CHAPPY NEWS - GYMPIE SPECIAL SCHOOL

24: July: 2020 

What’s been happening?

At the end of last year, I attended a training seminar about using rhythm and music to help develop social skills and emotional regulation skills. In late January, I presented some of what I had learnt to staff during their professional development days.

During Term 1 and 2, I have been working with class groups and their teachers to bring this to our students:

• Term 1 was with the Secondary students, looking at ways we can use rhythm to help us recognise and manage our emotions.
• Term 2 was focused on the Primary sector, using the instruments to build social skills around listening to each other, playing together and turn taking.

 All of the staff have been very supportive and involved in these programs, with students seeming to enjoy these sessions. Where a student has become uncomfortable with the noise levels, we have talked as a group about playing quietly to respect our friend, and in all situations, students have been very responsive and changed the way they played to help their friend feel comfortable again. It has been so exciting to see these social skills being worked with such love and compassion! 

What’s coming up?

I know that so many students and families struggled throughout the COVID-19 lockdown, and in the transition back to school during last term.

 I also know that our whole school community – parents and caregivers, staff and students – worked together to help each other out in what was a really difficult time for all of us. We got through it – TOGETHER!

 In Week 4, Thursday 6 July, I am hosting another parent and caregiver afternoon tea, and I would like it to be a celebration. A celebration of YOU, the parents and caregivers, who stepped up in so many ways for your children even though it was hard.

 Flyers with further details will be coming home in the student diaries shortly.

 It is a celebration, however due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, if you wish to attend you will need to contact the School Office by Monday, 3 July to pre-register. Phone 5480 2333 and let us know your name, and how many people you will be bringing. We will need these numbers to ensure that the space we use for the afternoon tea will meet our requirements for social distancing. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding in this.

Thank You!

Thank you for allowing me to partner with Gympie Special School, to support the students, staff and families here.                  

Chappy Naomi