Geoff Habel
Deputy Principal

Years 5 and 6 Deputy Principal’s Report

Welcome from the Years 5&6 Deputy Principal

A very warm welcome to our 2025 prep students, to all of our new families and to returning families. We are already into Week 3 and we continue to note perfect uniform standards, excellent attitudes and an eagerness to quickly settle into a learning routine. It has been another great start to the year and a real pleasure walking around and talking to the students about their holiday adventures. It has also been a very settled start to the year and I am so proud of our teachers and the work they have put in prior to students starting school. This preparation goes such a long way in ensuring the best possible start for each and every student.

Year 6 Student Council

Congratulations to our year 6 Student Councillors. These students will meet weekly to organise fundraising and events, lead assemblies, support younger students, develop lunchtime clubs and to make improvements to our school. The students are busy preparing to support our new Wal’s Rangers Program that will begin in week 5.

2025 Leadership Investiture Year 6

To acknowledge the important leadership role the Year 6 students take on in our school, we will conduct our annual Year 6 Student Leaders’ Investiture Ceremony on Friday 21 February 2025 from 9.15am in the School Hall. 

During this ceremony, our elected School Leaders (School Captains, Captains, Student Council, & Sports Captains) will receive their leadership badges.

We invite you to join us to celebrate this special event for our school and our 2025 School Leaders.

GRIP Leadership Conference for Student Council Members and Sports Captains

To prepare students for their leadership role ahead we would like all Student Councillors and Sports Captains to attend the GRIP Leadership Conference.

All elected Student Councillors have been invited to attend a full day Leadership Conference. This conference will be held at Venue 114 (previously named Lake Kawana Community Centre) on Tuesday 25 February, 2025.

This conference will prepare our student leaders for their role ahead.

Does your child have a current health plan?

Students with health support needs should have a current health plan to enable their school to help them safely participate in all aspects of school life, including camps and excursions. Health plans should be reviewed annually. Speak to your School Principal, Deputy Principal or a staff member from the ihub about health plans, including equipment, medication or consumables required to manage your child’s health conditions while at school. Principals will ensure school staff receive training to best support your child. Learn more about support for student health needs in schools.

Emergency Evacuation Drill.

The safety of your child and all children in our school, as well as the safety of the school staff and support personnel is very important to us. In order to maintain a safe environment for our children to study and learn, it is necessary that we practice our emergency plans by having drills designed to exercise our procedures. Each term we practice these drills (evacuations and/or lockdowns) so that we have procedures in place to respond quickly and carefully to a variety of situations. Class teachers discuss with their classes the types of emergency drills and talk about what they will do as a class. The drills also include all staff and any visitors on site at the time of the drill.

Our evacuation drill will be held at the end of week 3 or early in week 4 (Weather permitting).  After we practice each drill, feedback is collected from staff to identify any issues with the procedure and improvements are made.

Keeping in touch with your child's teacher

The most positive outcomes are achieved through regular communication with your child’s class teacher. We encourage you to maintain contact with the teacher to stay informed about the curriculum, monitor your child’s progress, and explore ways to support their continued improvement.

Consider scheduling a time to meet after school or before the school day begins to discuss your child’s development.

Student Wellbeing

At Baringa SPS we believe that a well-rounded approach to wellbeing is essential for both students and staff. Supporting mental, physical, and emotional health helps everyone thrive, so here are some practical tips to help nurture wellbeing within our school community.

1. Mindfulness Practices for Students
   Mindfulness can be a great tool for helping students manage stress and stay focused. Encourage your child to try simple practices such as deep breathing, keeping a gratitude journal, or taking short breaks for quiet reflection. These practices can boost concentration and help students remain calm during busy school days.
2. Building Positive Relationships
   Developing strong, supportive relationships is key to emotional wellbeing. At school, we encourage kindness, empathy, and open communication. You can help at home by reinforcing these values and discussing the importance of positive friendships and effective communication skills.
3. Mental Health Resources
   We understand that mental health is just as important as physical health. If your child or family ever needs support, there are a range of resources available. Please reach out to the school, to trusted helplines or online support systems. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions or need further guidance.
4. Healthy Eating Tips
   What we eat has a direct impact on our mood and concentration. Encourage your child to bring healthy snacks to school, like fresh fruit, nuts, or whole grains, which provide energy and improve focus. A balanced diet is a foundation for good physical and mental health, both at school and at home.
5. Physical Activity and Wellbeing
   Regular physical activity is not only good for the body but also for the mind. It helps to boost mood, reduce stress, and improve sleep. We encourage students to take part in school sports or get active outside by walking, biking, or playing games. Exercise is a fun way to build resilience and confidence.
6. The Importance of Sleep
   Quality sleep is essential for growing bodies and minds. We recommend a regular bedtime routine for your child and limiting screen time before bed. A restful night helps improve mood, concentration, and overall health, making it an important part of their daily routine.
7. Building Resilience in Children
   Life presents challenges, but developing resilience helps children bounce back from setbacks. Encourage your child to set small goals, embrace positive self-talk, and learn from difficulties. These practices will help them build the confidence to overcome obstacles and thrive in both their studies and personal growth.
8. Celebrating Student Achievements
   At Baringa SPS, we love to celebrate our students’ successes! Whether it’s a great report, improved behaviour, or overcoming a personal challenge, every achievement matters. Recognising these efforts fosters a sense of pride and belonging, contributing to a positive and supportive school culture.
9. Family Wellbeing Tips
   As families, we play a key role in supporting each other’s wellbeing. Try to spend quality time together, maintain open lines of communication, and ensure your child has a balanced routine with time for schoolwork, play, and relaxation. Fostering a supportive home environment can greatly contribute to your child’s overall happiness and success.

Supporting Staff Wellbeing
The wellbeing of our staff is also a priority at Baringa SPS. We regularly offer wellness initiatives, team-building activities, and opportunities for self-care. Our dedicated teachers and staff work hard to create a positive learning environment for students, and we ensure they are supported in maintaining their own wellbeing.