School Operations

It’s been an interesting few day to say the least! I would like to thank our entire school community for their support and understanding through what can only be described as unprecedented times. I would like to acknowledge the efforts of my staff as they have had to balance their own personal circumstances while staying dedicated to our students. We have worked together as a team to cover staff absences and to provide “face to face” lessons for students who are attending.

School is operational and although there may be some disruption to regular lessons and to the activities that we are able to do, we aim to give students in attendance, a quality learning experience. We are working together using guidelines from the Department of Health to ensure our school is as safe as possible under the current guidelines. We have adhered to the guidelines and will continue to do so whist we remain operating under Level 3 restrictions.

Please contact our office should you require advice regarding your personal circumstances, so that information can be passed onto our Executive team. You may wish to arrange a phone appointment with either DP if you are concerned about your child's learning.

If you have any questions, our office staff will be able to answer many of these but as always, we encourage parents to discuss concerns or issues with myself.

Education Week

The upcoming Education Week assemblies have been cancelled and we will look to bring you some other online presentation next week to celebrate Public Schools. This year’s theme is “Lifelong Learners” and at 10am on Monday 26th July, there is an official online launch. I would encourage anyone who has the opportunity to watch and tune in to see inspirational stories from our students and hear from dignitaries and school leaders and see how the education system is developing lifelong learners from the first days in Early Childhood Centres through to post school pathways.

The link below will take you to the full program of events.

https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/education-week/about-education-week#Education0

Postponed Events

There have also been some sporting activities postponed including today's much anticipated Girls hockey game. Next week the Boys hockey, Tom Kemp Rugby League has also been postponed.

Year 10 Subject Interviews

The Year 10 subject interviews will proceed, and parents will be able to be included in the meetings using a speaker phone.

We do hope that we will be able to reschedule most events post Level 3 restrictions.

Parent Teacher Interviews

Most parent-teacher interviews went as planned using Zoom meetings or phone calls. Whilst this was less than ideal, I would like to thank parents for their patience and understanding, as for some staff this was the first time they hosted a ZOOM meeting. However, there were some parents however who were unable to get onto their meeting due to issues on our side and I would like to let parents know that they can request another interview by phone if required. Our teachers are available at any time throughout the year and I encourage parents to make contact at any time they would like an update on the progress.

I have included a link below from Beyond Blue that may help support parents to discuss the Coronavirus with their child. Take care of your families. I know that there would be many examples of personal hardship and if we can support you in any way we encourage you to contact our Student Support Officer who is able to link families to a range of resources. Contact the office who will be able to arrange an appointment with Gay Somerville in the Wellbeing Hub.

https://coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au/i-am-supporting-others/children-and-young-people/from-toddlers-to-teens-how-to-talk-about-the-coronavirus.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIj8P8q7n18QIVFh4rCh0UMAzWEAAYASAAEgIoWPD_BwE

SMARTS

with Mrs Alicia Chisholm