Term 1 Week 6 2025

Principal's Message

Understanding Cognitive Overload: How It Affects Your Child and Ways to Manage It

In our fast-paced world, children are constantly bombarded with information from various sources. While it's wonderful to see them learning and growing, there's a point where too much information can be overwhelming. This phenomenon is known as cognitive overload, and it can significantly impact your child's ability to learn effectively.

What is Cognitive Overload?

Cognitive overload occurs when the brain is asked to process more information than it can handle at one time. Just like a computer can slow down or crash when too many programs are running, our brains can also become overwhelmed when there's too much information to process. This can lead to frustration, anxiety, and a decrease in academic performance.

Cognitive Load and Working Memory: The Connection

To understand cognitive overload better, it's important to explore the relationship between cognitive load and working memory. Working memory refers to the brain's ability to hold and manipulate information over short periods. It is crucial for tasks such as problem-solving, comprehension, and following instructions.

When the cognitive load is too high, it exceeds the capacity of working memory, causing cognitive overload. Imagine trying to juggle too many balls at once – eventually, some will drop. Similarly, when your child is exposed to an excessive amount of information, their working memory becomes overloaded, leading to difficulty in processing and retaining new information. This can result in decreased focus, increased errors, and overall cognitive fatigue.

How Does Cognitive Overload Affect Your Child?

When children experience cognitive overload, they may struggle to focus, remember information, and complete tasks. They might feel stressed and anxious, and their overall well-being can be affected. Symptoms of cognitive overload can include:

• Difficulty concentrating
• Increased errors in schoolwork
• Forgetfulness
• Irritability or mood swings
• Fatigue or exhaustion

Addressing Cognitive Overload at School:

As a school, we are committed to creating an environment that supports your child's learning and well-being by designing instructional strategies that optimise the load on students’ working memories to maximise learning. Here are some strategies we implement to help manage cognitive overload:

1. Activate what students already know: encourages students to construct new knowledge based on their previous experiences;
2. Guide students step by step with new skills: use worked examples to clearly outline the steps needed with a full explanation. More effective when combined with the teacher thinking aloud because it enables them to connect to their thinking process;
3. Increase independent problem solving: as students become more skilled, increase their independence by reducing some of the steps from the abovementioned worked example;
4. Cut out unnecessary or repeated information: it is essential to eliminate non-essential information and keep learning materials as simple as possible;
5. Present all essential information together: the “split attention affect” occurs when students have to refer to two different sources of information simultaneously when learning something. This creates an extra load on their brain as switching between tasks takes time, effort and energy. Therefore, strategies such as note taking and integrated diagrams will help reduce cognitive load;
6. Present information verbally and visually: by utilising both auditory and visual modes of communication within learning tasks, this can increase the capacity of students working memory;
7. Breaks: Incorporating short, movement or brain breaks between lessons allows students to rest and recharge, preventing mental fatigue;
8. Interactive Learning: Using diverse teaching methods, such as hands-on activities and group discussions, helps keep students engaged and reduces the burden on their cognitive resources; and
9. Encouraging Mindfulness: Introducing mindfulness exercises in the classroom can help students manage stress and stay focused.

How You Can Help at Home:

As parents, you play a crucial role in supporting your child's cognitive health. Here are some tips to help manage cognitive overload at home:

1. Create a Balanced Schedule: Ensure your child has a balanced routine that includes time for homework, extracurricular activities, relaxation, and sleep.
2. Limit Screen Time: Encourage breaks from screens and engage in activities that promote physical and mental well-being, such as outdoor play and reading.
3. Teach Time Management: Help your child prioritise tasks and break them into smaller, manageable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
4. Foster a Calm Environment: Create a quiet and organised study space at home where your child can focus without distractions.
5. Encourage Open Communication: Talk to your child about their day and listen to any concerns they may have. Providing emotional support can help them cope with stress and cognitive demands.

By working together as a school and at home, we can ensure that our children have the best possible environment to learn and thrive. Understanding and managing cognitive overload and its impact on working memory is a crucial step towards helping them reach their full potential.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to your child's education.

As mentioned previously this is the Jubilee Year of Hope and this following video is well worth watching with your child/ren to discuss how kindness brings us hope                                                                            

Life Vest Inside - Kindness Boomerang - "One Day"

Please stay safe over the weekend as Cyclone Alfred continues to come towards the SE coast of Qld. We will continue to keep you updated of any potential changes.

