New inclusive education resources

New resources are now available to our school that will help us educate and support students with diverse learning needs. All Victorian Government schools will benefit from new resources, information, guidance and support available under new initiatives and resources released recently, including:

More information for schools and families on how the Autism Education Strategy will be delivered in schools
The Diverse Learners Hub, the flagship of the Autism Education Strategy and key initiative of Disability Inclusion
New suite of online Learning Difficulties resources for teachers on literacy and numeracy and for parents.

Autism Education Strategy

The Autism Education Strategy will improve learning and wellbeing outcomes for autistic students. It will build inclusive school communities that welcome and value autistic students and their families.

The strategy was launched in December 2020 and is part of Disability Inclusion, the Victorian Government’s approach to inclusive education.

More information for schools and families on the strategy has just been released to show how its initiatives and programs will be delivered in schools.

To find out more, go to:

Autism Education Strategy – parents’ page

Autism Education Strategy – schools’ page

Diverse Learners Hub

The Diverse Learners Hub is a new and key initiative of Disability Inclusion.

The Diverse Learners Hub will improve how schools meet the learning and wellbeing needs and aspirations of students with learning difficulties, with a focus on autism, ADHD, dyslexia and dyscalculia (‘diverse learners’).

The Diverse Learners Hub is a centre of excellence, providing the best evidence-based advice, resources and support for meeting the educational and wellbeing needs and aspirations of diverse learners.

It includes online information, tips and advice for parents on learning diversity, autism, ADHD, and learning difficulties. It includes information on how schools can help students with diverse learning needs as well as professional learning and teaching resources for school staff.

It’s also the flagship initiative of the Autism Education Strategy to improve how Victorian schools welcome and include autistic students and value their contribution.

You can find out more on the Diverse Learners Hub webpage.

New online Learning Difficulties resources

Parent and teacher information, support and advice on Learning Difficulties has been updated and expanded for 2022.

The new content is targeted, practical and easy for parents and teachers to understand and implement at home and in the classroom.

The department has enhanced its existing web content so that it reflects the latest evidence and research when supporting students with learning difficulties, including dyslexia and dyscalculia.

It includes specific advice for parents including:

How to talk to your school about your child's learning difficulty
What to expect from your child's school
Supporting your child's learning difficulty at home.

The new teacher content contains strategic information and advice that focuses on identifying and supporting students with learning difficulties in literacy and numeracy, including dyslexia and dyscalculia. Such as:

Deciding if a student has a learning difficulty in literacy/numeracy
Helping students to read more accurately
Teaching students with comprehension difficulties

Examples of teaching students with numeracy learning difficulties.

“Engaging Adolescents Parenting Program".

This fantastic program is specifically targeted to help parents of teenagers (13-18 year old's) learn some new strategies & have those tough conversations in these challenging times.

Positive Start in 2022: FREE holiday camps

WEP's Exchange Programs have reopened in Victoria!!

The Department of Education and Training have confirmed that exchange programs can resume and our students can embark on a once-in-a-lifetime overseas high school student exchange journey to learn and discover the world, once again. WEP offers over twenty exciting destinations to assist students with language proficiency, and cultural opportunities to countries such as France, Italy, Germany and Canada. With over twenty years of experience and a government registered not-for-profit, WEP Australia continues to offer the highest quality exchange programs to students across Australia. Please share the wonderful news with your students, teachers and career counsellors. You can find more information about our free online information sessions in the attachments and click here to learn more about our current programs.

Poor Sleep habits -facts sheet with helpful educational tips for parents

https://headspace.org.au/assets/Factsheets/HSP225-Sleep-Fact-Sheet-DP3.pdf

COVID-19 third-dose vaccinations are now available to 16-17 year old's who had their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine three or more months ago.

Supporting as many eligible students as we can to be vaccinated will help make our school as safe as possible.

Getting vaccinated is one of the most important steps we can all take to get direct protection against COVID-19.

How to book an appointment

There are many convenient and accessible options to access vaccinations. These include state-wide vaccination clinics, your local GP or pharmacy.

You can book your appointment in a few different ways, including:

online: coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccine
by phone: 1800 675 398 (Coronavirus Hotline)
using the COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Finder - COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Finder | Australian Government Department of Health
In person: talk to your local pharmacy, doctor, or attend one of the State Vaccination Centres.https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccination-information-children-and-teenagers

If your child is not experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, they can continue to attend school, but you should monitor for symptoms. Students who show symptoms of COVID-19 cannot attend school and should get tested immediately and isolate until they receive a negative result. Students should continue with twice-a-week rapid antigen testing on school days. Students who have recovered from COVID-19

quarantine your child for seven days
advise the school about the positive result
Your child must stay home until their symptoms have resolved and they are well
Everyone in your household is a close contact and must isolate for 7 days.

Reporting your child’s positive test

If your child was at school when they were infectious you need to report the positive case through the Student COVID-19 Test Portal or you can notify the school in writing or by phone. You must also report your child’s positive test to the Department of Health via the COVID-19 Positive Rapid Antigen Test Self-Reporting Form or call centre on 1800 675 398.Further information for languages other than English

For school information in languages other than English, call TIS National on 131 450.
For translated written information about COVID-19, please visit: Translated information about COVID-19 | Coronavirus Victoria.
Please ask them to call the DET COVID-19 hotline on 1800 338 663 and they will help interpret.
For health advice in languages other than English, visit www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/translated-information-about-coronavirus-covid-19
Financial support available to people affected by COVID-19:For more information, visit: Financial and other support for COVID-19 | Coronavirus Victoria If you need a payment during coronavirus (COVID-19) - Getting help during coronavirus (COVID-19) - Services Australia General advice and support

For general advice and support please call the Department of Education and Training COVID-19 hotline on 1800 338 663.You can also contact the school: Phone: 5147 1790 Email: covid19support@maffrasc.vic.edu.au Advice and further resources about what to do if you test positive to COVID-19, or you have been told you are a contact, are at: Your COVID Checklist | Coronavirus Victoria, or call the 24/7 Coronavirus hotline on: 1800 675 398

ParentZone @ Home Magazine

Click here for our ParentZone podcast – ParentZone Pods.

COVID Safe update and reminder about face masks travelling to and from school on buses.

In Regional Victoria:

Individuals aged 12 years and over (inclusive of staff, students, and visitors) must always carry a face mask – unless a lawful exception applies.
Face masks are mandatory for people aged 12 years and older on public transport and when in taxis or ride share vehicles or touring vehicles.
This includes travelling to and from school on public transport.
Schools will remain open with the current restrictions that are in place. There are no changes to existing density rules. Visitors and parents continue to be welcome at our school but must also observe face mask requirements. School camps and excursions in both metropolitan and regional Victoria can continue if face mask requirements are followed. These measures are aimed at giving health authorities the best opportunity to stop the spread of the virus in our community. Thank you for your understanding and support as we continue to implement COVIDSafe practices at our school.

Wellington Cross Country

Sue Clancy