Term 1 Number 73 February 2015 Surviving the Ball Season
SDERA News In this issue
P3 Cricket legend inspires students P6 New online resources for pre-drivers P15 Resilience helps school transition P4 Great advice on holding a school ball
www.sdera.wa.edu.au 01 SDERA News February 2015 Editorial Supporting Transition
orientation programs for the new As usual there is no silver bullet to student cohort, and communicated meet the needs of all adolescents reassuringly with parents who would but helping young people develop have some anxiety about their children resilience skills is a start. Professor moving into high schools. Lynne Cohen, Pro Vice Chancellor Edith Cowan University states; The extensive preparation for Year 7 transition into secondary school is “If we encourage young people to clearly warranted as it has potential to develop skills in managing emotions, cause some young people significant dealing with failure and goal setting, stress. While they are coping with they are more likely to persist when rapid developmental changes, they confronted with challenges and also face a more expansive physical eventually succeed.” 2015 is a landmark year for most of environment; more teachers, defined the State’s public schools as they subjects, and different academic and SDERA can assist schools with their accept the first intake of Year 7 social expectations. Most young people work in the resilience area by offering students. In preparation, schools with the right support will cope with the high quality professional learning for will have identified potential issues change, but for some the transition will staff throughout the year. related to their academic and pastoral expose vulnerabilities, impact on their care programs, accommodation, coping mechanisms and ultimately on Bruno Faletti professional learning for staff, their behaviour. Manager SDERA
Education Helps Improve Driver Safety
Anyone who follows the political debate about the best way to lower the road toll in WA will note that there are many viewpoints as to how best to spend the road safety dollar. While there is no single solution, a comment piece by journalist Liam Barlett published in the Sunday Times recently made a salient point about the power of preventative education programs like “Keys for Life.” The article argues that the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) in Victoria acts as a great example of an organisation that has managed to significantly reduce the road toll by consistently educating young drivers.
The article states, “Last year alone, the TAC spent $59.14 effective than ‘shock tactics’ at changing driver behaviour. million on campaigns and marketing along with research Keys for Life is now into its 11th year in Western Australian and analyses of the cause of road trauma. Their campaigns schools and is no doubt making a significant difference to are aimed at changing behaviour and influencing levels of improving driver safety in this State. awareness, especially among younger drivers. They recognise it takes time to achieve this, running campaigns for almost two decades. No mean feat when you consider the extra cars and people on their roads over that time span.
Since 1987, the TAC has helped lower the road toll from 705 to 249 last year. ”
TAC also released a research paper last year, “Effective Community and School Based Road Safety for Young People,” proving that programs like Keys for Life were more
Editor: Pepita Bulloch Phone: 9402 6254 Email: [email protected] ISSN 1448-9244
02 SDERA News February 2015 In the news Resilience Ambassador Inspires Students
For many sports fanatics, cricket legend Brad Hogg is a household name, but the star of the Perth Scorchers and SDERA Ambassador has a great message for those who aren’t into cricket. When speaking to students at Shelley Primary School recently he encouraged students to find something to be passionate about. The school is part of the whole school approach “Changing Health Acting Together” and has been working hard at building student resilience.
Brad spoke of his disappointment at being dropped from the Australian side in the 1990’s and how he fought his way back to wear the baggy green. At age 44 he is still wowing crowds who cheered him on to a win with the Perth Scorchers recently during the Big Bash League. His message of resilience and remaining healthy, positive and enthusiastic is one which resonated with students.
“It doesn’t matter what you want to do in life as long as you have a goal in mind, stick at it and do your best,” he says.
Brad, along with fellow SDERA Ambassadors; child health researcher, Professor Donna Cross; journalist, Gary Adshead and President of the WA Council of State School organisations, Kylie Catto will gather at the Telethon Kids Institute Shelley PS students mimic Brads famous sticking out tongue - which apparently helps his in March to encourage more schools concentration when bowling. to implement resilience education.
South West Schools Celebrate
Schools across the South West were acknowledged for their contribution and commitment to improving health outcomes for their students and wider school community at the Changing Health Acting Together (CHAT) Celebration Awards in October last year.
