VICE PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

Firstly, we want to thank our wonderful East families for their support over the past week. You were thrust back into remote learning with little notice and have done an amazing job of supporting our students at home all week.

There is no question that we are in unique times. As this period of remote and flexible learning continues, we want our families to know we are concerned not only about education during isolation but also the welfare of our families. While it has been made clear by the department that this should not be a period of lost learning, you can be assured, our number one priority is the wellbeing of our students and their families.   

The past week has no doubt been tough on most. Each and every one of our households are different with unique dynamics. It is for this reason, there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to remote and flexible learning. During this period, learning will look a little different in each household and in many households this learning will look a little different each day. Hopefully you have found a balance that works for you and your family.

A blog I was reading during the week articulated quite rightly, ‘miserable kids don’t learn and miserable parents don’t teach’. I imagine this would echo the thoughts of many. When learning in your house does get tough, and it undoubtedly will, here are a few tips that may help you get through. 

• Take a break – Schedule in breaks for you and your child to grab a snack or do some stretches.
• Contact your child’s teacher – If you or your child are unsure about anything at all, please get in touch. We are here to help and are only an email or phone call away. 
• Build in fun – Encourage your child to take some time to be creative. Draw, play with Lego or check out some of the great specialist activities that our teachers are placing on Facebook.
• Play a game – Take timeout to play a favourite game or even better, learn a new one. ‘Guess Who?’ has been big in our house this week. 
• Be flexible - If you or your child are having trouble with a task, move onto something else.
• Try again tomorrow – When it does get too much, pack up! Have another go later in the day or leave it until tomorrow. 

Finally, we want to thank our wonderful teachers and support staff for the power of work they are doing. While they were pre-emptively prepared for this kind of situation, like you, it was thrust upon them with minimal notice. They have juggled increasing demands, going above and beyond to make sure our students are getting the best possible learning opportunities during these times. 

Fingers crossed that all goes well, and we can return to onsite learning next week. Until then, take care, look after yourself and your family and do the best you can.