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Email:Email: kkpc@aia.vic.edu.auPhone:Phone: 03 9354 0833

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23 June 201723 June 2017

Message from Ms Leyla Mohamoud

Talking To Children AboutTerrorism

BY MICHAEL GROSE

The recent terrorist attacks in Londonfollowing on from the recent events inManchester, where children and youngpeople were among the victims, has spread

shockwaves across the globe. With media coverage reachingsaturation levels it’s difficult to shield children from these events.The task for parents is to reassure children, while to trying toexplain events that for most of us are inexplicable.

While most parents quite naturally don’t want to discussterrorism with children, it’s not a topic that you should avoid,particularly if your children ask pertinent questions.

Here are some ideas that will help:

1. Discuss age-appropriatelyThe Australian Psychological Society recommends,“It’s best to shield pre-schoolers completely fromfrightening or traumatic world events.” This meansprotecting young children from media coverage andbeing mindful of adult conversations around youngchildren. However even young children overhearconversations and know is happening, so beprepared to discuss events in ways that theyunderstand.Primary school-aged children have more exposurethrough the media and the schoolyard. Howeverchildren can easily misinterpret events so beprepared to clarify misconceptions and open the wayfor conversations.Older children are usually very aware of mediacoverage, and have an understanding of theramifications both personally and politically. Openingthe way for more in-depth conversations as well as

processing any feelings that arise is important for thisage group.

2. Manage yourself firstChildren of all ages take their cues about unusualevents from their parents. Events such as terrorismmay leave you feeling unsettled and outraged but youneed to think carefully about the emotions youcommunicate to children. First and foremost theyneed to feel safe, so it’s best to keep extremeemotions in check in front of children. Share how youfeel with your children but make sure you are incontrol of your emotions. Air strong feelings of angeror disgust with trusted adults if you need to vent orexplore your own reactions.

3. Find out what they knowChildren often confuse time and place so they caneasily think that an event that occurred on the otherside world will directly impact on them. Youngchildren, in particular, usually personalise situations.They may, for example, think that an older relative isin danger because he or she is a regularconcert-goer.

4. Keep conversations simpleLet children steer the conversation with theirquestions and worries. Answer children’s questionsmatter-of-factly and simply, while bringing issuesdown to their level if necessary by talking about whypeople get into fights, and pinpointing appropriateand inappropriate reactions. With older children andteens you may be to hold discussions around politicsand religion but do so without stereotyping, orproviding narrow analyses of events.

5. Listen to their worriesEncourage your children to talk about their feelingsas well as their thoughts about the events. Ifpossible, help them give their feelings a name. Assistthem to understand that it’s normal to feel scared,sad and angry when events like these occur. Somechildren may want to spend more time around you,

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Conversations about disastrous events such as terrorismprovide opportunities for parents to help children managedifficult emotions; and help them make sense of complexevents while broadening their understanding of the world.

AFFIRMATION OF DEMOCRATICPRINCIPLES and PRACTICES

The Australian International Academyof Education declares and affirms thatschool programmes and leadingpractices embrace the followingimportant principles:

1. The promotion of peace, harmonyand understanding throughintercultural interactions.

2. All Australians have equal rights before the law.We reject any form(s) of discrimination based onrace, religion or gender.

3. The rule of law and respect for the rights ofothers.

4. The values of fairness, openness, sharing andgiving a hand, looking after neighbours, tolerance,understanding and acceptance.

5. People are free to choose and practice theirreligions. But we reject those who preach violenceand hatred in the name of any religion.

6. The right of individuals to enjoy freedom ofspeech, expression and association. But we rejectverbal and written abuses and transgressionsagainst others under the cover of freedom ofspeech and expression.

7. The Australian system of democratically electedgovernments and councils is the best that servesthe interest of all Australians.

Mr. Salah SalmanAcademy Head

Video RecordingsDear Parents,

Please refrain from video recording your child at any schoolconcerts/performances or assemblies as your recordings maycapture other children who are not happy to be in yourrecording. The school will take no responsibility for anyunauthorised recordings.

Parents and Staff CarparkDear Parents,

Please use the parent’s car park to drop off your children andonly in designated car parking areas for the drop off and pick upof your children. As well as it being illegal and may incur a fineit is also unsafe for all drivers and pedestrians trying to accessthe school.

Also, the carpark on Rogers St will is now closed from 8.25am- 9.00am and 2.30 – 4.00pm. Under no circumstances shouldparents be parking in the staff carpark. Please do not park inthe staff car park as if you are parked in there and wish toleave once it is locked you will need to wait until we re-openthe carpark at the designated times. It is a safety issue for thechildren and we appreciate your co-operation in this matter.

