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St Anthony’s Coptic Orthodox College February Awards
This week the primary school celebrated their February awards. These recognised students who had performed with excellence in their academic work or the way they worked with their fellow students in the classroom. There were only two awards for each year level as well as Arabic and Christian Education Award. It is always good to celebrate excellence and we were all very proud of these students and their work in February.
The Award winners were: Prep: Asad Issa and Lydia Puot Year 1: Jessica Guirgis and Youssef Henein Year 2 Marc Malak and Adrien Chauremootoo Year 3: Mina Shehata and Alarna Ayad Year 4: Daniel Hanna and Piear Baselyous Year 5: Marleen Fransis and John Pouk Arabic: David Hanna (Prep) and Hiyab Gebremariam (Year 1) C.E Awards: Anthony Tous Y2 and George Papadopoulos Y1
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Winning the homework wars by Rebecca Jenkins Homework plays a vital role in every child's education, but all too often it's the source of tension, tears and tantrums. With some ground rules and good habits, homework wars can be avoided. Published 21/02/2012 ABC website You know the drill. The kids get home from school – tired, hungry and looking for distraction. The last thing they want to do is get out their books and get on with their homework. Cue the nagging, cajoling and if that doesn't work, the full-blown arguments. But it doesn't have to be this way. While your kids may never love doing their homework, even the most reluctant student can learn to better manage their out-of-school studies, reducing everyone's stress levels.
The right routine When it comes to setting your kids up for homework success, one of the first things to tackle is the environment they are working in. "As far as the logistics go, it's important the person has an area to do their homework and study", says educational psychologist Professor Andrew Martin, of the University of Sydney's department of education and social work. "Ideally that area has enough space to do what's required and the materials they need are at home." WA-based parenting coach Claire Eaton, a former teacher, notes that not all children will like working in isolation in their bedrooms. Some children might prefer to study at the kitchen table, and providing that location works for the family, there's no reason to force them into another room. Try to keep the house relatively quiet and free of distractions in areas where kids are doing their homework. "The TV doesn't have to be blaring all late afternoon and late evening, it can be turned off at particular times," Martin says. And don't be afraid to remove mobile phones – with their lure of text messages and email updates – until after homework is done. If you're worried you can't provide the right equipment or environment at home, see whether the local library could offer an alternative place to study. Also, some schools will offer homework clubs, where students can complete homework and seek help from a supervising teacher if needed.
Timing is everything Once you've got the study environment sorted, think about when is the best time for homework to be done. Martin says the right time will vary from student to student, but ideally it won't be right before they go to bed. Some parents seem to get good value from encouraging kids to settle into homework as soon as they get in from school, he says. "Students are still in a bit of an academic mindset and they have not been distracted too much by e-games, social networking and TV – they can happen afterwards," Martin says. If this routine works for your family, it could also be helpful to have a quick afternoon tea or snack ready
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when they get in – so they're not hungry and they're not "stuffing around in the kitchen for the next hour or so", Martin suggests. Eaton encourages parents to experiment with different homework times. "My child does his homework in the morning and that fits him beautifully," she notes. Eaton says if children are old enough to have a diary, it can be worth sitting down together and breaking projects into smaller tasks to be completed on different nights. This can stop kids from feeling overwhelmed and it also teaches them time management skills. But beware of over scheduling. Martin agrees saying: "Having a timetable can be really useful. It's important it's realistic, it includes all the family social activities, and it also has to be flexible." "[Recognise] that it's still childhood and youth and there's a need to be with friends and to chill out to play your e-games and do a bit of social networking."
How much to help When your child's whining about their homework, or simply refusing to pick up their pen, it can be tempting to take over, but try to set some boundaries. "One of the things kids really benefit from learning is that actually homework is their responsibility," Eaton says. Instead of doing the work for them, remember it's your role to encourage, support and create the right environment, she says. There may be times however when you worry your child is struggling with their studies. If you notice they are suddenly avoiding homework, asking for a lot of help, or getting upset over certain tasks, consider speaking to their teacher. Martin notes that usually kids struggle with homework either through lack of skill – difficulties with literacy and numeracy – or lack of will – problems with confidence or motivation. Homing in on which is the problem can help with finding a solution. And if you do decide to speak to your child's teacher, Eaton suggests involving your child in the decision. Let them know that you're just going to get some extra help, and set the expectation that talking their teacher will be a good thing with a positive outcome, she says.
Start off right Setting good habits from the word go, can help avoid homework wars down the track, says Eaton. One of the most important things parents can do is show kids that learning for learning's sake is worthwhile, she says. And if tensions are rising at home around homework, remember that a little bit of compassion can go a long way. "Study and homework can be difficult, can be boring, can be dispiriting, and can sometimes be fun and enjoyable," Martin says. "If there's no recognition that it's some of those things some of the time then you start moving into classic homework wars territory."
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Dear Mum & Dad, Today there was a new helper in our classroom and I had a turn with them helping me to get better at reading English and doing my work. In other schools they have parent committees that help to organise the
Ms Gray helped my teacher find this nice volunteer person to help us and she said you can help too in lots of ways ‌ Along with helping in the classroom there are lots of jobs parents could help with.
Fundraising and other things. We could start one at our school.
Our canteen needs some dedicated people to team up and run it. Even if it is only a few days a week that would be something. Many hands make light work!