For the past three years SDERA has Sharing of practice is one of the many supported sixteen schools in the fantastic benefits of being involved Bunbury and Warren Blackwood in CHAT.” Bev was also able to regions to implement sustainable display the new scope and sequence whole school health initiatives that document developed by the school focus on resilience, drug and road to support the SDERA Challenges and safety education. Choices resources. School staff were keen to showcase The Honourable Barry House MLC the fantastic programs they are and newly elected Member for Vasse, implementing. Bev Fortescue from Libby Mettam presented the awards Dardanup Primary School says, “The and congratulated each school on awards were a great opportunity to their commitment to the education see other schools’ ideas and the way of their students and their outstanding Barry House, Sandra Robertson and Ruth Foley they have implemented the program. achievements. from Cape Naturaliste College and Libby Mettam.
February 2015 SDERA News 03 Feature Having a Ball
The ball season is here and it often becomes a time when schools are confronted with some challenging issues relating to young people and alcohol and other drug use. While all schools have policies around student behaviour at the ball itself, many are challenged knowing how to deal with the inevitable fact that some students will choose to drink alcohol at parties before or after the ball. Research indicates that schools play an important role in helping students make safe and healthy choices about legal and illegal drug use outside the school environment.
5 WAYS TO A SUCCESSFUL BALL
1. Educate – Implement drug and alcohol education from 4. Get Excited! – Balls are a celebration and a valuable year 7 to ensure that by the time they reach year 12 students opportunity for social interaction. Communicate the rules, have the skills, knowledge and support to make safe choices but ensure the focus is on the fun factor and that students around alcohol use. who are well behaved are rewarded and congratulated. 2. Communicate – Ensure students understand the 5. Get and give support – Schools that don’t have robust rules and expectations of behaviour at the ball and the policies, procedures, management or education processes consequences of misbehaviour. This is not just a 5 minute should access best practice drug use guidelines and speech at assembly. It should be discussed, written and well education. Schools that already have all of the above need understood by all staff, students and parents. to ensure students know they are supported and have avenues to discuss alcohol and other drug use issues. 3. Involve Parents – They can be a great ally so make sure they understand the school’s expectations of the students. Ask that parents do not supply children under 18 with alcohol to consume at parties before or after the ball.
Planning for Success
Ocean Reef Senior High School has been working with the pressured to supply alcohol because their teenage son or SDERA whole school approach, “Changing Health Acting daughter argues that ‘everyone else is doing it.’ We want Together” to improve student health and safety. They have those parents to be able to reply, ‘No one else is doing it asked parents to sign an agreement that they will not give because we have all agreed not to.” alcohol to their children on the night of the Year 12 ball. The Belinda says many parents feel grateful when the school school believes the agreement will give parents the support supports them in doing the right thing. “It’s about the students to say ‘no’. receiving consistent messages and knowing that all their Deputy Principal, Belinda Hall says, “Many parents feel friends are being told the same thing by their parents too.”
04 SDERA News February 2015 Parents, Young People and Alcohol Campaign No one should supply alcohol to under 18s
A new statewide Alcohol. Think Again campaign do, how they communicate their expectations to their was recently launched with the hope to prevent children and whether they supply alcohol does influence and reduce alcohol-related harms among young their children’s choices. Research shows that parents are one of the key influencers in whether their child drinks alcohol. people, including physical injury, violence, Many young people choose not to drink to avoid losing their academic failure and risky sexual behaviour. parents trust. It is important for parents to know where their The safest choice for under 18s is not to drink at all, child is, who they are with and what they are doing. Research according to National Health and Medical Research Council shows that poorly supervised teenagers are more likely to Alcohol Guidelines. There is also increasing evidence begin drinking at a younger age, tend to drink more and are that drinking alcohol is harmful to the developing brain, more likely to develop harmful drinking patterns. particularly to the area of the brain that is responsible for Many parents believe they should teach their child how to rational thinking. Damage to this part of the brain during drink alcohol responsibly. There is little evidence to support its development can lead to learning difficulties, memory this belief. Alarmingly, research has shown that if parents are problems, and the risk of mental health problems. There may supportive of their child drinking, these young people are be an association with other problems later in life such as likely to drink more frequently. When parents supply alcohol alcohol dependence. to their child, to drink without parental supervision, they Some parents may believe they are no longer able to were four times more likely to drink in a harmful way. influence their child’s behaviour and the choices they make For more information on the Parents, Young People and about using alcohol. The evidence tells us that what parents Alcohol campaign visit alcoholthinkagain.com.au
