From the 

Assistant 

Principal

Catchup Friday

Tomorrow is Catchup Friday, this has been developed as a result of what we have seen in our Family Check-In surveys. What we found was that while many families where getting through the specialist sessions, there are many that are feeling that they do not have the time. This is completely fine, our message has always been do what you can, when you can. However, we have also noticed that our families are getting quite tired. As a result we have decided to bring in ‘Catch Up Friday’ for Week 6. This is a day to focus on the wellbeing of our children, to spend some time being active and engaging in the specialist program if we have the time. Alternatively, it is a time to spend some time with your children and not worry about work for a day. This is a day for you and your family, and for you to use in the way that you think will have the most positive impact for you own wellbeing.

 

There will be no work posted tomorrow from the classroom teachers, and there will be no online chats or virtual sessions. The teachers will also not be posting feedback tomorrow at all, as this is a chance for you to either fully engage in the specialist program or to take a break from some of the devices.

What do we want to keep?

There have been so many things that we have done differently over this last term, and while it has been an enormous challenge for everyone there have been some huge successes too. We do not wish to lose those successes and we do not want to let the opportunities that we have explored over this time pass us by. One of the most important things for us here at South Melbourne Park Primary School is that we hear from you. We want to know what has worked for you, and what you would like to see us incorporate into our normal program in the future.

 

This is a very short and open survey, it is a simply the opportunity for your to express your thoughts. We do read all feedback and we do act on it, so anything that is submitted will be looked at by our leadership team and will inform our planning.

 

Please find the survey here: SMPPS - What do we want to keep?

Weekly Check In Survey Summary

As a school we would just like to say a big thank you for all your positive support. We are so lucky to have such a supportive and understanding community and it has been fantastic to receive all your feedback throughout this journey. Please find our summary of the surveys so far here: SMPPS Family Check In Summary.

 

You can also find our previous write ups of the survey results below:

Parental Supports and Returning to School

I am always trying to share any resources or supports that you might find useful as a parent. One of our amazing parents has provided a parenting program that you might be interested in. The Mama You’ve Got This (mamayouvegotthis.com.au) program is designed to support, guide and empower parents on their journey. Focussing on the period from pregnancy to toddlerhood, Mama You’ve Got This runs Masterclasses taught by 13 top health and wellness professionals, free mother’s groups open to mums of little ones at every stage and has free resources, like Live Q&A with the Experts (on Instagram Live). There are articles, top tip videos and downloadable resources also available on the website.

 

I also want to take a moment to emphasize that it is normal if your child is anxious about returning to school. They may not want to return all together. In fact, you yourself may not want to return to on-site work if you have been working remotely. Once again we are about to go through a period of change as we adjust back to daily attendance, and this will be accompanied by a number of behaviours as your child gets used to the change. Be kind to yourself and accept that this is to be expected. There is a great write up on what you may experience by Dr. Tara Quinlivan that you can find here: Return to school. A trauma informed approach. I highly recommend taking the time to read the advice in this post if you are reluctance or refusal from your child about returning to school.

Loan Devices

We have had a large number of devices that have been loaned out to families over this period. We hope you found them useful!

 

With the Preps, Year 1 and Year 2 returning next week, we ask that they return the devices they have borrowed to the school office, so they are available for classroom use.

 

To avoid too many people in the office reception area, you will be contacted to arrange a suitable time for you to return your device.