm
To be held in Lysterfield South.
Tuesday 15 November at 7:30pm
To be held in Endeavour Hills.
Open Day - Tuesday 11 October
We are looking forward to showcasing our school at our next Open Day in October. Open days at Harkaway Hills College have been scheduled mid-week in order to present to prospective parents an ordinary day in operation.
We are looking forward to showcasing our school at our next Open Day in October. Open days at Harkaway Hills College have been scheduled mid-week in order to present to prospective parents an ordinary day in operation.
Placing a special emphasis on literacy in the junior curriculum, the school is proud to employ the Spalding method, which is so effective in teaching children to read and write - we encourage all families to attend this demonstration in particular.
The Principal, Frank Monagle, will also make a short address, and will endeavour to meet each visitor personally.
Details:
Tuesday 11 October 2016
10am until 2pm
10am - Spalding demonstrationMorning tea provided
10.30am - Principal's address
420 Belgrave Hallam Road, Narre Warren North (entry via 32 A'Beckett Road).
Please register your attendance via our Contact page.
"Save the Date" - big events upcoming...
Official opening of Narre Warren North site - Saturday 5 November 2016 - save the date
All are cordially invited to the official opening and celebation of our permanent site in Narre Warren North - the date is set for Saturday 5 November 2016 from 2-4pm.
Invitations and further details will be forthcoming.
Orientation Day for 2017 families - Saturday 3 December - save the date
The College has set an orientation day for children commencing Foundation in 2017 and for their parents on Saturday 3 December.
Please save the date. Further details will be forthcoming.
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Parenting tips
In a previous update, we announced the extra tab added to our website - "Parenting Tips" - featuring a series of articles with sound advice on a variety of parenting topics. We intend to include a teaser of one in each email update, with a link to the full article.
The articles are generously provided by Dr Andrew Mullins - you can see more excellent material on his site, Raised to Love: www.raisedtolove.com.
Expectations of responsibility
Accumulated wisdom from parents of young children in the Parents for Education Schools
Foundation (also known as "Preparatory" or "Prep" year)
Care of own belongings
Children should know what possessions they have, where in a general sense those things are and be responsible for them.
Clothing
Children should know what possessions they have, where in a general sense those things are and be responsible for them.
Clothing
- A good rule to help children avoid habits of leaving clothes around is ‘always do something with it when it is taken off’… putting it into the drawer, into the washing basket, etc.
- Children should know to fold their clothes. Own laundry control is reasonable.
- Fold PJs and shuffle bed in the morning.
- Put toys away.
- Children should be responsible for their important things such as school bag, shoes, uniform, and lunchbox. Unpack bag on arriving home, hand over any notes.
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For more, including jobs, homework and timetables, hospitality etc for children in Foundation, Year 1 and 2, see here: www.harkawayhills.vic.edu.au/p