February 2015 SDERA News 05 SDERA Resources
Take a “SAFIE” Driving is more
Students are being encouraged to ditch the ‘selfie’ for complex than we think a ‘safie’ during the Third UN Global Road Safety Week Driving requires perception, comprehension, prediction, between May 4 - 10. The campaign seeks to highlight decision making and situational awareness, which many the plight of children on the world’s roads; generate experienced drivers may feel is ‘automatic,’ but for action to better ensure their safety; and promote the inclusion of safe and sustainable transport. Details young drivers it can be daunting. about the campaign and all the ways to get involved With road crashes cited as the leading cause of accidental are available at www.savekidslives2015.org death in the country it is crucial to discuss driver distractions when preparing a young person to drive. Keys for Life prepares a student for the challenges ahead and helps them plan how to deal with interruptions to their concentration. Any number of things inside and outside a vehicle can distract a driver such as mobile phones, eating and drinking, adjusting and using controls, passengers, animals and signage. All these distractions increase mental workload. It is estimated that distractions contribute to over a third of road deaths and serious injuries in Western Australia because they cause longer reaction times, reduced awareness, missed traffic lights, reduced field of vision and an inability to stay in the lane or maintain an appropriate speed. Studies show that using a mobile phone while driving increases the risk of crashing by up to four times. The Keys for Life Teacher Resource (3rd edition) includes several activities that encourage students to think about and respond safely to driver distraction situations, as well as develop assertive responses and a positive attitude to responsible driving.
Activity sheet 3.10 Activity sheet 3.10 Foot on the Foot on the brake Student’s name Reaction Reaction distance with brake distance distractions
Test 1 Test 1
1. Tape one end of the elastic to the ‘zero’ end off the ruler. Test 2 Test 2 Average distance Average distance 2. Attach the other end of the elastic to a desk leg or (Test 1 + Test 2) ÷ 2 = (Test 1 + Test 2) ÷ 2 = something heavy and close to the ground.
3. Place the ruler back from the desk and on the ground. Make sure the elastic is Test 1 Test 1 straight and not stretched. Test 2 Test 2 4. Place a marker about 30cm back from the end of the ruler. Average distance Average distance 5. Position a ‘driver’s seat’ to the left of the ruler. (Test 1 + Test 2) ÷ 2 = (Test 1 + Test 2) ÷ 2 =
6. Have one student act as a driver, sitting in the seat with feet fl at in front on the ground. Test 1 Test 1
Test 2 Test 2 7. Another person stands behind the driver and pulls the ruler back until the end of it is level with the 30cm mark. Average distance Average distance (Test 1 + Test 2) ÷ 2 = (Test 1 + Test 2) ÷ 2 = 8. When the ruler is released the driver must move their foot onto the ruler as quickly as possible to stop it moving forward. This action is the same as a driver braking when they see a hazard on the road ahead. Test 1 Test 1
9. The third person stands in front of the driver and measures the distance the ruler Test 2 Test 2 moved before it was stopped by the driver. Record the distance for Test 1. Average distance Average distance 10. Repeat the test once more and record the result. Average the results by adding (Test 1 + Test 2) ÷ 2 = (Test 1 + Test 2) ÷ 2 = the distances for each test then dividing the total by two. This will give you a reliable result.
11. Repeat these steps, this time with Which driver had the fastest braking reaction? a fourth person pretending to be a passenger who is talking Were your braking distances different when distracted? Is yes, how? and distracting the driver. The driver should try to answer the passenger’s questions. Did the other students’ results show that they were distracted by the passenger?
12. Swap roles and repeat steps 6 to 11. What do these results mean for you as a future driver?
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187 06 SDERA News February 2015 SDERA Resources Keys for Life – online and on target for 2015
SDERA has new resources and initiatives that will help schools implement Keys for Life in 2015. • Behind the Wheel E-Journal is now available at www.sdera.org.au under the “resources” tab. During Term 1, 2015 SDERA will email all Keys for Life teachers a set of instructions and a login, so that students can complete the journal tasks using any device - smart phone, tablet, laptop or personal computer.
