From the Principal's Desk
Covid-19 Update
The latest advice we have received from the NSW Government is that Public Schools will remain open. Molong Central School will continue to deliver a quality learning environment for your child and I encourage you to continue to send your child(ren) to school, unless of course your child is unwell.
I understand some parents have made the decision to keep their child(ren) at home, I also appreciate that you have not made this decision lightly and that this may be a difficult time for all family members.
The Department of Education have released general resources designed to meet the education outcomes of the relevant year groups, that can be accessed for families who have chosen to self-isolate. Please use the following link
https://education.nsw.gov.au/teaching-and-learning/curriculum/learning-from-home
Our executive are in the process of preparing guidelines, should a school closure be directed from the Department of Education. If this occurs we have considered many scenarios, including catering for students who do not have technology or internet. We will survey families to determine what method of distribution will be used in terms of learning materials and resources depending on each individual circumstance.
Molong Central teachers are very familiar with online learning and most of our students in Years 5-12 are comfortable using Google Classroom an online teaching and learning platform. We also subscribe to a wide variety of many online learning programs. Staff are working on ensuring we provide families easy to follow instructions to access these programs should we face a school closure. We will also provide hard copies should parents be unable to access the internet.
Molong Central School will continue to practice good hygiene practices and the Department of Education has developed enhanced cleaning measures, which were communicated to our cleaning staff this afternoon. Our school community has been fantastic during this difficult time. Cleaners, administration and support staff, teachers, canteen staff and our general assistants have all pulled together to ensure all can be done to combat the virus.
I am confident that with the support of parents, we will keep anxiety levels of students low and maximise the learning opportunities available to our students. I have included some advice, provided from our Senior Psychologist, Clair Gosling, to help you discuss the situation with your children, which should help alleviate anxiety. Teachers have been given the same advice so this will help the students receive consistent messages both at home and at school.
Thank you for working with us thorough this unprecedented time in our history and remember no question is too silly around this issue, so please contact us should you require further information or reassurance at this challenging time. This is a time for cooperation, kindness and compassion and I know our community has these qualities in abundance.
Mrs Michelle Barrett, Principal
Material collated with thanks by Claire Gosling, Senior Psychologist Education 17th March 2020
Supporting Students
Students will be affected to varying degrees and in different ways during this time, as there continues to be increasing numbers of COVID-19. How they are affected will depend on their personal, emotional and social ties, along with their own resilience, emotional health and available support networks. They will also be affected by the community responses and media reports. Given the widespread nature of COVID-19, it is important that all those who feel affected can access appropriate support.
Please find useful links below on the Covid -19 virus, including the the link from the Australian Psychological Society on “Tips for coping with coronavirus anxiety”. These fact sheets provide relevant information that can be used to support all students. During times like this it is normal for students to be curious and ask questions without it stemming from anxiety. I would like to draw you attention to the section on tips for talking to children (see below) about the COVID-19, as it may be useful when supporting students.
Answer their questions
Do not be afraid to talk about the Coronavirus with children.
Given the extensive media coverage and the increasing number of people wearing face masks in public, it is not surprising that some children are already aware of the virus.
Providing opportunities to answer their questions in an honest and age-appropriate way, can help reduce any anxiety they may be experiencing. You can do this by:
• speaking to them about Coronavirus in a calm manner
• asking them what they already know about the virus so you can clarify any misunderstandings they may have
• letting them know that it is normal to experience some anxiety when new and stressful situations arise
• giving them a sense of control by explaining what they can do to stay sage (e.g., wash their hands regularly, stay away from people who are coughing or sneezing)
• not overwhelming them with unnecessary information (e.g., death rates) as this can increase their anxiety
• reassure them that Coronavius is less common and severe in children compared to adults
• allowing regular contact (e.g., by phone) with people they may worry about, such as grandparents, to reassure them that they are okay.
Key messages when discussing with students:
• Ask open questions and listen
• Acknowledge feelings
• Be honest, keep up-to-date with facts - (deliver information at age appropriate level) https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/school-safety/novel-coronavirus.html
• Discuss ways to protect themselves and others: Wash hands; Sneeze into elbow; stay home if you are unwell.
• Keep to routine as much as possible, when this is not possible develop new routines and talk through with students
• Limit media exposure
• Identify support networks for students
Below are support numbers for students
Potential anonymous, confidential and free sources of support:
• Kids Helpline (1800 551800 or www.kidshelp.com.au)
• Lifeline (131114 or www.lifeline.org.au)
• Headspace (1800 650 890 or www.headspace.org.au)
• The State Mental Health Telephone Access Line (1800 011 511) which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is staffed by clinicians who can provide advice, make referrals and link callers to the mental health service in their Local Health District.
Headspace has information on their website for young people affected by stress related to Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
https://headspace.org.au/young-people/how-to-cope-with-stress-related-to-covid-19/
Mr Linde - Moving on after 16 years
After 16 Years at Molong Central School Mr Linde has decided to take up an opportunity to further his teaching career in Orange. His final day will be the end of Term 1 on the 9th of April. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Linde for the input he has had into our school and wish him all the best in the future.
NAPLAN Online
Molong Central School is currently preparing to participate in NAPLAN Online. The first step will involve students participating in a practice test on the 23rd March. NAPLAN Online test window occurs between the 12th and the 22nd May. The following link provides a snapshot of when and what year will be tested.
https://nap.edu.au/docs/default-source/default-document-library/naplan-test-timeline.pdf.
NAPLAN also provides information for parents and carers. The link below will take you to this information.
IF you have any concerns, or would like to discuss NAPLAN with a teacher, Mrs Honeyman in the Primary and Mrs Griffith in the Secondary will be able to assist you.