Principal News

Dear Members of the St Raphael’s school community,

As we enter the fifth week of remote online home learning I would like to thank you for your ongoing support and assistance with your children’s learning. I can appreciate at times that it is difficult and extremely frustrating to juggle your work and personal commitments whilst supporting your children with their learning.

Whilst we understand the frustration that this can cause during this second lockdown, our staff are meeting online regularly to discuss how we can modify, adapt, support and nurture this learning experience for you and your children. We know that some of the children are starting to feel a sense of disengagement with the ongoing reality that this situation will continue for some time. This is where we need your support in ensuring that the children are online at the designated times and ready to learn each day. Our teachers and support staff are working tirelessly to offer your child the best possible experience during this lockdown period. 

As parents, if we throw our hands in the air and say to our child that 'this is all too hard' then what are we teaching them? If your child refuses to ‘attend’ online school regularly then they will not only be missing out on valuable learning experiences and connecting with their peers but they will also be marked absent from the school roll and this data is submitted to the Victorian Government’s Department of Education and Training (DEET). DEET has some strict protocols and procedures around ‘Every Day Counts’ and will take the appropriate action directly with parents for any ongoing unexplained absences. 

Of course, please exercise common sense and email your child’s teacher if your child is not coping with the required tasks and workload. We are all here to support each other.

As a parent, the best support you can offer your children and their teachers is to make sure that your children understand that this will not go on forever and that whilst we are required to learn from home that they must be online and ready to learn every day. Remember to remain positive with your children and assure them that it is your expectation that they attend school each day.

Last week I sent out via Skoolbag a parenting resource handbook by Melbourne-based child psychologist, Deidre Bradner. Deirdre is an experienced psychologist with a teaching background who has extensive experience supporting children, adolescents, and their families. She has a specific interest in anxiety and behavioural disorders in children. Deidre's Remote Learning for Parents handbook offers practical advice for parents on how to cope with the pressures of remote learning as well as tips and strategies for parents on how to work with your child to ensure they remain positive and connected with their learning. There are also some fantastic links and resources provided at the back of this handbook.

The Remote Learning for Parents Handbook can be downloaded here: 

For more information on Deidre please visit: https://www.deirdrebrandner.com.au/

Finally, I understand that you are trying to provide for your families and many of you are in the important phase of your professional careers as you balance work commitments whilst possibly aspiring to further professional opportunities. 

On the fridge at home, I have an old photo of when our two boys were little. It really does feel like yesterday when they were your children's age, attending St Raphael's Primary and so dependent on us as parents. Life goes so fast! 

I urge you to take some time out and to be present with your children every day. Whilst work is important, never forget that your children are more important and they will grow up so quickly. Before you know it, they will be teenagers and then independent adults. 

Right now, think of this unprecedented time in your children’s life as being a 'special gift' for you all and take the opportunity to be with them each day. Trust me, it will have such a positive influence on your relationship with them into adulthood and a significant impact on their future. 

I get such joy over the last few weeks hearing the laughter of children in my neighbourhood playing in their backyards with their mums and dads throughout the school day. I have no doubt that when this is all over our children of today will be more resilient and will never forget the amazing bonds they forged with their parents during this time. 

A message from Archbishop Peter Comensoli

Melbourne Archbishop Peter Comensoili has circulated this short video for all parents of children in Catholic schools during this remote online home learning period. I ask you to take a moment to watch the video and to hear Archbishop Peter’s words of encouragement and support for all parents during this challenging time.

A Prayer During COVID-19 (Anonymous)

May we, who are experiencing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia and in our small world, and are coming to terms with the new reality, remember the words of Scripture: “Be still and know that I God”.

May we, who as adults struggling to process what is happening in our world, remember children who are fearful of a reality they cannot comprehend.

May we, who complain about the scarcity of commodities, remember those who are working to maintain the supply chain.

May we, who observe the long queues of those seeking support, remember those for whom there is no government assistance or financial aid.

May we, who work to end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity, remember those living and working in vulnerable communities.

May we, who are working from home, remember those who have no employment or home from which to work.

May we, who have access to medical facilities and services, remember those do not have basic health care.

May we, who are beginning to experience border closures, remember refugees who cannot return home.

May we give thanks for those who are working to help or bring some kindness, joy or humour to others, showing us that the light of  Christ shines.

During this time of isolation, as we close our doors, may we continue to keep our hearts open to our families, friends, local and global communities.

We asked this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Personal Passion Projects (PPP)

As a staff, we have been delighted with the quality of the Personal Passion Projects (PPP) that have been created, submitted and shared by the children. These projects have shown the creativity, skills and deep learning of the children throughout the school. Congratulations to all of the children on this work to date and keep up the great work!

Foundation Children's 100 Days at School

A big congratulations to our Foundation children who celebrated their 100 days at school with a party last Thursday. It has been an extremely unusual and difficult time for the children in Foundation this year however you would not have known after attending the online Zoom party last week! They were so full of enthusiasm and it was wonderful to see them all looking so happy and connected.

Foundation 2021 Induction Night

A reminder to the parents of our Foundation 2021 children that we will be holding the 2021 Foundation Parent Induction Night on Thursday 3rd September at 5pm. The meeting will be recorded for any parents who are unable to attend the online Zoom meeting. Details will be sent out in the coming days along with a parent consent form that will need to be completed authorising consent for the meeting to be recorded.

School Fees

We are currently working with our accountant and the Finance team at Catholic Education Melbourne in ways that we can support each family with school fees. If you are experiencing financial hardship then I encourage you to email me damianh@srprestonwest.catholic.edu.au to discuss possible support and repayment options.

We are also looking at all 2020 levies for excursions/ incursion, camps and the possible cancellation of the Aquatic Education program later in the year. These amounts are still being finalised but will be deducted from your 2020 school fees/ levies. 

If you have already paid your 2020 fees and levies then there will be two options:

1. Reimburse parents the full amount of excursions/ incursion, camps and Aquatic Education program for 2020.
2. Issue a credit which will be deducted from your child's 2021 school fees and levies.

We will be in touch in the coming weeks with further details.

The State of Victoria

Finally, a light-hearted look at our current situation!

Please stay well and safe. We will get through this together if we listen to the advice of the experts, do the right thing, adhere to restrictions and look after each other.

Kind regards,

Damian