From the Principal's desk 

Our focus for Term 4 is to make sure that each student is supported in their wellbeing and learning needs, and can finish the year with the confidence to progress to the next year level in 2021. 

I want to assure you that we will respond to the unique and individual learning and wellbeing needs of all of our students, to prepare them for the transition, and continue to build their knowledge, skills and resilience. Some parents may be worried about their child’s progress during the period of remote learning and wondering whether their child would benefit from repeating a year of school. 

Research shows that repeating a year level is not recommended and can lead to poorer outcomes for students. It’s understandable that parents may think that another 12 months at the same year level will give their child an opportunity to catch up or mature, however, this is only the best option for a student in exceptional circumstances. In most cases, research tells us that repeating a year level is not an effective strategy as it often negatively impacts academic achievement, wellbeing, engagement, and school completion. 

We have support available to help identify and meet the individual learning needs of each student. Our school will use teaching strategies that draw on the best evidence available to help students close any learning gaps and meet their learning needs. 

We already have instigated significant intervention this term. We have a team of speech pathologists, an occupational therapist, a school psychologist, three intervention teachers, and four education support staff working with our children this term.

If you have concerns about your child’s progress, please contact the classroom teacher or myself and we will arrange a time to meet with you to discuss how our school can work with you to support your child to complete this year and progress to the next year level in 2021 with confidence and optimism.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

We would like to reassure you that no cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) have been detected on our school site and that our school remains open.

It is important we all continue to follow the health advice from the experts. Our school will continue to work closely with Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Department of Education and Training (DET) should any cases in our school community arise.

Please refer to the below information from DHHS and follow the instructions. For more information visit the https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/chadstone-kilmore-shepparton-outbreaks-covid-19 

I am aware that this is a time of heightened anxiety for us all. For more information regarding coronavirus and schools, please visit the DET website or call the DET coronavirus (COVID-19) hotline on 1800 338 663, available 8 am to 6 pm, seven days a week.

For school information in your language, call TIS National on 131 450. Please ask them to call the DET coronavirus (COVID-19) hotline on 1800 338 663 and they will help interpret.

For health advice in other languages visit www.dhhs.vic.gov.au. 

I will continue to keep you informed. 

Yours sincerely,

Debbie Oliver

Principal