Dear Parents and Carers,

We find ourselves again in remote learning. This was something I was hoping wouldn’t be the case this term. We did have a small ‘hiccup’ in Term 1. This time it looks like being a little longer. But if we all do as is required then the sooner we can be back on site. I am pleased to be able to share briefly the many activities and events that have taken place so far this term. I thank the teachers for slipping back into the remote learning space so efficiently and planning for seamless learning. I know that remote learning can present families with challenges. As previously, I ask families to have a go and do the best they can for their students. Please don’t hesitate to contact the school if you need support.

It has been a very busy and productive six weeks. I am disappointed that our “Building Connections- Education Week” event has had to be postponed. We have not been able to have families on the grounds to celebrate events this year. This was going to be the first one since the Resilience Project evening with Martin Heppell back in February. I remain optimistic that we will be in a position some time this year to welcome you all back to celebrate together.

Student Attendance

Notwithstanding the current remote learning scenario, we are in, I have some grave concerns with regards to attendance at school by some students. Of late there have been unusually high incidents of late comers to school. Students have been arriving at school well after the 8.50am commencement time. This presents many issues for both the student who has arrived late and the teacher in the learning space. For the student, vital instruction is missed in the first part of the day. If a student misses just 10 minutes a day of instruction that adds almost an hour of lost learning in a week. If this continues for a term, that will equal almost 10 hours of instruction lost in this time. Coming late also disrupts the learning of the other students in the class as the teacher needs to instruct the late comer to catch them up in the work. For some students coming late into the classroom also makes them feel embarrassed and awkward. It is important students learn good habits such as punctuality and being organised and prepared for their learning. This sets them up for a successful day of learning. I have also noticed a significant number of students who are being removed from the school throughout the day- often without parent explanation. Appointments, where possible should be made outside of school hours. YMCA also offers out of school hours programs.

As for absences, students are required at school UNLESS they are unwell. If there are issues for your child wanting (reluctance) to attend school please contact us. We are here to support all students to make them feel welcome, safe and comfortable at school. The Department of Education is monitoring student absence and will be addressing regular long-term absences with families. If a child misses considerable time in their primary years of schooling, there is great risk of them struggling in secondary school as gaps in their learning could result. Please make sure to notify the school when your child is absent. Please make sure to state the reason for the absence. It is a child’s right to be at school and receiving an education that prepares them for their future and life.

As I flip back through my diary I am reminded of just how busy it has been at TSPS.

Assessment and Reporting

In May, the students in Years 3 and 5 sat the NAPLAN assessments in Reading, Writing, Grammar and Punctuation, Language Conventions and Mathematics. It is anticipated that the results will be available later in Term 3 / early Term 4. This recent lockdown will have an impact on the assessment schedule for Term 2. Teachers may not be able to complete some of the assessments because the students are not able to be in attendance at school. Semester One reports will be live on Friday July 16 (Week 1, Term 3).Parent Teacher Interviews to discuss student achievements will now occur on Friday July 23 (Week 2,Term 3).This will be a pupil free day. Bookings for interviews will be available on Compass closer to the time of the interviews. These will be conducted by phone given the uncertainty of what our return to school organisational arrangements will look like (as set out by the Department of Education). Students are encouraged to engage in the interview, if possible, so they can share their learning and be part of the conversations regarding their learning and well-being.

Events

Our students commemorated ANZAC Day with a stirring assembly led by our students.

WAKAKIRRI rehearsals are already underway with 90 students and their families committing to this event at the Clock Tower in Moonee Ponds, early Term 3. Fingers crossed given the current circumstances.

Students have participated in a number of sporting events. These have included district and division cross country events. A shout-out to Holly Hume who achieved second place in the State Schools Swimming Championships. Congratulations Holly.

Within our community we have acknowledged Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week. We also acknowledged EID. Students from Truganina South were joined by kindergarten children from Arndell Park and YMCA. Together these students created lanterns to mark the occasion.

Truganina South Community Hub

Our Community Hub continues to grow and gather momentum as new programs are offered to families. Thank you to Khushi who is doing wonderful work as our community hub liaison officer.

Please read her section of the newsletter to learn more about the programs currently on offer. Khushi is always looking out for other programs and initiatives that could be run by our school (COVID safely).

Please enjoy the newsletter. The communities have been very productive engaging in their learning.

Yours in Education

Linda Danese (Principal)

Amethyst Community