Principal's Report
July 2020
We are experiencing a time in our lives of unprecedented challenges, anxieties and pressures most of which are beyond our control. The impact of COVID 19 on our lives and our families is immeasurable. This time last year we would never have imagined that 2020 would be a year with so many challenges, most of which are beyond our control and our comprehension.
At times, this pandemic has made it difficult for people to look beyond their immediate needs. We should be asking how do we show the care and kindness we need in our community right now. An essential quality of our humanity is this connection to others outside of our own sphere can be found in our values and mission.
Remote and Flexible Learning 2.0
As a school community we feel better prepared for Remote and Flexible Learning 2.0. Our students are unbelievable as they master the many aspects of Remote and Flexible Learning, regardless of their age. Each week the staff marvel at their development and achievements. Newsletters this term will highlight our online learning activities and special events.
Online Parent Teacher Interviews
Congratulations to all staff and parents for attending our first online Parent teacher Interviews. The feedback from everyone has been extremely positive and supportive. Interviews were conducted anywhere and in any place. The staff also stated that they were more inclusive as many more parents were able to be involved.
Australasian Problem Solving Mathematical Olympiads
Last Wednesday of 30 our Year 5 and Year 6 students completed the 4th contest in the Australasian Problem Solving Mathematical Olympiads.
Without question, this has been the most unusual year for this national competition. In previous years, the APSMO group of young mathematicians would sit quietly in a classroom at school, with their teachers and peers in the room, less than 1 metre apart, watching the 30 minute timer tick down until the hour was up and it was time to submit their answers. 2020 has been a very different scenario. To say that this group of students has been flexible in the way they have adapted to the changing arrangements for this competition would be an understatement!
The first trial test was conducted at school in the last week of Term 1. The second test was administered at home under parent supervision during Remote Learning in Term 2, with questions emailed to parents and then photos of answers emailed back to the school for correction. The third test was completed in school at the end of Remote Learning 2.0, but this week, it was a very different situation altogether.
We were able to engage all our new IT skills and knowledge to set the fourth test in a whole new way! Mrs Appel and Mr Plowright invited the APSMO group members to join a Teams meeting and explained that they would be completing the test online under teacher supervision.
The students accessed the papers via the Content Library of their OneNote class notebook and diligently worked their way through the problems before uploading their answer sheets into their personal sections of the notebook at the end of the hour. The children completed the tests independently, to the best of their ability, and should be extremely proud of their efforts. Congratulations to all involved - what a resilient and capable bunch you are! The wonders of technology!
Remote Learning Extended
In an effort to further assist and support our families from Prep to Year 2 additional prepared sheets have been mailed to all families. This pack includes planned work for Weeks 6-9. Please put these packs somewhere safe and the teachers will let you know which activity sheets relate to the activities in our weekly planner.
I would like to sincerely thank our class teachers and our Education Support Staff for organising this on our Student Free Day. Our photocopiers were in meltdown!
Year 2 Virtual Learning Experience Melbourne Museum -School Yard Bugs
Our first virtual Learning Incursion will occur in the next two weeks. Year 2 students will attend a virtual learning program incursion, run by the Museum of Victoria, titled ‘School Yard Bugs’. This will enhance their current unit of inquiry, Sharing the Planet.
From The Students To Their Classroom Teachers –A Virtual “Thank you”
On Thursday 5 August many teachers shed a tear of amazement when they opened their virtual classroom and were greeted with a variety of “Thank you” messages from their class.
Eva sent her message to Mr Stanbrook from Port Douglas.
On behalf of all staff a BIG thank you to Kristy Hamshare ( Parents and Friends ) for organising and coordinating this mammoth special event.
Murdoch Children’s Research Institute
Last Wednesday 8 staff members from our Be You team participated in professional development organised by the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute. The aim of this event was how the Murdoch Foundation could support schools with promoting mental health in schools. It also provided the opportunity to work in focus groups with other schools and setting, sharing ideas, resources and best practice.
Keeping Your Child Safe
If at anytime you have concerns related to your child’s safely online please visit this website - https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents
Sherril Duffy
Principal