Hi everyone, it's Thomas and Lola, your school vice captains for 2026.

This week's school value is Empathy! It has been discussed in every circle time and how important this values is. So don’t forget to be empathetic. The teachers will be looking out for you. Have you been getting a token?

This week on Friday we have our 3 to 6 cross country at Roy Dore Reserve and our prep to 2 at the school and we know that all the houses will give it their all! Don’t forget to wear your house colours!

Also on Friday it’s sushi day! The next sushi day is on Friday the 12th of June! 

On the 2nd of May, this Saturdat we have a BBQ Fundraiser at the Chelsea butcher so go down and get a sausage, especially after team sports.

Next Monday we have the prep mums afternoon where they will be decorating cupcakes, how special! (May the 4th be with you)

On May 6th we will be having our mothers day stall too, we love choosing the gifts, don't forget to buy a ticket.

Next Thursday is the morning coffee-van as well as the Big Green Schools Conference.

SO MUCH happening at our great school.

Mandarin @ Carrum Primary School – Term 2 Snapshot

We’ve had a joyful and engaging start to Term 2 in Mandarin, with students across the school reconnecting with the language through songs, stories, movement and collaboration.

Prep

Our Prep students have been revisiting Chinese numbers from 1–10 through pronunciation practice, recognising characters, and using hand gestures to support their counting. They have especially enjoyed learning the song “Shǔ yī shǔ” (“Let’s Count”), singing, counting, and moving along to the actions with lots of enthusiasm.

This term, they will begin exploring simple Mandarin greetings, such as saying hello and goodbye, and introducing their names. Through role-play and fun language games, students will build confidence using these everyday phrases in an engaging and supportive way.

Year 1 & 2

At the end of Term 1, Year 1 and 2 students explored the traditions of Lunar New Year, with a special focus on the legend of Nián. They were intrigued by how people used loud noise, colour red and fire to scare the monster away. A highlight for many was trying on lion dance costumes and practising a few simple movements!

As students settle back into learning this term, we have been focusing on building connection and confidence. We revisited counting and recognising numbers, with students reordering numbers from 1–10 to complete a Great Wall of China puzzle, bringing a fun and hands-on element to their learning.

Year 3 & 4

Our Year 3 and 4 students were excited to receive greeting cards from Seaford North Primary School at the end of last term. They took great interest in reading the lucky phrases and kind messages written in Chinese. This exchange gave students a genuine reason to engage with the language, while also encouraging them to reflect on appreciation and connection with others.

 As students settle into Term 2, games like “shítou, jiǎndāo, bù” (rock, paper, scissors) and creating “human dragons” have filled our classroom with energy and laughter, bringing a sense of playfulness and teamwork.

Year 5 & 6

Year 5 and 6 students wrapped up last term with a collaborative inquiry project on Chinese New Year. Working in teams, they researched and designed informative posters, carefully considering both content and presentation. It has been fantastic to see their teamwork, creativity and pride in sharing their learning with others.

Mandarin snapshot

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I love coming to Carrum Primary School everyday to support our teachers and see our beautiful kids, families, and carers.

I live locally and have a very patient husband, two teenagers and a pug, Nigel. He brings so much laughter and joy to our house

My favourite place is home, I enjoy pottering around the house, cooking yummy dinners and being with my family.

You will most likely find me in the prep/junior area!

      

               


Kate Jones


                   

Kristi Sarau

Hello my name is Kristi Sarau I have been at Carrum Primary School now for 1 year working as ES. I live in Frankston with my partner Paul and daughter Eden. I have two dogs and 1 cat and an axolotl. I love Aussie rules footy I barrack for StKilda. I also love watching my daughter play her sports. I enjoy going for bike rides. My favorite colour is blue. Favorite takeaway food is Pizza. 

                        


Claudia Caceres

Each Autumn, Kingston offer a free indigenous plant giveaway, allowing residents to collect up to five free tube stock native plants per household.

Giveaway events:

• Friday 8 May, 9am - 12pm, Carrum Indigenous Nursery, Patterson Lakes
• Tuesday 12 May, 9am - 12pm, Carrum Indigenous Nursery, Patterson Lakes
• Saturday 16 May, 9am - 12pm, Kingston Heath Reserve, Cheltenham

https://www.kingston.vic.gov.au/community/events/upcoming-events/native-plant-giveaway

Anxiety in children

The following facts are sourced from
the Royal Children's Hospital.

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is our body’s reaction to threat or danger. It causes worry or fear and may trigger physical changes such as a fast heart rate, increased blood pressure and sweating. Anxiety is a normal and healthy reaction to stress.

Some people have intense or repeated fears, worries and anxious feelings that can last for weeks or more. These strong emotions can affect how children experience daily activities such as going to school, seeing friends or practicing hobbies. If your child has severe or long-lasting anxiety, they may have an anxiety disorder.

What causes anxiety in children?

Many things can cause children to have feelings of anxiety. If your child gets anxious occasionally, this does not necessarily mean they have an anxiety disorder.

