Welcome back to Week 7! A big shout‑out to all the students who participated in the Primary Athletics Day, and to the many family members and friends who came along to cheer them on. We were blessed with perfect weather, and it was wonderful to see everyone enjoying the day outdoors. A special thank‑you to our PE team for the many hours they spent preparing such a successful event.

This year, we have transitioned to Toddle as our learning platform, and it has already proven to be a valuable tool for open communication between families, class teachers, and the school. One significant feature is the enhanced visibility of our behaviour management system, which has evolved from the “Happy and Sad Steps” to “Merits and Resets.” We have received excellent feedback from both parents and students—especially regarding the notifications for Merits earned during the day. Some students even enjoy the surprise of discovering their Merit only when their parents tell them after school!

One of Toddle’s greatest strengths is its ability to provide immediate communication, allowing our behaviour management processes to be more easily tailored to each student. This helps us reinforce positive choices and support students in a constructive, encouraging way.

A small but meaningful change to our behaviour management approach is the introduction of the Reflection Room, previously known as “detention”. We intentionally removed the punitive language and reframed the experience as a calm, supportive space available for 20 minutes during Wednesday or Friday lunch times. The Reflection Room provides an opportunity for personal reflection or co‑regulated reflection with a staff member.

Students may be referred to the Reflection Room when it is considered the most effective and positive intervention to help shift behaviour. For many students, a short time to pause and reflect is enough to reset their thinking and plan for more positive choices in the future. For others, different strategies may better support their learning, and we will always choose the approach that aligns with their needs.

Students who attend the Reflection Room will still complete a reflection sheet, and some may write an apology to help repair a relationship that has been affected. These reflection sheets will go home with the child. However, unlike our previous system, parents do not need to sign and return them, as Toddle will notify you directly about your child's Reflection Room time.

A Reflection Room consequence is only one part of a Reset. The true learning happens through regulation, reflection, and relationship repair, all of which help guide students toward making more constructive choices. This aligns with our trauma‑informed practices and the latest neuroscience around behaviour. As Dr. Ross Greene reminds us, “All kids do well if they can”. It is our shared responsibility to create the conditions that allow children to flourish and be set up for success.

Attending Chapels

We are delighted that our new Reception students are now joining us on Wednesdays and can participate in our Chapels! It has also been wonderful to see so many family members and friends attending. All parents are warmly invited to join us at either the Primary Chapel (Wednesdays 10:50am–11:30am) or Junior Primary Chapel (Wednesdays 12:10pm–12:50pm).

To make the experience as welcoming as possible, the entire upstairs mezzanine area is open to our visitors and offers an excellent view of the stage. If any family members have mobility needs, please speak with one of our staff, and we will ensure a suitable seat is arranged downstairs in the auditorium. Parents with prams are welcome to park them safely under the stairs. We look forward to seeing you at Chapel!

SRC Casual Day Week 8

The SRC have organised their first Casual Day for 2026. This is a big event for our new Year 6 student leaders who make up the Student Representative Council. 

On Friday 27th of March, your child can wear school appropriate casual clothing for just the cost of a gold coin donation. All money collected will go towards Hope Village Library and Bethany Christian School student resources such as more yard play games and sporting equipment.

Remember, students still need to learn and play, so the casual clothing should be suitable for school, and the shoes worn should allow your child to play safely outside. Wishing you and your family a lovely weekend.

God bless you,

Deb Clifford & Melissa Taylor

Deputy Principals