Dear Families

In the 1980’s there was a push to get computers into classrooms and in the years that followed, researchers found that academic software and games have positive effects on children’s academic skills. Over the same period, video games moved into homes and children began playing these games for increasing amounts of time and the games themselves became more graphically violent over time.

Computer games are natural teachers and have been shown to teach children healthy skills such as self-care for asthma; also, they have been successful in imparting the attitudes, skills and behaviours that they were designed to teach. Given the fact that computer games are able to have positive effects, it is no surprise that they can have negative effects as well. Some of the health negatives are obesity and muscular and skeletal disorders. This means that parents should be concerned about the amount of time that children play and the content of the games they play.

Looking across the dozens of studies that have been conducted on violent computer games, there appear to be five major effects. Playing violent games leads to increased psychological arousal, increased aggressive thoughts, increased aggressive feelings, increased aggressive behaviours, and decreased pro-social helping. In a study of over 400 years three to five students, those students who played more violent video games early in the school year changed to become more aggressive later in the school year.

It is important that parents control the amount of time children play video games; the recommended time is 2 hours including T.V., videos, video games, and computers. With regard to the content of the games, look for games involving multiple players to encourage group play and choose games that come up with strategies and decision-making in a game environment, that is more complex than punch, steal and kill. Many computer games are fun and appropriate, provide practice in the use of problem-solving and logic and introduce new information technology, but many require no independent thought or creativity and often confuse reality with fantasy.

It is only common sense to require homework to be done well, along with any other responsibilities, before game playing. Likewise, it is only common sense not to put computer game consoles or computers into children’s bedrooms. More important for the development of social skills, good physical condition and use of imagination, is for children to play with friends or engage in other activities away from the computer game set.

“Lord, so many things to think about and to do!

However busy my schedule, please guide my life so that my priority focus is upon my family.

May the Spirit’s gifts of knowledge and right judgement be strong and active within me.  Amen.”

Mother's Day Stall 

On behalf of the Holy Spirit Primary School Community, I would like to say thank you to our wonderful staff that assisted on the day with the set-up and helped the students purchase some beautiful gifts for the special women in their lives. I would also like to say a huge thank you to:

Beautiful Blooms of Kurri

and

Peaceful Brew

For their donation of gifts for the Mother's Day Stall.

School Camps

For many years our students have enjoyed an annual camp in Year 5 (Great Aussie Bush Camp) and Year 6 (Canberra).  These camps have an educational focus as well as providing students with a unique social experience with peers and staff. Students often recall these camps among their favourite memories of school.

The planning of such camps has already commenced, and we need to finalise numbers in the next week.  The deposit ($100) was due in early May.  To avoid disappointment please finalise your deposit in the coming week.  If your finances are an issue please contact Mr O’Heir to discuss your situation.

Pupil Free Day

A reminder that there will be a pupil-free day on Tuesday 30th May. Staff will be participating in a Diocesan-led professional learning day on the teaching of Literacy. The date of this course is set by the CSO and unfortunately doesn’t coincide with Abermain’s pupil-free day.

Bishop Visit

Bishop Michael Kennedy will be visiting our school on Friday 2 June.  The bishop will meet staff and students as part of his parish visit.  Bishop Michael will celebrate Confirmation on Sunday 4 June. 

Peace and Best Wishes.

Mr. Paul O'Heir

Principal