There is also lots of work to keep a newly retired gardener and handyman busy.
If you, or anyone you know, can help too; you can call the school on 97863145 and speak to Ms Alyssa Gray; who comes to our school every day, except Friday, to manage the volunteers she finds to help us!
Thank you!
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CBA School Banking is free, it’s fun and banking day is every Thursday! HI EVERYONE EXCITING NEWS THE COMMONWEALTH BANK IS BACK IN 2012 NEW REWARDS!!
WITH LOTS OF
THE FIRST OFFICIAL DAY OF SCHOOL BANKING WILL BE ON THURSDAY THE 8TH OF MARCH! PLEASE BRING YOUR BANKING TO SCHOOL IF YOU HAVE AN ACCOUNT HAND IT TOO YOUR TEACHER AND START SAVING FOR THE GREAT REWARDS BELOW!
(IF YOU DO NOT HAVE AN ACCOUNT SEE LILIAN AT THE OFFICE FOR A NEW ACCOUNT FORM) EXCITING NEWS EARN EXTRA HOUSE POINTS FOR BANKING EACH WEEK. DON’T FORGET EVERY NEW SCHOOL BANKER WHO JOINS THE PROGRAM AND STARTS BANKING EARNS OUR SCHOOL $5.00, School Banking encourages a regular savings habit and we also receive commission with every deposit made !
IF YOU CANNOT MAKE IT TO THE BANKING MORNING PLEASE REMEMBER THAT YOU CAN OPEN AN ACCOUNT VIA YOUR LOCAL BRANCH OR DOWNLOAD AN APPLICATION FORM FROM www.commbank.com.au and return it to your school along with your identification…
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Hi my name is Lilian I want to introduce myself. I am responsible for the Uniform Shop, Book Shop and the Student Banking, I am taking this opportunity to let you know that the Uniform Shop is open on every THURSDAY from 9.00 am to 10.00 am, and in the afternoon from 1.00 pm to 3.00 pm. If anyone has placed an order, I am still waiting on stock, as soon as it arrives I will contact you to finalise the payment if required. While you are waiting for the order why don’t you have a look at the second hand uniforms, items are priced from only $5.00 a piece and if have any questions please contact me on 97863145. Kind Regards Lilian Gergis
Primary News Year 3, 4 & 5 swimming went very well. Thank you to all the parents who washed and dried and packed bags to assist their children during this time. Primary school students have settled in very well into class. Last week during the wet weather there were a number of interesting building projects going on in classrooms during play times. There is a special event this week on Wednesday for the Prep, Year One and Year Two students. Lazytown are coming to visit and giving a special performance. Please make sure all students are in full school uniform on Wednesday to showcase the school. Thank you. If you have any concerns or comments please put a note in your child’s diary or ring the school. Staff are more than happy to ring you after they have finished teaching for the day.
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Year 9 and 10 newsletter It was pleasant to see that all students in years 9 and 10 have settled in to the educational year in a comfortable manner. I believe that this can be accredited to the fact that students received their timetables at the end of last year, enabling them to prepare their mindset for this year’s studies. This year we have introduced an array of new subjects and choices for the year 9 and 10 students. These include two new elective subjects; psychology and textiles studies and a new year 9 core subject; Health. Furthermore, I am pleased to say that the new room for textiles studies has been a great hit with our students and they are enjoying the fact that they are able to begin VCAL studies from year 10 instead of having to wait til year 11. Moreover, I am pleased to say that I have obtained positive feedback from parents and teachers on our School’s recent Information night, suggesting that the year 9 and 10 course information booklet, introduced this year, was a great help for all. Finally, I am also pleased to hear from our VCE teachers that the year 10 students who are undertaking VCE Unit 1 & 2 subjects are settling in well to their advanced studies. Ninette Bebawi
Grade 3, 4 and 5 Swimming lesson
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The major cost of the Ardoch Youth Foundation partnership with St Anthony’s is made possible by financial support of Aussie Schoolbooks Pty Ltd.
Ardoch Youth Foundation is established to improve student learning and wellbeing. They will work with St Anthony’s to establish links with local services and business to help the School achieve best results for our students. Together we will identify issues impacting on education and develop and deliver programs to enable all students to benefit from education.
We look forward to developing ways Ardoch can help our students and their families as we determine our College needs. The College also has similar partnerships with Deakin University, Monash University and RMIT which has helped many of our students through their schooling as well as placement into university courses.
College signs agreement Ardoch Youth Foundation
Specifically Ardoch will help the College with: Providing trained volunteers and manage the volunteer program
Develop strategic corporate partnerships to support the school (already Ardoch has set up a link with GE Corporation so that VCAL students and Year 5 students can learn what work is like at the senior executive level of this large corporation. These executives will visit the College the talk to students as well as give them the opportunity to visit their offices and learn about the work environment.)
Material support to the school (already this has included textbooks, uniforms and food for families in need.)
Homework group (Tuesday night group)
For General School enquiries, please contact College Secretary
Michaela Tokarczyk
michaela@stanthonys.vic.edu.au For enquiries about this Newsletter and Website, please contact IT Administrator
Wael Elias
welias@stanthonys.vic.edu.au
Ph: (03) 9786 3145 Fax: (03) 9786 3988 Email: mail@stanthonys.vic.edu.au Web: www.stanthonys.vic.edu.au
15 Alpina Street Frankston North, Vic 3200