Dale

Principal

PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

It is a unique time we all find ourselves in and the only certain thing we have at the moment is uncertainty.  We are dealing with something that we have never seen before and the situation is constantly changing. Much of the information in relation to COVID-19 will continue to be relayed through Compass. The Department of Education is providing regular updates and directions to schools, as the situation evolves each day. Of course, our priority is to maintain a safe, supportive and engaging learning environment for everyone at Menzies whether it be a student, teacher, integration aide or visiting teacher.  We are here to support our Menzies Creek community.

As the situation grows seemingly worse, the hysteria surrounding this outbreak can cause anxiety and angst to people everywhere, especially parents. Although children are considered to be in a lower risk category, this does not protect them from being exposed to news reports on television, radio or social media.  It is important to reassure your child, dispel any myths or untruths, and help them feel informed, allowing them to focus more on positive messages. It is important to remain calm, maintain routine, and let them know that we (home and school) are doing everything to keep them safe. Encourage the children to continue the hygiene routines they practice at school, including washing their hands, and coughing or sneezing into their elbows. 

Access to Information

For Victorian schools and their community members, the Department’s COVID-19 website is the single authoritative source of advice and information.

Student Absences

Again, the advice of the Chief Health Officer remains at present that our school should stay open, except in the case of a confirmed case of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). If parents make the decision to keep their child/ren at home, our school will record this as a ‘Code 807 – Parent Choice School Approved’. Please include the word 'COVID-19' in the absence comments.

Student Learning

Our dedicated staff are preparing for our students to be able to continue their learning here at school and remotely for those students remaining at home.  Different levels will have different expectations.  Our students in Years 3-6 will be utilising Google Classroom and our students in F- 2 will be having work allocated through Compass.  We will be having a planning week next week and staff will further develop activities for home learning.

Please be patient as this is new for all of us.  Teachers will be communicating with students and I encourage you to do the same if you are having any concerns.  Having realistic expectations and finding balance will be vital.  We will try and provide a structure and routine for students as best we can to help everyone through this.  If you need any support don’t hesitate to ask.

There will be an online learning portal available from the Department that will have resources as well.  I will communicate this when available.

Year 6 Badge Presentation

Regrettably we have postponed a number of planned events that our students, teachers and community were looking forward to.  One event that is special for our Year 6 students is their badge presentation.  This will go ahead next Friday on the last day of term where Tanya Cooke will present the badges as requested by the students.  This event will be for the 5/6 students and families only.

Welcome to Menzies….

Next term we welcome Penny Isaac to Menzies Creek.  She will be teaching 3/4C, taking over from Christy Dux.  Penny will be involved in planning next week and is not new to the school as she has been a regular relief teacher.  Congratulations Penny and welcome to Menzies.

Early next term I plan to announce the new teacher for 5/6T who will take over in early May from Tiahn.

Working Bee

If you have seen our school grounds this week I’m sure you have noticed how fantastic they look.  We had a group of dedicated students, staff and parents who worked tirelessly for a few hours last Saturday.  On behalf of the community I would to acknowledge the guidance and direction of Jonathan Neilson who planned the work with Matt Cody.  The following families who were able to assist on the day deserve an acknowledgement too.  Thanks to the Coxhead, Moulday, Cunico, Jurewicz, Petkoff, Aiello, Coviello, Poole, Litterbach, Thuys, Coysh and Neilson families.  The crew were looked after by Rick Abdilla who was on the BBQ. 

Take care,

Dale McInerney