Dear Parents and Carers

Let the Children Play!

Some experts believe children need at least three hours of outdoor play on a daily basis in order to foster healthy sensory and motor development. They need opportunities to climb trees, run as fast as they can, use their imagination, test their strength, roll, climb, balance and even spin in circles. All of these activities use their brain, activate their muscles both big and small and engage the senses. This lays the foundation for being able to pay attention, listen and learn in a classroom setting.

Studies indicate that when children switch from spending hours primarily indoors and sitting at a desk to one where the child is free to move and play throughout the day, the results can be far-reaching. Problems of poor attention all but disappear and children become attentive and active learners. Time spent playing outdoors fosters a joy of learning and confidence in one’s abilities — two critical elements in the classroom and in life. All it takes is some time and a place to play outside.

As a society we’re making great strides toward obesity prevention. While we are working to keep our children at healthy weights, we must also strive to ensure healthy behaviours, attitudes, sensory function, strength and coordination. This is true health, and to get it, our children should be introduced to a lot more outdoor playtime with their peers.

ENROLMENTS FOR 2020 are now being encouraged. We have two 'Information Sessions' arranged in the next few weeks for parents of students entering Kindergarten and Year 7. Please see separate article in this newsletter. 

HEALTHY CANTEEN NETWORK MEETING: We are looking for parents or carers who may have a healthy food passion to come along and inspire a great, healthy menu for our students. The meeting will be held in conjunction with Murrumbidgee Local Health and will take place in the School Hall from 10am to 1pm on 4th June. Lunch will be provided. Please RSVP to the school if you are attending. 

Also congratulations and welcome to Kellie Deudney who joins the Mcauley staff as canteen manager.

Year 6 students, preparing for the upcoming Sacrament of Confirmation, will present our Parish Mass at 6pm this Saturday. I hope many families are able to come along and support the students. 

Kind regards to everyone. 

- Rod Little.