The Principal's Report
What do you want to know about school?
Do you have a burning question you want to ask about school, education or learning?
We had hoped to have live questions at our Whole School Information night but alas a glitch did not enable us to answer your questions.
We would like to give you the opportunity to ask your questions, this link will take you to a Google Form - My question is ...
We look forward to answering your questions in the coming weeks.
Do you want to know more about literacy?
As parents you are the first teachers of your children. When they start school we are the beneficiary of all of the work you have undertaken in five or more years teaching your child to walk, to speak, to dress and so many more things. In previous years I have shared this resource, hoping it would be of assistance to each of you with your children, working to build their literacy skills.
How to build your child's literacy skills from birth to Year 2
How to build your child's literacy skills from Years 3 to 6
School refusal
Have you ever had your child refuse to come to school? We all know the importance of school attendance, what can you do if your child refuses to go to school?
Sometimes children refuse to go to school. The child may be upset at school or the thought of going to school.
This can be many different reasons a child may refuse to come to school. These could include:
- bullying
- feeling lonely or not having friends
- falling behind in work
- they don’t like their learning, teachers or other students
- illness or mental health
- disability
- behaviour or development delays
- bad sleep habits
- learning at home and school are too different
- relationship breakdowns
- hobbies or family commitments
- cultural differences between home and school.
It can be normal for children to go through a stage where they refuse to go to school.
It’s important to find out why they don’t want to go to school. Speak to them about what’s happening. Then contact the school so that we can work together to find solutions. You can speak to your child’s teacher as a starting point, as we all work together to support your children in their education. If your child is experiencing difficulty please let us know so that we can assist.
Bowling Night
Thanks to Theresa for organizing a fun social and fundraising event to round off Term 1. Check the BPPS Community Notices page of this newsletter for details.
Thank you
Thank you to all of the parents and carers who have already volunteered to assist in classrooms.
We appreciate your patience when you log into Passtab at the office for the first time. Once your details are in you will have a quickpin that will make the process so much easier for you.
Last week we undertook our emergency evacuation drill, knowing who is on the school property will enable to ensure the safety of everyone.
Class Directories
Did you get the Sentral message about the Class Directories? Some messages have gone to junk mail, this seems to be a Sentral issue that we are currently following up.
If you did not see the message, then click on the appropriate link to add your contact details to the Class Directories for 2020. We will leave the directories open for one more week so that you can join.
Covid-19 update
Ten ways to reduce your risk of coronavirus:
- Wash hands often with soap and running water, for at least 20 seconds. Dry with paper towel or hand dryer.
- Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow.
- Isolate yourself at home if you feel sick. If you take medication ensure you have adequate supplies.
- Phone your GP first if you need medical attention. They will tell you what to do.
- Continue healthy habits: exercise, drink water, get plenty of sleep, and now is the time to quit smoking. Call the Quitline 137 848.
- Don't wear a face mask if you are well.
- Buy an alcohol-based hand sanitiser with over 60 per cent alcohol.
- Get the flu shot (available April).
- Shaking hands is optional!
Advice from: Victorian Public Covid-19 Advice
The Australian Government has updated existing travel restrictions to include visitors from Iran who are not Australian citizens or permanent residents. These restrictions were implemented from 1 March 2020.
The extension to existing travel restrictions for visitors from mainland China remains in place. Visitors from mainland China who are not Australian citizens or permanent residents, or their dependants will not be allowed entry into Australia.
These restrictions will be reviewed by 7 March 2020.
Parents/guardians/carers should ensure that any child returning from mainland China (not including Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan) from 1 February, and from Iran from 1 March, is isolated at home and should not attend school until 14 days after they were last in mainland China or Iran.
If this occurs the school will provide a learning program for your child so that their education can continue.
Susanne Lowe
Principal