Principal's Report

From Christian's desk....

Remote Learning Program

This week our remote learning program has been in full swing. Once again I would like to acknowledge the positive mindset of our community as we take on this challenging change.  Well done to our parents and carers who have juggled their daily lives to support their children through their learning. It is clear the ‘success rate’ of students engaging in their learning has been influenced by the diligence of our parents and carers. Credit also to our students for their resilience and willingness to engage in learning.

Similar to last week I would like to publicly acknowledge my admiration of the phenomenal work of our staff.  As I’m sure you’d all agree our staff have been simply exceptional during this period. The feedback we have received on our Home Learning Website has been overwhelmingly positive. The team of staff who have driven its creation have worked tirelessly to ensure it is functional on an ongoing basis. Moreover, thank you and well done to the staff who have been populating the site with authentic learning content, including structured lessons and videos of practice.  Most of all, this week our staff have enjoyed engaging with children live. This has included whole class and small group Google Meets and one-on-one Facetime and telephone calls. On top of all of that, staff have continued to engage in professional learning, attend to emails, assess student work and plan for future learning. I commend them on the growth they have shown in their digital technology skills and capabilities; modelling growth mindset. Thank you also to those staff who have been on-site. This includes teachers, Administration and Education Support staff.  Your work has been vital in ensuring the school continues to function effectively, so the small number of students who are unable to be cared for at home are supported.  To repeat, simply exceptional!

Highlights of my week have been jumping in as a surprise special guest on some Google Meets and taking the children attending school on daily walks through Yarrunga.

Facilities Update

To support school security the school has installed a further five security cameras that will assist in monitoring the school during quieter periods. We have also engaged a company to complete fencing work and upgrades to our northern gates.

ANZAC Ceremonies

Tomorrow, via the Home Learning Website and over the weekend I encourage families to take the time to reflect on the ANZACs.  I find the evolution of the ANZAC story fascinating. War can be a difficult theme to discuss with children, however the fallout has parallels to the world we are currently experiencing. This weekend may be a great opportunity to sit down as a family to consider ‘three things you are thankful for’.

In last week's Newsletter, Wellbeing Officer Julie Reid compiled a list of things her family are grateful for, many of them are sentiments we can all share and each family will have special ones of their own to add.  

School Crossings

If you are essentially out around school drop-off and pick-up times, you may have noticed that school crossings are still being supervised, despite there being few children actually attending schools. Maroondah Council made the decision to keep their crossing supervisors employed as a reminder to the general community about school safety and in acknowledgement of the great work 'the lollypop brigade' do. If you are driving near schools at these times, please be mindful of speed limits and perhaps a small "hooray honk" to say thanks.

Stay safe and healthy!

Christian Holdsworth  -  Principal