• Keys for Life DVD The latest edition of the Keys for Life Teacher Resource and program material is now available on DVD. A copy can be requested from SDERA at sdera.co@education. wa.edu.au
• Let’s practice and Behind the wheel in PDF The Let’s practice booklet and Behind the Wheel student journal can now be downloaded in PDF format at www. sdera.org.au . These two resources are still available in print format at Northside Logistics. • Keys4Life Online This resource is an online version of the Keys for Life program. It is ideally suited for students that need language and literacy support and can also be used by mainstream classes. It is also available at our website.
KEYS FOR LIFE PRINT RESOURCES • Keys for Life Teacher Resource The third edition resource is available in print format only at SDERA Keys for Life professional learning workshops (regional and metropolitan). It comes with the new Keys for Life DVD, as well as a set of eight road safety posters, a Drive Safe book, Let’s practise booklet and Behind the wheel student journal.
February 2015 SDERA News 07 Students’ anti-smoking ads to hit the big screen
Students at the Awards Night
Thank you to all the students, The awards were presented by smoking and the choice young teachers and parents who helped WA Opera Soprano and Smarter people have to say no to smoking. than Smoking ambassador, Emma make the 2014 Smarter than • Best South Primary TV Pettemerides. Winning schools will Smoking Young Directors’ Festival Commercial - Serpentine Primary have their ads screened across the most successful to date. School - “If you smoke you’re Armadale, Joondalup and Morley More than 600 students from 18 local a joke. Smoking kills”. The ad cinemas throughout the summer primary and secondary schools in the shows the dangers of smoking holidays. North/East and South Metropolitan with a ‘mad scientist’ creating a area attended Gala Award Night potion of chemicals – the same screenings in November showcasing Best Commercials 2014 chemicals you would find in cigarette smoke. the entries for the Smarter than • Best North Primary TV Smoking Young Directors’ Festival. Commercial - Roseworth Primary • Best South Secondary TV With SMART School Grant funding School - “Say no thanks, live a Commercial – Roleystone from Healthway and media expertise better way”. The ad demonstrates Community College – “Be Smart. from Murdoch University and Film and the impact of losing a loved one Don’t start”. The ad explores the Television Institute, the Smarter than to a smoking-related illness, and strong influence of siblings on Smoking Young Directors’ Festival the personal choice to say no and intentions to smoke. be smoke-free. puts students in the directors’ seats The Festival is coordinated by the to produce 30-second anti-smoking • Best North Secondary TV Heart Foundation’s Smarter than television commercials. Commercial - Wanneroo Smoking Project, South Metropolitan A record number of 20 anti-smoking Secondary College - “Your Choice, Population Health Unit, North television commercials were your future”. The ad uses a Metropolitan Population Health produced this year by young Western ‘hunger games’ style and flash- Unit, with support from Murdoch Australian students - taking the total forward technique to show the University. number of youth-made ads to 39. health and financial impacts of
08 SDERA News February 2015 COMPETITION: Which youth-made anti-smoking Festival ad is your favourite?
A new Smarter than Smoking through the online poll http://www. competition showcases smarterthansmoking.org.au/videos/ these amazing ads online at best-commercials-2014-young- www.smarterthansmoking.org.au directors-festival/. and is open until 25 March. The ad with the most votes will also The competition gives young people receive the Smarter than Smoking in Western Australia (10-17 year olds) Favourite Festival Ad 2014. See the the chance to go into the draw to win Competition Terms and Conditions on a mini iPad3 or one of 10 $20 iTunes the Smarter than Smoking website for vouchers. further details. Good luck! It’s simple. WATCH the four winning ads and VOTE for your favourite
Keeping Kids on the Right Track
Rail safety ambassador and double amputee, Jonathan Beninca will be visiting Perth this term to speak to secondary students about the dangers of risk taking and the consequences of split second decisions.
A popular speaker, Jonathan’s honest and direct approach connects with people of all ages and reinforces the important messages of safety and respect. Jonathan’s visit to WA (March 16 – 27, 2015) is sponsored by the Public Transport Authority’s Right Track program. The Right Track program, delivered through a mix of community youth engagement activities as well as a formal school education package, is focused on encouraging young passengers to become more responsible for their own safety when travelling by public transport and to make positive choices. Right Track helps young people understand why there is a code of behaviour for public transport by looking at the rights and responsibilities of all passengers. The program’s education package is endorsed by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority and can be used to support Jonathon Beninca’s school visit or as a stand-alone resource. For more about the Right Track Program, or to book a Jonathan Beninca school presentation, visit the Right Track website on www.righttrack.wa.gov.au or email [email protected].
