Galilee Newsletter

Principal's Report

Dear Families,

Teaching is a profession that provides infinite opportunities for ongoing personal and professional development. As teachers plan for their classes, deliver their lesson, monitor student engagement, measure the impact of their teaching, and adjust their practice to optimise student learning, they become learners of their own teaching. To promote and support teachers to develop their expertise and professional practice, the appropriate cultures, processes and structures must be in place. It is these supports that intentionally, collaboratively and with accountability make teacher learning and development visible and effective. 

 

When teachers collaborate in the analysis of student outcomes, in the diagnosis of learning needs and in the planning of intervention strategies, professional learning choices naturally align with whole school improvement goals and address both individual and collective development needs. These are the key principles of effective professional learning. It should originate from student learning needs, build on teacher competencies, respond to teachers’ individual learning needs, and contribute to the achievement of collective improvement goals.  

 

Last Thursday and Friday, the Staff participated in professional development focussing on improving student outcomes in the area of grammar and punctuation within Writing.  Annie from Andrell Education introduced the staff to VCOP (Vocabulary, Connectives, Openers, Punctuation) and Big Write. Classroom teachers will begin to use these strategies in Writing sessions next term.

Coronavirus Update

We are receiving regular advice and updates on the Coronavirus from Catholic Education Melbourne (CEM) and Australian Government Health Department.

The Australian Government also updated travel restrictions. The extension to existing travel restrictions now applies to visitors from South Korea, Iran and mainland China. Visitors who are not Australian citizens or permanent residents, or their dependants, will not be allowed entry into Australia. If a family member has been to any of the following countries please monitor for symptoms and keep your child from school for 14 days.

The Australian Government considers the following countries to be at moderate risk for COVID-19:

  • Cambodia
  • Hong Kong
  • Indonesia
  • Japan
  • Singapore
  • Thailand

If you have recently travelled to these countries, monitor your health for 14 days after leaving that country and we recommend your child not attending school (for 14 days). If you develop a fever or cough, seek medical advice urgently and isolate yourself.

Catholic Education Melbourne has advised that those with symptoms such as a fever (temperature above 38°C), cough, sore throat or congestion, should not come to school, and stay home until symptoms have subsided for at least 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing or cough-suppressing medication).  Please ensure you seek medical advice and please do not send your child to school if they have any of these symptoms. Any child sent to school with the above symptoms may be sent home in accordance with the above advice.

 

I am also aware that there has been exposure to the virus at Albert Park Hotel on Saturday 7 March between 6:00-10:00pm. I strongly encourage anyone who was present at the venue on Saturday evening and is experiencing any of the above symptoms to:

-seek medical assistance 

-keep your child/ren home from school for the next 14 days and,

-contact the School Office immediately.

 

Please notify the school if you are currently keeping your child/ren home due to the above symptoms, and if you or anyone known to you has been diagnosed with Coronavirus by a GP.

 

Click on the link to view more information from the Australian Government Department of Health: https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert#if-you-are-at-risk

 

Ten ways to reduce your risk of coronavirus: (https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/victorian-public-coronavirus-disease-covid-19)

  • 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!

Thank you for following our advice and please contact the school if you have any concerns or questions.

 

Education at Galilee will continue and we will continue to take advice from relevant authorities.

Open Morning

There will be no Open Morning tomorrow.

Preps 2021

It has been an exciting week meeting with Prep 2021 siblings of some of our current students. They enjoyed telling us about themselves and all the activities they like to do.

We received a large amount of new enrolments following our Open Morning last week which was great to see. Thank you to the parents who volunteered their time to set up Morning Tea with Miss Carnovale.

Interviews for non-siblings will be held early next term.

Classroom Helper Course

The first Classroom Helper Course session was held this morning in the Hall. A reminder that there is another session next Thursday 19th March at 9am in the Hall.  If you have any questions about the course, please contact Danielle Gerecke dgerecke@gsm.vic.edu.au

Year 3 Reconciliation Reflection Day

Our Year 3 students will be participating in a Reconciliation Reflection Day on Monday 16 March. 

Year 5 Camp

Year 5 students are preparing themselves for their camp at Merricks next week, 17-20 March.  They will be involved in many outdoor activities including surfing.  Mrs Helen Rochecouste, Miss Dorothy Hall,  Mr Carlo Martello and Mr Jack Sandow will be attending the three night camp.

Working with Children Check

If you intend to assist in the classroom, attend excursions or sporting events at Galilee, it is essential that all volunteers have a current Working with Children Check.  

The Working with Children Check is a screening process for assessing or re-assessing people who work with or care for children in Victoria. 

You can apply for a Working with Children Check by obtaining an application form from any Australian Post centre or online at https://www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au/

Once you receive your card, please give a copy of your details to the Office for our records.