From the Principal

End of Term

It is that time of year again where, ordinarily, students would interrupt their daily routine and spend a bit more time at home to relax and rejuvenate. Of course, for many students, those routines might look startlingly similar. 

This ritual we build up over time with school and school holidays plays an important role in students' lives. To craft an analogy, the break puts a full stop on a sentence and allows the reader a little time to breathe, to look ahead and see what's coming up. When we pause at a full stop we start to prepare our mouth to read the next word, to anticipate what's ahead and make connections back to what we have been doing. 

For student learning and personal development, these moments force adults to give children space to rest and expand. Their brains are able to sift through all the new information and experiences and make the connections that cause learning to 'stick'. Our brains dispose of the unnecessary and consolidate the essential, whether that be in mathematics or friendships. 

So how do we allow these processes to happen when students have been at home, with their family, for almost the entire term? 

Like all good teachers, I choose to ask annoying questions without having a ready solution for you. 

However you approach things though, we encourage all students to break up their current routines. Certainly aim to reduce total screen time, but other things like where children sit at home, what they do when they get up in the morning and how they entertain themselves should be given some consideration. I understand that for many parents, your routine won't be changing during this time, which makes the idea of mixing things up even more troublesome. 

So over the next couple of days, think about how this might be possible. Whatever announcements we receive, I'm sure the changes will be minor, so your options are limited, but during the school holidays aim for a day that looks and feels a bit different. We know that if the kids are left to manage this themselves they will probably just replace videos of Mr Wright with videos on Netflix, so it will need a little creative thought to improve on this. It is possible to still try and achieve some of the benefits of the holiday break and it is absolutely worth trying to do this. 

School Grounds

During these periods of lockdown there seem to be ever-increasing numbers of people moving through the schoolgrounds after hours. We expect that this will mean even greater numbers of people around during the holiday break. 

While most people are using the schoolgrounds as a convenient place to exercise, break up the day and get outside, there are frequently large groups of people using schools as a place to gather and stay out of sight. We are seeing increasing amounts of damage to school property, consumption of alcohol and dangerous behaviour. 

If you see, hear or know of people on the schoolgrounds after dark or behaving in a way that may cause damage to people or property, we ask that you notify the Police. 

If you have older children who may be part of these groups, please ensure they understand the importance of staying out of trouble and respect the school property. Government schools are private, not public property, so it is by School Council choice that the grounds are open and accessible to the community on weekends and after hours. It would be a shame if the actions of a few, forced us to restrict access and travel through the school. 

Call 131 444 to report non-urgent crimes to the Police. 

Student Vaccinations

From the Department of Education and Training: 

As part of the COVID-19 vaccination roll-out, from Monday 13 September, all Victorians aged 12 and older are eligible to book and receive a COVID-19 vaccine at a state vaccination centre, a Commonwealth vaccination centre, or through a GP clinic, pharmacy or community health service.

Vaccination bookings for students should be made by visiting the following address: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccine

Vaccination is not mandatory but is strongly encouraged. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect our school community from further outbreaks and the spread of COVID-19.

The Victorian Government’s aim is to provide an opportunity for all children aged 12 years and older to receive at least one vaccine dose by the end of the school year.

Thank You

And finally, a thank you to parents, teachers and students once more for your efforts and adaptability throughout this term. 

I know that there is very little that feels 'positive' about this process but your care and support for your children is making a huge difference. 

Thank you to the teachers for their dedication. They do so much in the background, making each day's lessons possible and meaningful. 

Thank you to the school support staff, those who are onsite providing supervision, checking in daily with some of our most vulnerable children and those keeping the office up and running without fuss or fanfare. 

Everybody continues to show patience, care and commitment beyond expectations. 

Rest up. Whatever that looks like. 

Sincerely

Ken Chatterton