From Cressida
Welcoming new and returning staff
It was delightful to learn of the warm welcome given to Greg Mason who popped into music classes, and into a few meeting times to become acquainted with our children and the music program. Some classes needed to swap about to enable this to happen, and we thank the community for their flexibility around this.
Claire Robertson will return to the teaching team in Term 4. She will be with us on Mondays and Tuesdays and teach art to the children from the Lighthouse to the Sunroom with the amazing Deb Brinkworth staying on with the Kindergarten children and the Peppercorns.
Planning for Term 4
While we would usually be gearing up for a busy term with events like The Play, Valedictory, graduation parties and camps, we have had to curb our enthusiasm and consider what is the right way forward. Our children have had to manage an enormous amount of uncertainty this year. We know that it is easier to adjust to change when we understand what that change may bring.
To provide some certainty for our children around the events of Term 4, we have made the decision to ‘consciously uncouple’ the Arlington community from the Valedictory celebrations for our graduating Year 12 Diploma students. While the break from tradition is a sadness for us all, pinning our hopes on being a part of this special day, and potentially having these hopes dissipate did not seem just. While the Play, Doo Dah, and camps will not be planned for, there are two traditions which simply must go ahead.
The community will celebrate, in whatever way we can, the graduation of our wonderful Biggies in the 11s. It was even suggested that a green iced cake, like we used to have at all school celebrations in the 70s and 80s, could make a return. A welcome return? I’m not willing to say, but I may have made the suggestion.
The other tradition that must be honoured is the painting of the stage curtain by the Biggies in the 10s & 11s. This is done every 2 years so that each child in that class has the opportunity to be a part of this event. The ideas and workarounds that have already been suggested, if the children are to contribute from their home, have been extraordinary, and a sign of our resilience and love for these traditions.
On Campus or Remaining Remote
We are aware of several families who have elected to remain learning remotely across Term 4. If you have made the decision not to return to onsite learning, please let us know by emailing me, or your child’s class teachers. Our staff will ensure that continued frequent contact will be in place, and some Zoom times will be scheduled for families. Additionally, Seesaw and Storypark will be a source of information and a way to support children to feel included with the learning that is taking place onsite.
Transition for Year 6
We had a plan. Now we have a Zoom plan. There will be a handful of Zoom events held across Term 4 for the Year 7, 2021 students to meet their new teachers and each other. Transition Day is set down for November 18, and we are all hopeful that this can go ahead. A letter with further details will follow shortly.
Happy Holidays
Finally I want to wish everyone a happy Zoom free break for the next two weeks. With spring well and truly springing, I hope you all find a quiet patch of sunshine, maybe even a sandpit to bury your feet in, and bask.
Cressida Batterham-Wilson
Acting Head of Arlington Campus