This week at Calare our Years 3 and 5 students continue to complete their NAPLAN assessments. It is prudent to reiterate the messages that we have previously sent home that whilst we encourage our students to do their best, the assessments are only a very small part of their learning journey. It’s the learning that occurs every day in class which is most important.

I am looking forward to celebrating Harmony Day with the students on Friday whereby we recognise the diversity of our Australian culture. Remember to wear Orange on Friday. Other activities for the day are outlined on the note that was sent home. It is important to focus on combatting racism wherever and whenever it arises inn order to promote a sense of belonging for everyone.

If you can spare some time out of your busy weekly schedule, please join us at our Stage Assemblies on Friday or our 3-6 Athletics Carnival next Wednesday 26 March (please note the carnival is a revised date, brought forward from the Thursday).

Road safety – Racecourse Road

We have recently received communication from a community member regarding road safety concerns in the Racecourse Road area. Several Calare students walk that way home and quite often run out in front of cars or walk on the road instead of using the paths. Last week the driver of a large ute had to slam on his brakes as two boys ran out straight in front of him.

Advance Notice: Upstage Performance Workshops

Last year our Years 3, 4 and 6 students had the opportunity to participate in workshops run by Upstage. This year the workshops run on Wednesday 9th April and is available for students in Years 3, 5 and 6 (Year 4 will be at Burrendong Camp). The workshops are subsidised by the proceeds from the Public Schools Orange Performing Arts Project and the cost to parents will be $8.50. Please do not send any money at this stage, we are just giving notice for budgeting purposes.

Have a lovely week

Stephen Bingon

Proud Principal of Calare

Free Parenting Seminar and Resources

All parents of children with disabilities invited to attend our online webinars

The Sydney Children's Hospital Network invites parents of children with an intellectual disability or autism to attend a free parenting series.

Stepping Stones Triple P: for parents of children with a disability aged under 12 years of age

 What topics will be covered?

Positive Parenting for Children with a Disability 

The principles of positive parenting:

• Ensuring a safe engaging environment
• Creating a positive learning environment
• Using assertive discipline
• Having reasonable expectations
• Looking after yourself as a parent
• Adapting to having a child with a disability
• Being part of the community.

Helping your Child Reach their Potential 

• Teaching new behviours and skills 
• Choosing a skill to teach
• Breaking the skill into steps
• Choosing rewards
• Deciding on when and where to teach
• Using effective teaching strategies
• Keeping track and review. 

Changing Problem Behaviour into Positive Behaviour 

• Tracking the behaviour
• Understanding why the behaviour is occurring
• Changing events that occur before the problem
• Encouraging alternative behaviour
• Removing accidental rewards
• Putting the plan into action.

Registrations are essential. Numbers are limited. Simply click on the links above. We will run this course again in term 2. We recommend attending all three sessions.

Can't make the webinar? Try Stepping Stones Triple P Online

Stepping Stones Triple P is also available for free as an online course.  This self-paced program can make a real difference in your family life when raising a child with disability. You’ll learn how you can take positive steps to help them with key life skills, respond to their individual needs, manage daily routines, and build strong relationships with their family and community.

Get started with Stepping Stones Triple P Online

Try our carer tip sheets here. 

They are also available in Arabic, Simplified Chinese and Vietnamese School-Link Website.