February 2015 SDERA News 09 Regional Roundup
Road Safety a key focus in the Wheatbelt
Woodanilling Primary School just north of Katanning has been working hard to implement the best road safety, resilience and drug education possible. To this end, parents were given surveys to gauge their feeling about safety in and around the school. Extra information was put in newsletters and a road safety display was installed in the front office. To culminate the term’s learning the school hosted a Road Safety Day and invited students from Broomehill Primary School, parents and community members to join in.
During the day students rotated through activities such as making box cars with safety features, navigating their way through an obstacle course blindfolded and driving safely on Wii Mario Kart using the smart board. They decorated traffic light biscuits, sang road safety songs and decorated bike helmets. Students were given a safety bag of items to take home which included a “What Can I Do?” problem wheel to help resolve conflicts. The highlight of the day was a visit from the Woodanilling volunteer fire brigade’s Ian Garstone and Ty Bartholomeusz who showed the students how to work the fire hoses and put on the siren. Andriena Ciric from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services also showed the students the vehicle she uses in the local area. Izzy, SDERA’s Road Safety mascot, came along for the day with Ann Rintoul to discuss important road safety messages. Congratulations to Nicole Smallacombe and Claire Nicol on preparing such a great day. Article supplied by Woodanilling Primary School
10 SDERA News February 2015 Regional Roundup
Primary School Gets a Face Lift
Talking with the students about positive messages and resilience, it was noticed that Woodanilling Primary School had no types of signage that promoted positive feelings, behaviours and values, so the students decided to make a change. During a Road Safety Day students from Kindergarten – Year 4 helped create friendly signs to brighten up the exterior of the administration building, office area and undercover area. The students decided what school values they wanted to get across and how they would depict these. They drafted their designs and sent them off to be made into signs. Students were so excited to see what their signs looked like and which ones were chosen for print.
Guraki: “Wow they look awesome!”
Tahlia: “They used our exact work?”
These signs are hanging in visual areas for everyone to see and be reminded of our school values. Students, visitors and staff are all able to enjoy the uplifting images. Claire Nicol, Principal of Woodanilling Primary School says, “The students’ faces were priceless when they saw their own art work made into a sign. Parent feedback has been really positive and I have seen parents stopping and conversing with their children about the message in each sign.” Article supplied by Woodanilling Primary School
February 2015 SDERA News 11 Regional Roundup
Resilience Prepares Students For Life
Geographe Education Support Centre in Busselton use a One of the important areas of protective behaviours is variety of resources, including SDERA’s Challenges and teaching children that it is “ok to say no” to others in Choices to teach resilience and protective behaviours to relation to their personal space and bodies. One of the students across the primary school. benefits of this is that it branches out into other areas such as drug and road safety education. Students are All of these programs support staff to instill in their students being taught skills to make decisions that keep them safe the ability to be resilient in a range of situations. Teacher in a range of real life contexts. Alison Kerimofski says, “We want our students to be able to make decisions about themselves that protect them. If The school includes a lot of road safety techniques in their they can do this then we will have done our job. Resilience community access and swimming programs. This means is important for our students because it provides them with that students are getting real life experience in road the foundations for leading a fulfilling life. As our children’s safety as pedestrians – and implementing these skills into resilience skills increase we notice an improvement in their the real world. Parents are also supported with take home coping skills in the classroom and playground.” packs and information sessions.
My Way to the Seven Seas by Martines Rocha De Souza
An extraordinary story of The interactive reading experience provided by My Way to youth adventure, achievement the Seven Seas will develop and foster an understanding and resilience where the print and appreciation for: on the page is brought to • Academic engagement life through amazing online • The importance of value systems in making better photos and film. life choices Martin s shares funny, ẽ • The value of goal setting touching and courageous stories of his experience of • Resilience to cater for life’s challenges a life worth living. He had • Engagement with life as an insurance policy for mental never expected to achieve so health and wellness much; this book invites you to follow his journey of self- discovery as he travels the world. You can enjoy the story • Using education and self-improvement as a vehicle for as an interactive multimedia experience that allows you increasing vocational and life options. to read the story, visit the places and see the people For more information on this resource visit Martinẽs encounters. You can also watch his videos and www.renbro.com.au/sevenseas share in his travel experiences.
