| Aldridge Newsletter - Edition 11 - 16 July 2008 |
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From the Principal
Don’t know what is going on at Aldridge?
Never seen a Newsletter?
Only get to see a newsletter when you clean the rotten food remains out of your son’s bag at the end of term?
Well read on:
Did you know we publish a Newsletter every second week! You can outsmart your kids - even though they have been educated at Aldridge! You can access the newsletter on our web site at:
Just click on “Latest News”.
Try the regular newsletter section on adolescent behaviour and parenting.
While you are in our site, check out the Aldridge Annual Report. Not all sections of the site are operational but many are.
Don’t forget our Parent/Teacher interviews which will be held on Thursday, 17 July in the Aldridge Hall.
ED MANLEY
Principal
Helping children make
smart decisions
Decision-making like anything requires practice.
Some children want to have a say about everything that involves them. They have no problem letting parents know what they want and how life should be. Other children will avoid making decisions and will happily sit back and follow the lead of others in anything from fashion to food eaten at dinner.
Most parents these days are keen to involve children in family decision-making processes. It is smart management to get children’s input as they are more likely to stick to decisions when they have had a say.
It is challenging for parents to know when to make decisions for children and when to stand back and allow them to decide.
Decision-making is broken into three areas:
1. Parents Rule: these are decisions where there is no negotiation. E.g. going to school, bedtime
2. Work Things Out Together: these are areas where you and your child negotiate outcomes. E.g. when to come home from an outing, TV programs.
3. Kids Decide: give your children full authority in some areas. E.g. choose the sport they play, school activities.
Each of these areas will vary according to parental values, the age of children and even individual temperament.
Regular family meetings provide terrific forums for parents and children to work things out together. Outcomes are best negotiated in formal settings that ensure sufficient consideration is given.
As children grow and show the ability to make sensible decisions, allow them more authority over their lives. Increasing independence involves greater freedom to choose, which demonstrates trust and faith in their ability to make good decisions.
But greater freedom to choose needs to be accompanied by an increase in responsibility and also a willingness for them to experience the consequences of their decisions.
All decisions that children make have a consequence – whether positive or negative. A child can use the following three questions to help them assess consequences of a decision they may make:
Ø Is this behaviour safe for me?
Ø Is this behaviour fair to others?
Ø Is this behaviour smart and in my long-term best interests?
Children often can’t see the long-term consequences of their decisions so it is useful to give them information to help them make smart choices.
Also some children leap before they look. They need to be reminded to slow down and consider some of the possible consequences of their actions.
Decision-making is hard work for parents who are always treading a fine line between being too protective and promoting independence. If children are to learn how to make smart choices adults need to equip them with knowledge and skills as well as opportunities to make decisions.
What’s Your Child Like?
Does your child make smart decisions?
Does he/she:
1. Consider the consequences rather than make a complete leap of faith about most things? Yes-2 No-0
2. Avoid making decisions for fear of making poor ones? Yes-0 No-2
3. Generally take advice when given?
Yes-2 No-0
4. Enjoy taking part in family discussions and decision-making processes? Yes-2 No-0
5. Follow what their peers say rather than make independent decisions? Yes-0 No-2
SCORE
10 A careful decision-maker. Not rash by any means.
6-8 Considers options and then maybe acts a little rashly.
0-4 Either makes poor decisions or none at all. Need to work hard to slow down or take risks and make some choices.
Try This . . .
Putting it into practice
To help children make smart decisions:
1. Involve them in choosing food, family entertainment and fun. Give them a choice between two, not a smorgasbord, to choose from.
2. Develop the habit of inviting their input into a whole range of small issues to help you make decisions. eg. meals, room arrangements, scheduling activities.
3. Toss a coin. If children can’t decide
between two choices tell them to toss a coin and then go with their gut instinct. It may not be the best decision but at least they will make a decision.
4. Conduct regular family meetings and place family issues on the agenda.
QUOTE
‘Nothing is more difficult, and therefore more precious, than to be able to decide.’
Napoleon Bonaparte
QCE Community Information Seminar
This information evening will provide an overview of the implementation of the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE). The presentation will help parents and community members to understand the principles underlying the QCE and the credit rules that govern eligibility. A variety of scenarios will be discussed to demonstrate the relevance of the QCE and the broad range of possibilities for learning towards the QCE.
Participants have the opportunity to:
Ø Develop an understanding of the requirements of the QCE for students, schools and other learning providers.
Ø Develop an understanding of the possibilities offered to students by the QCE.
Ø Develop an understanding of the implication of the QCE for study at school and beyond.
Agenda:
Ø QCE at a glance.
Ø Scenarios.
Ø Questions.
Ø Close.
The Seminar will be held on Thursday, 07 August at the Brolga Theatre, Walker Street, Maryborough from 7.00 pm to 8.00 pm. Cost is free.
Anyone interested in attending please contact the school to register.
CRAIG TEWES
Deputy Principal
Parent/Teacher Interviews
Parent/Teacher interviews will be held on Thursday, 17 July 2008, in the school hall. The interviews will commence at 3.30 pm and will be in 10 minute blocks. Parents wishing to obtain an interview with any of their students’ teachers can do so by contacting Perri-Le in the school administration office on 4120 8444. Parents are asked to have a list of their students’ teachers on hand when phoning the school to make interview times.
