Assistant Principal Report

 

Maramba  Vision

Providing a caring environment where aspirations are nurtured, positive relationships grow, success is celebrated and a passion for lifelong learning is ignited.

Nurture. Innovate. Celebrate.

 

Dear Students, Parents, Carers and  Families,

 

How are we feeling?

I begin this newsletter by firstly saying thank you to our amazing students, staff and families who have worked so hard over the last 9 weeks. I thank you for your support and dedication, and for the long hours that everyone has put in to ensure our students were supported, and will continue to be supported, through our transition back to a more “normal” school day.

 

We all know that things are not going to be as they were previously, and that it will be hard, to understand why children have to leave mum, dad or their carer at the gate. Last week our junior students had a smooth transition back to school and connected again with their friends and teachers.

 

Knowing that the senior students will be transitioning back to school next week, I am acutely aware of how many of them are feeling about returning to school. We look forward to having everyone return with a sense of gratitude for what we have, and an appreciation of what is important. 

 

However, I am also aware that there are a number of students and parents who may be feeling tentative about the return to school. While many students have been waiting for schools to reopen, to get back to face-to-face teaching and reconnecting with classmates, there is also a cohort of students that have thrived during remote learning. Home has provided for them a sanctuary while still being able to learn and connect with others, albeit via WebEx.

 

In preparing your child to return to school, here are a few strategies that you can use as part of the transition process:

 

Firstly, it is all about routine. Just like any start to a school year or term break we know that bedtimes over the online learning period may have been extended. But now is the time to get back to earlier bed time routines. While the remote learning program has been a modified version of what is normally delivered in the school setting; allowing for degrees of flexibility in completing school work on different family schedules, and at different paces, coming back and completing a 6 ½ hour day will be tiring for students. Teachers are aware that the return to school will mean a greater cognitive load on students which they will cater for by building up students’ learning stamina. Equally, they will also be focusing on their students’ wellbeing needs. However, ensuring students get enough sleep is also key to managing this transition as we return to school.

 

I know it may sound like a given, but make sure that the first day of school is not the first time your child will have left the house. Some children may have been perfectly content to stay at home during this period. If they have been reluctant to go out, build up with little walks around the neighbourhood. You may even want to do a dry run and walk to school. 

 

I know Mr Wallace is really promoting that any families who can walk to and from school, do walk to and from school. Remember, it is okay to park half way and walk!

 

Your child may have lots of questions as they begin the countdown to stepping back to school. Some of the teachers have already started fielding questions from students during Webex meetings. Some of these questions are tied up in not knowing what returning will look like. What will be different? What will be the same? It is natural to have questions about anything new. And while coming back to school is a return to normality, it will be a new normal with some new protocols in place. 

 

Encourage your child to talk to you about how they are feeling about school. Start the conversation by asking them what they are looking forward to? Are there any concerns they may have about going back to school? Mr Wallace has provided many logistical protocols in the last couple of Maramba School Updates on Konnective. 

 

Finally, do not be surprised if your child unexpectedly experiences feelings of anxiety or worry on the first day that you weren’t anticipating. Acknowledge any feelings, signs or symptoms that they may share with you. Our feelings are our own and therefore are real for us. So, ensure your child knows you are listening to what they have to say and that you understand what they are telling you.

 

Do not hesitate to get in contact with your child’s teacher or myself if there are any concerns about your child transitioning back to school.  As always, working together to provide a strong, home-school partnership, may help ease some of their concerns and help them feel it will be OK.

 

We look forward to seeing our senior students next week. 

 

 

Kind Regards,

Diane Morwood

Assistant Principal