From the Director of Primary

Wherever we turn we are faced with news of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID – 19) through constant updates on television, the radio and social media.  Without question, these are “unprecedented” times.  

I have been absolutely amazed by the resilience displayed by our students when faced with the need to implement the recommendations of the health authorities –good hygiene procedures, increased cleaning regimes and attention to social interaction and proximity wherever practical and feasible.

Furthermore, the anxiety that comes from having so many activities taken from them not just at school – excursions, upcoming camps, assemblies but on the home front - sport, dancing, drama – the list is long.  Collectively, we are all feeling incredibly anxious about what is unfolding before us.

On this front, I would like to acknowledge the tremendous work untaken by our teachers and teacher assistants in the event of school closures.  If placed in this position, our collective goal is to maintain students’ connection to learning by providing quality learning opportunities underpinned by current teaching planning through our online learning platforms, Story Park (Kinder) and SEQTA (Prep to Year 6).  Details regarding online learning opportunities will be communicated via EdSmart at the appropriate time.   In the meantime, we will continue to teach and provide rich learning opportunities for the students.

The wellbeing of our students and staff is a priority.  It is important that we encourage healthy, positive and respectful conversations both at school, via social media and on school buses.  Furthermore, making sure that we are able to regularly engage in mediation and contemplation (our students are very familiar with Smiling Minds) is so important as are moments where we able to express our gratitude for the things we have and to engage in acts of kindness. 

On this note, I would like to thank the staff for their commitment to the students’ learning and welfare and the support that our community is providing one another.

Learning Conferences

As communicated last week, the learning Conferences have been postponed.  If parents and carers would like to make contact with relevant teachers, please contact the College office or email them directly. 

NAPLAN 2020

NAPLAN assessments have been cancelled for the Year 3, 5, 7 and 9 cohorts due to the widespread disruption to school caused by the Coronavirus pandemic.

Caroline Wilson-Haffenden

Director of Primary