Changes to School Restrictions

Recent announcements across the state regarding COVID-19 Restriction lifts are beginning to impact school sites.

As I have mentioned on a number of occasions, our path is set for this year via past communications, and I do not intend changing our approach to forthcoming events at this late stage for many obvious reasons.

Please read carefully below, information that has changed for our school (I have picked out the main changes only), that may change the way you and your children approach school:

Incursions are now permitted ie DET approved, third party providers may come onto site;
DET, Regional and support services staff are now permitted to visit school sites, unrestricted;
Drink fountains can re-open;
Face masks must still be worn indoors unless an exemption applies;
State-wide orientation day - no limits on total number of student groups on site at each school, and groups can contain children from multiple schools. Groups should not mix. Peer support or "buddy" programs are permitted.
No longer have to reduce mixing between groups of students (no more "bubbles")
Schools must still implement actions to reduce congregation of adults around and in the school.
School tours are permitted for prospective families and students; and
It is also still required, that if you or your child present with cold or flu like symptoms, you are required to be COVID-19 tested.

End of Year Events

Our unusual school year, enduring a global pandemic, is not far from concluding.

We have a number of celebrations to enjoy, but unfortunately they must be undertaken respecting the restrictions we remain under.

Our classroom activities are being communicated via individual teams of staff.

Our Graduating Year 6 cohort are having their luncheon and formal presentation processes at school with families having the option to WebEx in.

Presentation evening will be a combination: beginning via WebEx with an introduction form myself; followed by a shared link of pre-recorded carols and award winners for the night.

I hope you all enjoy us making the best of difficult circumstances, but ensuring all students feel valued and respected.

Be kind and look after each other

Everyone has been affected, adversely, in some way by the events of this year.

Please continue to be kind to each other and particularly vigilant over the coming days, weeks and months.

I fear the short, mid and long term affects, to many in our community (and all others) and their mental health.

No-one is exempt and we need to be continually vigilant and supportive of each other, particularly our most vulnerable in our lives. Adults; children; teachers; school & kindergarten staff; relatives and neighbours, all deserve our collective best.

Negative and internally focused thoughts are unhelpful - please keep looking outwardly and positively to support anything we can salvage out of a far from ideal situation.

We can't just snap a finger and revert to how we were, sadly.

"Are you okay?" is not just a one week event - please keep asking!

Our children / students need more support than ever. We are noticing more challenging behaviours than usual at school, but we're up for the challenge and indeed, coming out of our first pandemic with a bright future.

Connect Ed 2021

I'm looking forward to supporting many families throughout Term One of 2021, with our Connect-Ed program.

The program is a crucial way of supporting parents & carers in supporting their early years learners and maximising their potential.

Please keep an eye out from today for further information and details for enrolling.

From 2022, I am making our parent program compulsory, for all parents to gain the benefits.

Capital Works

Please see later in our newsletter, an update video from Ben, our School Council President on the progress of our Capital Works Project.

I acknowledge the First People of the Wathaurong, who are the traditional custodians of the land and waters on which I work and live, and pay my respects to the Elders of the past, present and emerging.

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