God Bless

Emma Timmins

Principal

Religious Life of the School

Lenten Journey

This Wednesday we celebrated 'Ash Wednesday' and began our Lenten Journey. Our students have been involved in a reflection about the traditional practices of Lent - more praying, more fasting and more giving. Below is a way for your family to encounter prayer and reflection during Lent with a Lenten calendar.

'What are you giving up for Lent?' has been a common question among the students and I have heard some are giving up ice-cream, another tv, another the Nintendo, another takeaway.

As an adult this may also be the first question that comes to mind when we begin this holy season. Are we going to fast from a favourite food? Are we going to read a chapter from the Scriptures each day? Are we going to make an extra donation to our favourite charity? There are countless choices and opportunities to take part in the traditional Lenten practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.

But this year, instead of just asking what we are going to do, let's ask ourselves why we are doing it. What is our purpose and goal?

In the Ash Wednesday Gospel reading, Jesus warns his listeners not to pray, fast or do righteous deeds in a showy way, just to impress other people (Matthew 6:1). Instead, he tells us to do them "in secret" - out of love for our heavenly Father (Matthew 6:4, 6). And what is the fruit of such practices? We grow closer to the Lord; that's our "reward" (Matthew 6:5).

Thinking about the 'why' along with the 'what' also helps us take the focus off our own efforts or performance. If our willpower gives out and we eat that piece of chocolate that we vowed to give up. it's just another opportunity to turn to the Lord and offer up our weaknesses to him. It's just another opportunity to realise how much we need His grace and power in our lives.

So yes, go ahead and make those Lenten resolutions, and try your best to keep them. But remember why you are doing these things. It's so that God can soften your heart and fill you will all the love, mercy and grace he wants to give you. That's how he will 'repay' you (Matthew 6:4, 6)!

(adapted from The Word Among Us, Lent 2025)

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Shrove Tuesday

The day before Ash Wednesday we celebrated Shrove Tuesday. Shrove Tuesday comes from an old English word meaning “to confess,” since it was customary to go to confession before the beginning of Lent. It was also customary to use up meats, fats, and dairy products before entering the Lenten period of fasting; this led to the day’s nicknames: Mardi Gras (French for Fat Tuesday) or Pancake Tuesday.

Many of our classes got to enjoy a little treat of a pancake to celebrate.

Project Compassion

One way we focus on Almsgiving during Lent is to raise money for Project Compassion and each class has a money box to collect money to support the mission projects of Caritas.  Places they are currently supporting are the people of Somoa, Vietnam and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. More information about the projects can be found at Project Compassion.

Parish News

Lenten Liturgy Program - the following services will take place at St Mary's Church over the coming weeks:

• Lenten Program - for times contact Parish Office
• Stations of the Cross - Fridays 5:30pm
• Reconciliation - TBC
• Anointing of the Sick - TBC

First Reconciliation - please continue to pray for the students who are preparing for their First Reconciliation.

Baptisms - if you or your child would like to learn more about being baptised into the Catholic Faith please contact Mrs Young or the parish office on 4661 1033.

Altar Servers - once students have celebrated their First Communion they are able to perform the ministry of Altar serving. If you child is interested in this important ministry please contact Mrs Young.

Confirmation -the parish is now taking enrolments for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Children who are in Grade 4 and above and will have completed their First Reconciliation are welcome to enrol. To enrol or if you have any enquiries please email warwick@ctwb.org.au or call the Parish Office on 4661 1033.

Weekend Masses - Saturdays at 6pm and Sundays at 8:30am

Sharon Young

Assistant Principal - Mission & Identity

“Those who hope in the Lord will be strengthened and will be able to run and walk without growing weary.” Isaiah 40:31

Curriculum

NAPLAN is Coming!

As we near the start of the NAPLAN testing period, we’d like to update you on our preparations and share some key details regarding these assessments for our Year 3 and Year 5 students.

OMNIBUS Practice Test

On Wednesday of Week 5, our Year 3 and Year 5 students participated in the OMNIBUS practice test. This trial run serves several important purposes: it helps students become familiar with the online testing platform and conditions, allows teachers to fine-tune their administration procedures, and gives our leadership team an opportunity to ensure our digital devices are set up correctly. While no student data is recorded from this practice test, it plays a vital role in making sure the official NAPLAN experience runs smoothly. We are pleased to report that all students completed the practice test successfully and provided positive feedback about the process.

