From the Principal's desk
Dear Families,
We are certainly navigating difficult times at the moment. Please remember that as a school community we are here to support each other. Some days will be easier than others. If you are having a difficult day please contact your child’s class teacher to make them aware of this. The learning program the school provides is to provide direction but we are aware that parents are also busy working from home. Our staff are more than happy to work with families to support you.
The mental health and wellbeing of each member of our community is our priority at the moment. The Murdoch Children’s Research Institute have created podcasts to support parents during this challenging time.
PARENT WELLBEING
As parents you need to look after yourself while you are working from home. I have attached some ideas to support you in this space from AccessEAP -
- Give yourself permission to not do everything – as parents; we are human. It's ok to make mistakes and change your mind.
- Remind yourself - you are not a teacher, and that's ok. You have your own skills, so there is no need to judge yourself or compare yourself to other parents.
- Be encouraging and ask for help from the teacher. Use online tools and support groups with other parents.
- Have a structure and routine as this provides stability and a sense of control.
- Be a role model, if you get upset or angry, simply apologise and show it's ok to be emotional and to apologise if you make a mistake.
- Encourage your children to come up with solutions and ideas. You can help foster their independence and resilience.
- Make to-do lists, involve the family and tick off items. It helps everyone to feel and see achievements or goals being kicked.
- Social isolation may be out of your control but having fun and laughing is very important. It's also great for the self-care and wellbeing of you and your family. Both children and parents will miss their friends, so it's important as a family to focus on fun and play.
STUDENT ATTENDANCE AT SCHOOL DURING STAGE 4
As families, I ask that you seriously consider if you need to send your children to school during our Stage 4 lockdown for supervision.
This lockdown is not the same as last time.
Both parents must provide a letter from their employer stating that they are a ‘permitted’ worker before students can attend school.
As Principal, I not only need to consider the education of each of our students but also the health of each of my staff members. Our teachers and support staff have clearly shown that they have the capacity to support student learning from their home.
Telehealth Psychology Sessions for Students
The Victorian Government has announced that they are doubling the amount of Medicare funded sessions that children can access.
Given the importance of maintaining good mental health during this challenging time, we are reaching out to all those families that need support. Families can continue to access bulk- billed telehealth psychology support during lockdown. (Please refer to the flyer in this newsletter for more information)
STAYING ENGAGED
Just a reminder to check out our Social Media sites (instagram and Facebook) to find out what is happening at Holy Family during this time of lockdown. We hope that these sites not only provide information but also bring laughter into your homes.
You can find us at -
- Instagram - holyfamilymw
- Facebook - Holy Family School Mount Waverley
LEARNING PACKS
Thank you to our staff for preparing ‘learning pack’s for the rest of Term 3.
I must say that I have been very impressed with the flexibility and professionalism of each of our staff members during this difficult time.
If you have not had the opportunity to collect your ‘learning pack’ please phone the office to organise a collection time.
SCHOOL FEES
I appreciate that this is a difficult time for many families financially. Please contact me if you are having trouble paying your school fees and we can work out a plan forward together.
The setting up of ‘remote’ learning and maintaining high hygiene practices has not come without a cost.
Access to Onsite Childcare/Kindergarten Permit