Picking Up Your ChildDear Parents,

If you would like to pick up your child early please do so before3pm as any pickups after 3pm is discouraged as this maydisrupt your child’s classroom and learning. Please keep thisin mind when organising your child’s appointments with thedoctor, dentist etc.

which is a natural reaction to distressing events occurthat are outside their control.

6. Monitor media exposureLimit children’s exposure to television as constantviewing of images of tragedy and terror can reinforcethat the world is a dangerous place. Be mindful thatconstant repetition can de-sensitise some childrenimpacting on their ability to feel empathy. If news isbeing seen, join children and young people to watchthose media stories of terrorism so you can provideadult perspective and clarity to what they are seeing.

7. Help kids feel empoweredKeep reminding children and young people that theirworld is basically a safe place. Focus on simple waysthat young children stay safe such as wearing aseatbelt, using a helmet while riding a bike andstrapping on safety gear when they skateboard.Older children may want to fundraise for a charityorganisation so they learn that they can make apositive difference. You may also hold discussionswith teenagers about current safety measures suchas airport security and possible increases in securityat future entertainment and sporting events.

8. Remind kids that people are goodPerhaps the most insidious aspect about terrorismfor those that are not directly affected by it is that itcan lead to mistrust of others and a cynicism towarddifferent religious or political groups. It’s easy to losesight of the basic goodness in all of us. It maybeuseful then to highlight stories of heroism andgoodness that come out of terrorism attacks. Withyoung children, make a list of all the people such asmedics, police and fire personnel that keep us safe.With older children share stories of heroism,community and the help that always comes afterdistressing events.

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Due to parents being unable to enter classrooms duringteaching time the office staff will kindly arrange for your child tobe released from class.

Primary School Attendance and LatenessDear Parents,

EVERY DAY COUNTS

Going to school every day is the single mostimportant part of a child’s education.Students learn new things at school everyday. Missing school puts them behind.

Why it’s important

We all want our students to get a great education, and thebuilding blocks for a great education begin with studentscoming to school each and every day. Students develop goodhabits by going to school every day – habits that are necessaryto succeed after school, whether in the workplace or in furtherstudy. Missing school can have a big impact on studentsacademically and socially. It can affect their test results andjust as importantly, it can affect their relationships with otherstudents, and lead to social isolation. There is no safe numberof days for missing school – each day a student misses putsthem behind, and can affect their educational outcomes. Eachmissed day is associated with progressively lower achievementin numeracy, writing and reading.

Getting in early

It’s never too late to improve attendance – going to schoolmore often can lead to better outcomes. Even at Year 9, whenattendance rates are lowest, going to school more often canmake a big difference. Every day counts. Schools are there tohelp – if you’re having attendance issues with your child, speakto us at school about ways to address those issues.

What we can do

The main reasons for absence are: Sickness – There are alwaystimes when students need to miss school, such as whenthey’re ill. It’s vital that they’re only away on the days they aregenuinely sick, and setting good sleep patterns, eating well andexercising regularly can make a big difference. “Day off” – Thinktwice before letting your child have a “day off” as they could fallbehind their classmates – every day counts. Truancy – Whenstudents choose not to go to school without their parent’spermission. There can be many reasons for truancy, the bestway to address this is for schools and parents to work together.While all absences are bad for academic performance,unexcused absences are a much stronger indicator of lowerreading and Maths achievement. If for any reason your childmust miss school, there are things you can do with your schoolto ensure they don’t fall behind:

Remember, every day counts. If your child must miss school,speak with your classroom teacher as early as possible. Openlycommunicating with your child's school about all absences isa good way to prevent attendance issues being escalated toa School Attendance Officer. A School Attendance Officer isa Department of Education and Early Childhood DevelopmentRegional Director who has authority to follow up attendanceissues. Attendance issues that are escalated can lead to anInfringement Notice. If you’re having attendance issues withyour child, please let your principal or other relevant staffmember know so you can work together to get your child toschool every day.

First Aid News

Reminders for the Winter Season

STAY WARM AND HEALTHY!

Maria Orogo,School Nurse

Sports UniformPlease ensure that your child is in full sports uniform includingappropriate runners on days where they have PE or any othersporting activities. If your child is not wearing full sports uniformthey will not be allowed to participate in any of the activities forthat day.

• Speak with your classroom teacher and find out whatwork your child needs to do to keep up.

• Develop an absence learning plan with your teacherand ensure your child completes the plan.

• Please Keep your child warm duringWinterIt is advisable that your child wearappropriate clothing to make themwarm this winter sseason i.e thickerjacket, beanies.