As a reminder, most NAPLAN assessments are conducted online, except for the Year 3 Writing test, which remains a paper-based task. During the testing period, strict guidelines are in place regarding rest breaks, test interruptions, and technical issues to ensure a fair and consistent experience for all students.

Supporting Student Mindsets

We encourage parents of Year 3 and Year 5 students to have open conversations with their children about their practice test experience and how they feel about the upcoming assessments. NAPLAN online uses an adaptive testing model, meaning the difficulty of questions adjusts based on the student’s responses, creating a more personalised assessment. While students won’t be aware of these adjustments as they complete the test, this approach allows for a more accurate understanding of their capabilities. The diagram below illustrates this process visually.

NAPLAN Withdrawal Process

We understand that some families may have concerns about their child’s participation in NAPLAN. Parents have the option to request a withdrawal from the tests if they believe it is in their child’s best interest. If you have any questions or wish to explore this option, we encourage you to speak with your child’s teacher or Christine Byrne, our Learning Support Teacher.

For those who have concerns about specific areas of NAPLAN (such as Writing), it is also possible to request that your child only participates in selected tests (e.g. Numeracy and Reading). Any withdrawal requests must be submitted to the school no later than Tuesday, 11th March.

It’s important to remember that NAPLAN is designed to assess broader education trends rather than individual student performance. The insights gained from these assessments help schools and education authorities make informed decisions to support student learning.

We appreciate your continued support as we prepare our students for NAPLAN. If you have any further questions or need more information, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can help make this a positive and valuable experience for all students.

Wishing you all a wonderful fortnight!

Jess Harper
Middle Leader: Teaching and Learning

Positive School Culture

Mystery Reader

Mystery Reader has returned after a successful year of inspiring reading. Please come along if you have children under school age and invite family and friends with little ones who might love listening to some special books.

We are also looking for anyone brave enough to read to our little ones. Please contact Mrs Rhianna Ryan at the Library if you would like to read a story.

Thank you to our first Mystery Readers - Mr Brett 'Muscles' Armstrong and Mrs Erin Hilton. The Kindy children have really enjoyed your books.

Student Awards

Spotted Rising Up

Congratulations to all the students who have been 'Spotted Rising Up'. The prize winners were Abby L (what a great birthday present!) and Tarlia W, which was announced at Assembly on Friday, 7th March 2025.

Please celebrate with your child if they have brought home a Spotted Rising Up slip. It means that they were 'spotted' displaying one or more of the RISE UP positive behaviours. 

Sport

Darling Downs Swimming

We had a great team of students who attended the Darling Downs Swimming Trials at Gatton this week. Congratulations to Beckett B, Benji B, Thomas C, Sylvia M, Charlotte L, Kennedy D, Brooks B and Emily L who represented our school and the Southern Downs with pride and great swimming.

Congratulations to those students selected to compete at the State Championships later this year. We will celebrate you in the next newsletter.

Cricket Country Trials

Congratulations to Hugh F and Josh M who had the opportunity to play at the Cricket Country Trials. We are very proud of these boys and the skills they demonstrated.

Please always remember to share your photos with Mrs Young so we can share your winning smiles in the newsletter.

Cross Country

We are very grateful to the Morgan Park Raceway Team for their welcome and community spirit in welcoming us to their grounds again this year for our Cross Country. It will be held on Monday, 31st March. Please see details below. We try as best as possible to stick to times but these are only our best approximates.

Please keep your children training for this event over the next few weeks!

There is the opportunity for them to improve their running skills and love of running by attending Running Club on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 8:15am. If students would like to participate but their formal shoes are not the best for running they are welcome to bring their running shoes to change into for their run. 

Administration

Disabled Parking

Please be aware that the disabled parking spaces located on Palmerin Street & in the Carpark are designated disabled parking spaces. They are reserved exclusively for individuals with disabled needs. 

We kindly ask that you refrain from using these spaces unless you have the appropriate permit, we thank you for you cooperation & understanding on this matter. 

School Fees have been emailed out, please let the office know if you have not received them or if you have any questions or concerns 

Notices

Future Kindergarten Enrolments

If you have younger children or know anyone who plans to express interest in SMW Kindy then please complete the SMW Kindy Waitlist – as per the flyer attached.  Children can be booked in from birth and we are nearly at full capacity for 2026 and 2027-2029 places are filling very fast.  We certainly do want to support our families across the school campuses and the parish.