We live in an electronic age of computer chips and high definition, digital television. The images we receive in our homes whether current world news, nature programs or reality TV are so real we can almost touch them. Our children are exposed to the images they see on television, DVDs, Playstation, Gameboys, DS, Wii and all the variations of electronic gizmos, from a young age. This technology stimulates the brain and can affect development in both positive and negative ways.

So how does it affect children?
Children take in all the messages they receive and this will impact on them in different ways depending on their age and stage of development as well as their temperament.  In general, pre-school children have difficulty distinguishing make-believe from reality on TV. They can view cartoon characters as real and are attracted by colour, activity, music and fun. Hence, the popularity of High Five, The Wiggles, ‘Dora the Explorer’ to name a few.Under 10’s can still struggle to work out the difference between fantasy and reality, especially if it looks like real life. Boys are attracted to male hero figures and girls want to be a princess.Older primary school age children can be disturbed by images of natural disasters or war, as it could mean it could happen to them. They want to grow up and are curious about the world of teenagers, fashion, sex and relationships.Children can learn a lot of positive things from what they watch on TV and the computer games they spend time on. However, children are also trying to make sense of their world and this is influenced by the lifestyles and behaviours they see portrayed. Children need a balance. They need to play make-believe, run around outside, look at books, have stories read to them, chatter to other children and parents. Children vary in their reaction to violence but they are usually disturbed by violence in the home, to other children and to animals. Research has shown that children who see a lot of violence are more likely to use aggression to solve a problem; be anxious about scary things that might happen in the world and become less sensitive to violence in real life.

Try these tips:

• Choose what your children can watch rather than just leave the TV on and let it baby-sit them.
   
• Talk about programs or view with them programs you are unsure about. Ask your   children what they think of the characters, are they real?
   
• Don’t let your children control the remote. Have rules about when the TV is on and off.
   
• Watch a program together as a family.
   

With computer games, set time limits and stick to them. The games can be addictive but hour after hour focusing on a screen is too intense. Children can become cranky and frustrated if they don’t have the opportunity to use up physical energy.
And remember, time spent with each other is the GLUE of the family – both now and long after the family members have created their own families [some of these ideas are from Regional Parenting Service Bendigo]

St. Mary's Week Long Shopathon - 24th - 30th November
This is a good chance to do all your Christmas shopping!  Tickets are $12 per ticket and are available at the school office, also from Norm Smith Sports, Northern Shoe Store, Finer Secrets Lingerie and The Nappy Shack.  The following stores will be offering storewide discounts plus extra specials: Angus & Robertson, Bargain Box Fabrics, Barrington's Bridal & Fashion, Cafe 202, Cameron's Fine Jewellers, d'cri Accents, Finer Secrets Lingerie, hippbotts, Karinie Building Supplies, Marraboor Pharmacy, The Nappy Shack, Norm Smith Sports, Northern Shoe Store, Outdoors First, Swan Hill Disposals & Outdoor Store, Toyworld and The Green Elf.  Shopping is at normal business hours Monday to Sunday.  Get your tickets stamped after each purchase.  Shop in 8 retail shops and 1 coffee shop to be in the draw to win $370 worth of vouchers.  These will be drawn at Friday assembly on 5th December - winners will be notified.

EMA for 2009
Changes for EMA for 2009 are as follows: Total yearly payment for EMA 2009 is $221 per student (Primary). From 2009, parents will have the option of receiving the 50% parent portion of their Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) by either:1. Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) directly into the parent’s nominated bank account OR 2. Cheque payment – in accordance with the current EMA payment arrangements.
Forms for 2009 EMA will only be available from January 2009.
To be eligible to receive the EMA,
YOU MUST: be either a parent or guardian of a primary or secondary school student up to the age of sixteen: and be an eligible beneficiary of a Centrelink pension, allowance or benefit within the meaning of the State Concessions Act 2004 or be a foster parent; and submit your application to the school by the due date. Remember your benefit card from Centerlink must be current as at 28th January 2009. A card will be required with your application form.

Book Club
The due date for Book Club is tomorrow, Tuesday 18th November.  Please make sure that your child's name is on the order form and that cheques are made out to Scholastic.

Vision Portraits
Vision Portraits will be at school on Thursday 20th November for families to collect their portraits, at their nominated time, between 1PM and 8Pm. The timeslots have been sent home today.

Important School Dates
Just a reminder regarding a change in arrangements for the beginning of the 2009 school year. Please note the dates below.
Term 4 Dates 2008

Have a great week!

God Bless,

Paul Bissinella
Principal