Some reasons children may feel anxious include:

• stressful events such as death or illness in the family
• news about big topics like natural disasters or climate change
• major life changes such as starting at a different school or parents separating
• events at school, such as tests or bullying
• becoming sick or getting injured.

It is not always clear why children develop strong feelings of anxiety. Sometimes, severe anxiety can develop without being triggered by a particular event.

Parents who experience anxiety themselves may be more likely to have children with anxiety. If you struggle with anxiety, it is important to get help to support your own mental health and wellbeing.

How to help your child with anxiety at home

If your child is showing ongoing signs of anxiety, there are many great ways to support them at home:

• Talk with your child about their feelings and encourage them to let you know when they feel overwhelmed. Explaining that everyone feels worried or scared sometimes may help.
• Support your child in slowly doing the things that make them feel anxious. For example, if they get stressed in crowded shopping centres, start with short trips to the local shops and build up to visiting a shopping centre at a quiet time of day.
• Create a plan to help your child manage their anxiety, such as breathing techniques or reassuring phrases.
• Praise your child when they do things they prefer to avoid.
• Set aside time for fun activities to take the focus off negative feelings.
• Encourage a healthy routine with plenty of sleep, regular outdoor exercise, nutritious meals and minimal screen time.
• Try not to allow your child to avoid things that make them anxious. Avoidance can quickly become a pattern that is hard to break.

When to seek professional help

Some children with ongoing anxiety may need professional help to manage their symptoms.

It is best to get help if your child:

• seems excessively worried or anxious
• feels anxious most of the time
• stops taking part in typical daily activities, such as socialising, playing, eating or sleeping well because of their anxiety.

Start by speaking with your child’s doctor or another trusted healthcare provider. They can provide strategies or refer your child to another health professional, such as a psychologist, for diagnosis and treatment.

Back-to-school anxiety

Going to school is a fantastic way for your child to learn and develop life skills. However, it can also be a stressful place for some kids.

Starting, changing, and returning to school are major events for children. It is normal for your child to be nervous about these transition periods – even if they do not usually feel anxious. Planning can help manage any worried feelings they may have.

• Read further on the website link about returning to school or common questions.
  
  
  https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/anxiety_in_children/
  
  A video from Dr Grace McMahon
  
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z90jpqf7dAA
  
  
  SMILING MIND

Smiling Mind is the innovator behind Australia's trusted wellbeing app—but when it comes to supporting children and families, the app is just the tip of the iceburg. With a vision to create generational change in mental health, Smiling Mind puts kids—and the adults who support them—at the centre of everything we do. From tools and resources to advocacy, Smiling Mind is here for you


https://www.smilingmind.com.au/how-we-support





THE BRAVE PROGRAM

A free online program for students and parents of students with anxiety. Designed by the Uni of QLD and recommended by DET student support services.

https://brave4you.psy.uq.edu.au/about

Raising Children Network

One of the best apps to download as a parent or educator. You can type in any subject eg 'night terrors' and there will 6 or more articles to help for many stages of child development. 

https://raisingchildren.net.au/guides/raising-healthy-minds-child-mental-health

    



Piano Dynamics – Patterson Lakes 

Don’t miss this opportunity!!!   Start your children’s musical education today.

What better way than to improve self-esteem and showcase your child’s development than through music.  For younger children, playing the piano helps develop listening skills as well as coordination. Piano also improves cognitive and intellectual abilities such as memory, reading and maths skills.  I  am offering an introductory half price lesson to all new students who wish to develop their musical skills.  Certified  exams also offered.   I am a fully qualified teacher who has extensive experience in teaching all ages and levels.
Ring me now to organise your  introductory half price lesson.

Carolyn Rossis                                                                                                                                                          
Dip of Ed and Grad Dip of Music Toorak                                                                                                                           
Current children’s check and accrediated member of VMTA                  www.pianodynmics.com.au    [email protected]                                                                         (m) 0409 131 961

Students of all ages are tutored in private one-to-one lessons. Children are taught in a positive and nurturing environment. The tuition sessions are designed according to the student’s individual needs, which are regularly evaluated and form part of ongoing assessment. I tailor to the needs of each student, which is delivered in a positive learning environment designed to foster self-esteem and motivate students to achieve their full potential.  Students with special needs are also catered for.

The core work covers the following:

READING: To develop Comprehension, Accuracy, Fluency and Expanded Vocabulary.

WRITING: Examines the different genres and includes writing organisations for each genre, essay writing, spelling, punctuation, grammar and editing skills.

MATHEMATICS: Covers Numeracy & Algebra, Measurement & Geometry and Statistics & Probability

EXAM PREPARATIONS: These helps identify the student’s progress and help develop skills for NAPLAN, ICAS, scholarship and entrance exams

Carolyn Susan Rossis

Diploma of Education and Graduate Diploma of Music

Email:  [email protected]

Current children’s check and fully COVID vaccinated

(M) 0409 131 961

Local Community Events, things to try and Sports Clubs