• Keep Hydrated! Drink plenty of fluidsDrinking a lot of water will flush out the toxins fromyour body.

• Pack nutritious food in your child’s lunchbox.Include different types of fruits, vegetables andwholemeal products that are packed with vitaminsand other nutrients such as mandarins, carrots,strawberries etc. These foods boost the immunesystem that fights against illness.

• Asthma AwareIf your child has asthma, please makesure that you try to lessen other thingsthat may trigger their asthma attacks.- No strong perfumes, strong scentsmay trigger Asthma attack.- Wear a scarf or something that will cover theirmouth and nose to warm up the air that they areinhaling.

• Do handwashing regularly.

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Uniform ReminderAustralian International Academy students are expected to bein uniform every day, both at school and when travelling to andfrom school. This includes wearing our compulsory blazer aswell as conforming to the dress code for other items. All hairmust be neat and tidy when students return to school in Term3 and must abide by our school policy.

AIA Uniform Shop Trading Hours

Wednesdays 9.30am – 11.30am

Fridays 2.00pm – 4.00pm

First Saturday of every month 12.00pm – 2.00pm

The uniform shop will be closed during the school holidaysand re-open on Saturday 15 July 2017 between 12.00pm to2.00pm.

Halal Food BankOur recent campaign for the Halal Food Bank was a verysuccessful one. Many parents adopted the giving andcharitable spirit of Ramadan and donated essential food itemsto those less fortunate.

Our school was featured in the local Leader newspaper and thechildren were quite excited to participate in such an event.

We’d like to thank all the parents for their immense generosity!!

Before and After School SupervisionParents please be aware that for the safety and wellbeing ofyour child the school grounds will be supervised from 8.00am.If you choose to bring your child earlier please be aware thatthere will be no supervision until 8.00am.

After school all children will only be supervised until 4.00pmwithin the quadrangle. Any children not collected by 4pm willbe taken to after school care where they will be supervised until5.30pm. If you know you are going to be late you can call theschool office during the day to let us know you would like yourchild to go to after school care.

School Crossing

Parents please ensure that you and your children use theschool crossing at all times when coming into and leaving theschool grounds. Talk to your children about the importance ofusing the school crossing and the correct and safe way to crossthe road in order to prevent any accidents.

Toys at SchoolDue to safety issues the following toys are not to be brought toschool:

Balls (soccer balls, basketballs), Bey Blades, Fidget Spinners,Toy Guns and Toy Bombs. If any of these toys are seen theywill be confiscated until the end of the day.

Primary School Nursing Program – PrepStudents

Recently a health questionnaire was recently sent out toparents of Prep students. This program allows the opportunityfor your child to have a health assessment by the Visitingprimary School Nurse.

If you would like the nurse to assess your child’s health needsplease ensure you bring back the signed questionnaire toschool as soon as possible.

If you have misplaced your copy a replacement can be pickedup from the office.

Thank you

Semester One Student ReportsYour child’s semester reports will be available in the CompassParent Portal Reports Tab from Friday 23 June. There is alsoa 2017 Parent Reporting Guide in the Reports Tab to helpparents understand the semester report. We are pleased toreport that student reports were reviewed this term to includetwo new features which will make it easier for parents andstudents to read the report. Your child’s semester report willhave commendations (these will indicate excellent progressand/or achievements) and recommendations (these will indicatethe areas that require student improvement). As you read

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through your child’s report, with your child, progress andimprovement should be the focus. Excellent achievementsshould be celebrated and any disappointments should bereflected upon with a clear set of goals to target improvementfor semester two. Parents are reminded that student reports willnot be available in print form from 2018 onwards. All reports willbe available on the Compass Parent Portal.

Eid Mubarak!The staff at AIA would like to take this opportunity to wish all theparents and students Eid Mubarak! We hope that the comingEid is filled with much happiness and joy for you and yourfamilies.

Another school term has come and gone, we wish everyonea safe and restful school holiday period. See you all back onMonday 17th July.

Important Dates to Remember

23rd June Last day of Term 2 for students (2pmDismissal)

23rd June Report Distribution at MSC (2.00pm– 4.00pm)

26th June – 14thJuly

Term 2 Holiday Period.

17th July Term 3 starts.

27th July Nasheed Performance

1st August ICAS English Competition

7th August Curriculum Day

15th August ICAS Maths Competition

17th – 21st August Quran Scholarship Exams (TBC)

30th August Character parade

31 August/1stSeptember

Eid –Ul Adha (TBC)

21st September Last Day of Term 3 for KKCC

22nd September Student Led Conference (no schoolfor students)

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