New programs trialled at Ettalong

Ettalong Public School has been trialling two new programs over the past semester as part of its new initiative Kids Matter that will be introduced next year.

Kids Matter was a program that looks at nurturing the mind, body and spirit and keeping all children healthy, said Ettalong principal Mr Colin Wallis.

The CATCH (Classroom Activities That Create Happiness) program was a social skills program for children who need guidance to socialise in the playground because they may have quiet or shy personalities, he said.

This year the teachers have been volunteering their time at lunch, four days a week to get these children together to play games and find friendships.

"Some days they make fairy bread, chop up fruit or cook pancakes," said Mr Wallis.

"The positive feedback from both teachers and parents has been overwhelming.

"The PATCH (Playground Activities That Create Happiness) program is similar but caters more for those children who need to run and sometimes need guidance socialising appropriately.

"They too are thriving in this supervised environment that allows them the safety net to play and learn social skills that will enable them to develop skills in conflict resolution for their future needs.

"The Patch Program also includes students in Years 5 and 6 who volunteer to help others achieve their goal," said Mr Wallis.

Newsletter, 13 Nov 2012

Colin Wallis, Ettalong Public school