Assistant Principal Report
Maramba Vision
Providing a caring environment where aspirations are nurtured, positive relationships grow, success is celebrated and a passion for lifelong learning is ignited.
Nurture. Innovate. Celebrate.
Dear Students, Parents, Carers and Families,
The thing that no one wanted to happen again is here COVID – 2.0. We got through it last time and we will again! One positive during our last set of home learning is that we learnt a lot together – how to navigate the technology, support the learning needs of our children in new ways and then develop our own strategies of how we do all of this while also managing the many other challenges that come along with the ‘different’ times we are living in.
In addition to this, I would like to sincerely thank you to all of you for the effort, time and love you put into our students. Staff are very aware of our good fortune to be working along families who are incredibly supportive, positive and adaptive.
Some important notes to consider:
- Trust your instincts
One of the key messages of which I would like to remind you, is that parents deeply know their children, and how they will respond in the environment within which your family is currently working. As a school, we will ensure that planning for Remote Learning is comprehensive, but want to reassure parents that you are in charge at home. Please feel very confident when making decisions with your child to manage Remote Learning, ensuring that neither you nor your child is feeling overwhelmed.
- Trust yourself and know that you, as parents, you have our full backing.
Whilst we try very hard in these circumstances to continue to provide quality learning for your students, the very last thing we want is to cause additional pressure to households potentially already dealing with significant stress. As with the last time, if your child/family needs a break from learning or needs an occasional rest day/ reward/ time in the sun, we are fully supportive and encourage you to use your initiative in this regard. We just ask that you contact your class teacher with a brief message via Class Dojo. This helps us to adapt how things are going for everyone and also reduces our worries.
- Remember you are in control.
As you no doubt learned last time, At Home Learning is very different to traditional learning or even previous experiences of helping your child with any homework. It is normal and to be expected that your child may be disengaged, emotional, distracted, or just 'a whole bunch of fun' at times. If you notice that your child is really struggling with a task, we encourage you and your child to take a breather and try to tackle it at a later stage.
- Let us know if there are problems
It is vital that you contact your child’s class teacher, or myself to let us know if there is anything which, your child or you need assistance or are concerned about. Send your child's class teacher a message on Class Dojo.
- Be kind, always.
This plea not only goes out to yourselves as you are all doing amazingly well to manage your own challenges, but also towards us as well. We continue to do our best to support your family through this time and reduce pressure on you from our end to the best of our ability.
Once again, thank you for all of your continued support, everyone.
I would also like to take this opportunity to remind you all how important it is that we stay connected and work together to support everyone. Please take time to read the information below and reach out to the supports available.
Remember:
It is important that family members:
LOOK out for any signs of distress, concern or anxiety
LISTEN to each other
TALK ABOUT what is going on - Do not be afraid to discuss coronavirus (COVID-19), use child-friendly honesty, be guided by your child, be reassuring and keep talking!
SEEK HELP together
If you have any concerns about the COVID-19 virus, please visit one of the links below:
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/coronavirus-landing-page.html?ref=search
https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/victorian-public-coronavirus-disease-covid-19
https://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/coronacast
(Coronacast is a podcast that helps to answer your questions about coronavirus or COVID19. It breaks down the latest news and research to help you understand how the world is living through an epidemic. This is a short daily podcast and round up the latest information, research and news on the Coronavirus epidemic in Australia and answers questions submitted by listeners).
(Tips for staying safe online during the COVID-19 pandemic)
COVID-19 Hotline: 1800 675 398
Remember to look after yourself
This situation can be stressful – regardless of your age. To look after the people you love, you also need to look after yourself!
If you notice that you are feeling anxious, take some time to calm down before having a conversation or answering your child’s questions.
If you are feeling worried, tell your child that you will find some information and talk to them soon.
Reach Out
Students will be able to access myself on 97967150 from 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday for any support or guidance during this time.
Kind Regards,
Diane Morwood
Assistant Principal