12 SDERA News February 2015 Regional Roundup
The Ripple Effect Sends a Strong Message
A crash which killed five members of one family has proved a tragic lesson to high school students in the Esperance region. The very emotional and personal presentation by the driver’s mother, Merle Taylor was part of a powerful educational project called The Ripple Effect.
More than 250 students from Esperance, Ravensthorpe and Norseman received a chilling insight into the consequences of mixing drugs and driving. The event began with a film created by students from three local high schools. The Ripple Effect was produced under the direction of Serena Shaddick from Living Juicy Media and depicted issues such as sharing passwords, sexting, out of control parties and drink driving. When the film stopped abruptly at a scene the morning after a party, viewers were escorted outside to witness the film continue in real life. Students witnessed the devastation and aftermath of the crash with the treatment of the injured, rescue of an occupant trapped in a vehicle and removal of a deceased pedestrian. While students looked on in shock, Esperance Police acting Senior Sergeant James Reid and community “It shows how easily things can happen and the flow-on paramedic Paul Gaughan talked the audience through the effect of the bad decisions,” he said. steps emergency services take to manage a crash scene. Interactive projects like, The Ripple Effect are most The event culminated in a debrief examining the legal effective when used in conjunction with the best practice consequences for each character in the film. Merle pre-driver education program, Keys for Life. recounted the life changing impact of her son’s choice to Esperance Local Drug Action group member Ben Lassonde drive while affected by drugs, telling the students how the from Goldfields Youth Justice Services and Jill Fitzpatrick crash tore her family apart. “If this is so emotive and these from SDERA organised the event with major sponsorship kids walk away thinking, ‘I never want that to happen to through Healthway. A DVD of The Ripple Effect, mock me’ and make a different choice somewhere in their lives crash and debrief is available for educational purposes. because of what I’ve said today, my job is done.” Contact [email protected] or Esperance Senior High School student Jonah Symonds [email protected] played a moped driver who killed a pedestrian and had to watch his friend carried off in a body bag.
February 2015 SDERA News 13 SDERA News
Smart Steps to Safer Kids
Sadly, we often see children being injured or killed on our roads as they make their way to and from school. Many of these incidents could be avoided by improving the road safety education of parents, school staff and children. The following messages can help to keep our kids safer on the roads not just at the beginning of the school year, but right through the life of a child.
• Driveway safety: Surprisingly, around one child is run • In the car: over by a motor vehicle in the family driveway every - Children from birth to 7 years of age must be in an week in Australia. Talk to your child about being careful approved child car restraint. All other passengers around driveways and always watching out for cars must wear a seatbelt. while reversing. Always know where your kids are when pulling in or out of the driveway. - Children under 7 must travel in the back seat unless the seats are already taken by younger children. • Crossing roads: Children should be taught the correct road crossing procedure. - Make sure your child gets in and out of the car on the footpath side, away from traffic. If you have STOP – A safe distance from the edge of the road. to remove more than one child out of the car, the LOOK – In all directions for approaching traffic. least mobile child should be first. The reverse of this order applies when putting children into the car. LISTEN – In all directions for approaching traffic. - Never leave a child of any age in a vehicle without THINK – Is it safe to cross the road? supervision. ENSURE THAT YOUR CHILD ALWAYS USES THE SCHOOL - Always slow down to below the 40 km/h school CROSSING. zone speed limit. ALWAYS HOLD HANDS WITH CHILDREN WHEN THEY • On and off the bus: Your child is most at risk in the ARE NEAR TRAFFIC. minutes getting off the bus. Reduce this risk by: • Helmet and safety on wheels: Check that your child - Meeting your child at the bus stop. Never wait on wears an approved and correctly fitted helmet the other side of the road. whenever playing or riding on wheels. Children under 12 are allowed to ride on the footpath. Children should - Wait until the bus has driven away before choosing dismount and wheel their bicycle across the road and at the safest place to cross the road. When crossing the crosswalks. road follow the usual crossing procedure of STOP, LOOK, LISTEN, and THINK. When riding both parents and children should wear: SDERA’s Smart Steps program aims to increase parents’ - Brightly colored clothes awareness and knowledge of the main road safety - Enclosed footwear with non-slip soles risk factors for children and emphasises a parents’ * Check that your child’s bike has good brakes, a responsibility as a role model. bell, reflectors and lights.