School Photos
School Photos will be taken on Monday, 28 July and Tuesday, 29 July 2008. Photo envelopes will be distributed shortly. If your student has not received one please contact the school office.
Parents are reminded to please have the correct money for the envelope. Also, envelopes are to be given to the Photographer ON THE DAY your student has their photo taken. Please do not hand envelopes in to the office.
Aldridge State High School Athletics Carnival
The time is fast approaching for the 2008 Athletics Carnival. It will be held on Thursday, 31 July and as far as attendance is concerned it is a normal school day. That means if students are absent they must follow normal procedures for this.
Prior to the carnival there will be scheduled events held during lunch times at school.
All supporters are welcome!
We look forward to your attendance and participation on the day.
JAMES McKEE
HOD—Physical Education
Guidance News
TSXPO—Tertiary Studies Expo
This year’s TSXPO will be held on Saturday, 19 and Sunday, 20 July 2008. The venue is Exhibition Building, RNA Showgrounds, Brisbane and will be open from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm both days.
You will find:
Ø Universities and Faculty representatives from around Australia and overseas.
Ø Advisors from Professional Associations.
Ø Higher Education Colleges.
Ø Government Agencies and Employers.
Ø Scholarship and Financial Assistance Information.
Ø TAFE Institutions.
Ø Seminar Presentations and more.
For more information visit www.txsxpo.org.
STAVROS AMARANDOS
Guidance Officer
Pay Your School Fees by Centrelink Deduction
We have negotiated with Centrelink an arrangement to assist families with the payment of their school fees. Centrelink, with your permission, deduct a fortnightly amount from your payment, and forward it to the school. When the amount has been paid in full, the deduction will automatically cease. If you would like more information on this option or would like to sign up, please contact the Management Support Officer (Jenni Taylor) on 4120 8444.
Parents are reminded that before a student can be considered for activities such as excursions, camps, the Formal, purchase of Senior Jerseys and shirts, a parent who has joined the scheme is expected to have:
ØFully paid the resource fees; or
Ø Paid the resource fee up to and including the term in which the school activity takes place; or
Ø Have made regular on-going payments towards the resource fees, as previously arranged with the school principal.
A parent who does not wish to contribute to the scheme is responsible for providing the student with necessary items and covers the cost of activities for engaging in the curriculum.
Student Absences
It is a requirement for parents to inform the school that all absences are in fact legitimate. This can be done by note or on the student absentee line—4120 8460.
Late Arrival
If students are arriving late to school, they are required to have a signed note or phone call from their parent or guardian explaining their lateness. If students do not have a note or phone call upon signing in late, they will be required to complete a 15 minute lunch time detention in C5.
Early Departure
If students are going to leave school early, they are required to have a signed note or phone call from their parent or guardian explaining their leaving the school. If students do not have a note upon leaving early they will be required to phone a parent or guardian for approval.
Change of Family Details
If you have moved recently, could you please advise the school of your new mailing address details and new telephone number. If there has been a change in family circumstances ie. Change of emergency contacts, Family separation. It is very important that the school be aware of all family situations and that we have your current contact details, especially in emergency situations, when your student may require medical attention.
Storing of Student property during the School Day
Due to the very limited space available at the office, we are unable to house overnight bags for sleepovers, skateboards, helmets, sports equipment, musical instruments and other items at any time. Students who bring these or any other items to school that will require storage away from their school bags will need to make other arrangements. We ask that students and parents be mindful of this situation, and we thank you for your assistance.
CRAIG TEWES
Deputy Principal
Dates For Your Diary
More important dates for your diary:
Ø Monday, 21 to Wednesday, 23 July—Year 11 Leadership Camp at Garapine. Depart Aldridge SHS on Monday, 21 July at 9.00 am and return to Aldridge SHS on Wednesday, 23 July at approx 2.30 pm.
ØFriday, 01 August—Open Schools Cup Volleyball in Toowoomba. Various Venues. Depart Aldridge SHS on Thursday, 31 July and return to Aldridge on Sunday, 03 August approx 5.00 pm.
ØMonday, 04 to Wednesday, 06 August—Roadcraft Driver Education, Gympie. Depart Aldridge at 8.00am Monday, 04 August and return Wednesday, 06 August by 4.00 pm.
Ø Tuesday, 05 August—Year 10 subject selection day. Subject selection evening for Parents in the Hall at 7.00 pm.
Ø Monday, 11 August—Fraser District Athletics Carnival.
Ø Monday, 11 to Friday, 22 August— Year 10 Set Planning Interviews at Aldridge SHS.
Ø Tuesday, 19 August—Students with Learning Difficulties Year 7 à 8 Parent Information day from 9.30 am - 12.00 pm in Hall.
Ø Wednesday, 27 to Friday, 29 August—SEU Camp Riverside Retreat. Depart Aldridge at 8.30 am return approx 2.30 pm.
Community Notices
v Tinana Hockey Club are holding a Trivia Night on Saturday, 26 July at the Hockey Hall in Woodstock Street at 7.30 pm. $10.00 per person. First prize $250.00, Second prize $100.00. Phone Debbie on 4122 4147, Sonya 4122 3608 or Beryl on 4124 3663 to register you team. A bar will be operating on the night.
v Fraser Coast Calisthenics are holding a Mid Year Concert at the City Hall on Saturday, 19 July at 6.30 pm. Entry $3.00 per person or $6.00 per family.
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(c)2007 Aldridge State High School
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