Term 1 Newsletter 2011
Term 4 2010
TIPS FOR MANAGING SCHOOL HOLIDAY STRESS
At the end of any school term, children are tired and often emotional. Combine this with warm weather, restless nights, changing schools and add in Christmas and what should be an enjoyable break can become quite stressful for everyone. Between organising vacation care, or holiday activities, worrying about stretching finances to cover the extra costs incurred over the holiday break and listening to kids complaining about how bored they are; the school holidays can become a time parents’ dread. A few little tricks can see you actually looking forward to the holiday break.
After you decide what it is you want to do over the holidays, sit down and have a chat with the children. Let them know what you have planned and ask them what they think about it. This will make them feel like their opinion is valued and they are not just being told what they have to do, they are actually having a say in it. It will also prevent any instances of “I don’t want to do that,” as you’re walking out the door. The children know what is on the agenda and can’t act up at the last second with the excuse that you didn’t tell them what is happening. While there are times this is not necessary as children also need to follow directions from parents, just having a little chat ahead of time can really save you, and them, a lot of unnecessary stress.
It is also important thing to remember to look after you. We all know that if you’re not feeling your best, you’ll have nothing left to give. The more stressed you become, the less patience you’ll have with the family. The less patience you have, the more the children’s normal everyday antics will get on your nerves and the more stressed you will become. When you feel that you are worn out, impatient or stressed, take some time out for yourself to unwind and recharge the batteries and you’ll be back to your “giving all of your time/energy with a smile on your face,” self in no time at all!
By taking time for yourself you are helping the children to develop independence in entertaining and occupying themselves, so it is a win for everyone!
We would like to wish all students and their families a safe and happy holiday.
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Lyn and Mick Jokic
2011 SESSION FEES
Session fees for 2011 will be $50.00 (including GST). Payments for a ten week block, which attracts a 5% discount, will be $475.00. For students who still have a credit, this increase will only take effect when the next payment is due.
2011 TERM DATES
Our holiday lessons will be held on Wednesday January 19th, Thursday January 20th and Friday January 21st. If you have not booked your child in and wish to participate please contact us at anytime on 3848 4461.
Regular lessons will commence on Tuesday January 25th and continue until April 14th. There will be no lesson on Wednesday January 26th due to the Public Holiday.
2011 SESSION TIMES
Due to increasing enrolments we will need to expand the number of sessions we conduct and therefore there will be a slight change to times. We have discussed this with a number of parents and find most students are able to commence lessons a little earlier than 4:00.
Session times for 2011 will be as follows:
Tuesday 3:45 – 5:05 5:15 – 6:35
Wednesday 3:45 – 5:05 5:15 – 6:35
Thursday 3:45 - 5:05
Students currently enrolled will keep the same day with the earlier start unless parents request otherwise. Please do not hesitate to request a change as we are aware that students other commitments can alter.
TERM 4 AWARD WINNERS
Congratulations to all students for their progress over the term. Particular congratulations to:
Kimberly L successfully completing a level in maths
Daniel T successfully completing a level in maths
Matt B successfully completing a level in maths
Gus T successfully completing a level in spelling and improvement in reading
Allyson S successfully completing a level in spelling and improvement in reading
Angela S successfully completing a level in spelling
Jack M improvement in problem solving
TERM 3
September 2010
Welcome to our first Newsletter
As Term 3 closes we would like to take this opportunity to thank you for choosing to send your child to Kip McGrath Education Centre Moorooka and trust that it is a positive experience.
Mick and I have found the last six weeks teaching very rewarding. It has allowed us to meet the individual needs of students and build on the work done in schools. It gives us great satisfaction to watch children who are so pleased with their results and striving to improve!
As professionals, we take great pride in our work with children and are constantly seeking ways to improve our service. We therefore value your constructive feedback. Please complete and return the form below to assist us in providing a high quality service that meets the needs of students and works for busy families.
Choosing the Right High School for Your Child
As a number of our students are in the upper primary years, we are frequently asked about choosing high schools and therefore we have listed below, some things to consider when making this important decision.
1. Determine the type of school, state or private, and whether there is a catchment area or specific requirements for entry such as sporting or academic excellence.
2. Visit the high schools you are interested in. Make an appointment to speak with the Principal, Deputy Principal or teachers as this is the best source of information regarding the benefits the school has to offer and any problems your child might encounter.
3. All schools have websites, so spend some time becoming familiar with them. What does the school offer in terms of curriculum and other activities? Assess if the things the high schools have to offer match your child’s needs and interests as different schools suit different children.
4. Test scores are not the only indicator of a successful school. However, it is important to look at the test scores. Are students making progress? What is the school doing to improve in their areas of weakness?
Student Awards
It’s great to see all the students working hard to improve their results. As parents and as teachers at Kip McGrath, we need to give the children every chance possible to experience success. Every time a child achieves something they hoped to, they strengthen their belief in their abilities and will keep on trying and will keep on experiencing more success.
Congratulations to the following students for their efforts over the past five weeks:
Robert L – learning all the words in his Early Reading Books
Gus T – increasing speed and accuracy on computer spelling
Daniel T – improvement in fractions
William L – improvement in Early Reading Comprehension
Parent comments
“With every other tutor he has always complained of having to go but he has never complained about coming here.” Mother of Year 7 student.
Make Up Lessons/Fee Policy
Please remember that fees are payable whether your child attends or not.
We do this on the understanding that until you advise us you are stopping, you have a permanent booking. We will continue to do our best to give “catch ups” provided you give us 24 hours notice of any absence. The more notice you give to us, the better chance we have of placing your child in a “catch up” which is convenient to you. Naturally, the exception to the 24 hour rule will be sudden and unexpected illness. Catch up lessons must be taken within 10 teaching weeks of the missed lesson and may not be added to the end of a payment block.
In case of absence please contact us on 3848 4461 or email Moorooka@kipmcgrath.com.au
TERM FOUR DATES
October 4 to December 2
We would like to wish all students and their families an enjoyable and safe holiday. Looking forward to working with you in Term 4.
Lyn & Mick Jokic
Please return this slip
Things we do well at Moorooka KMEC:
Things we can improve:
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