14 SDERA News February 2015 SDERA News
Taking transition steps
‘I don’t feel well. I don’t want to go to school.’
For some children times of transition can be Back to school tips for parents exciting and they charge full steam ahead ready • Set up a routine. Practise what your child will need to to tackle it head on, while for others it can be a do each day to get ready for school. Support them to be period of change where they feel scared, worried, well organised so they feel in control. helpless and nervous. • Set realistic expectations regarding school. Let your child Children need the help of their families and school staff, know that some days will be fabulous and that they might not only at recognised transition times such as moving from not enjoy other days as much, and that this is normal. Pre-primary into Year 1 and from Year 6 into secondary • Prepare your child. Make sure your child knows who school, but also at the beginning of each school year when will take them to school and pick them up, and where they have to settle into a class with a new teacher and a to wait at the end of the day. Check that they can pack different group of peers. their bag, tie shoelaces, and have the right equipment The transition experience starts well before and extends they need for class. far beyond a child’s first day at school. Having a positive • Build positive relationships with your child’s teachers. school experience is also important so that a child’s When families and schools work together in positive and attendance pattern is established at an early age and lays collaborative ways, transition times can be more successful. the foundation for future years. • Keep talking to your child. Find out about what they Parents and school staff can make transition times as are learning at school. Ask them about their new smooth as possible by teaching and modelling skills such experiences, what they like and what they find hard, as expressing their emotions, seeking help from others, and how they are feeling about the new school year. speaking assertively, solving problems and making responsible decisions. • If things aren’t going well. Talk with your child’s teachers. Be prepared to listen to their suggestions, but also have some of your own ideas that might help your child.
February 2015 SDERA News 15 Calendar of events (metro area) SDERA is now on like us, share us and keep up A full workshop calendar is published on our website, visit www.sdera.org.au to date with all our activities, events, workshops and resources.
Date Workshop Venue Professional learning in regional areas is offered by SDERA Tuesday 10 March Keys for Life Burswood on Swan, Burswood Regional Consultants from the Kimberley, right throughout Alcohol and Cannabis Wednesday 18 March Pagoda Resort & Spa, Como the state to the Great Southern. (Yr 6-12) Please visit our website for their contact details. Tuesday 24 March Resilient Kids Nedlands Yacht Club, Nedlands
Tuesday 28 April Safer Kids (K – Yr 2) Nedlands Yacht Club, Nedlands
Wednesday 29 April Smart Steps Nedlands Yacht Club, Nedlands Our free workshops:
Statewide Services Centre, • Are evidence-based and Tuesday 5 May Keys for Life Refresher Padbury reflect best practice Statewide Services Centre, Wednesday 6 May Getting it Together • Make links to the Padbury Australian Curriculum Tuesday 12 May Safer Kids (Yr 3 – Yr 6) Mt Lawley Golf Club, Inglewood • Have TRWWA and senior Thursday 14 May Keys for Life Mt Lawley Golf Club, Inglewood teacher accreditation
Wednesday 27 May Resilient Teens Pagoda Resort & Spa, Como where appropriate
Wednesday 17 June Resilient Kids Nedlands Yacht Club, Nedlands SDERA makes a significant contribution to teacher Tuesday 23 June Alcohol and Cannabis Mindarie Marina, Mindarie relief for teachers attending our workshops. Details on Tuesday 30 June Keys for Life Burswood on Swan, Burswood registration.
Farewell and Welcome in the Pilbara
SDERA much loved and highly valued We welcome Tania Neeson as the consultant for the Pilbara, Lynelle new consultant for the Pilbara who Fozard has made the move, with her comes with significant education and family, to Secret Harbour, south of health experience. Tania is passionate Perth. Lynelle worked successfully about promoting health to young on many projects in collaboration people and we encourage schools with schools, community groups and and agencies in the Pilbara to seek mining companies to ensure that her support in relation to resilience, young people in the Pilbara region drug and road safety education for were given access to targeted drug their students. and road safety education programs. We wish Lynelle and her family all the best in their new adventure.
Tania Neeson