From Christian's desk....

Working and Thinking in Two-Week Blocks

On Tuesday when talking with staff I reiterated a previous conversation I had with them. The COVID-19 world seems to go in two-week blocks and every now and then it is important to stop, slow down and acknowledge the journey.

Over the period of the pandemic we’ve found our work, the state’s case numbers and the restrictions have operated in somewhat of a two-week cycle. Consider this: the narrative of the final two weeks of Term One was around social distancing, community transfer and case numbers. Over the following two weeks school communities began preparing for Remote Learning. The first two weeks of Term Two we began learning and educating like never before. The following two weeks we settled into our new norm. Mid Term Two we began planning for school re-entry, within two weeks we had our Prep and Junior students on site, a fortnight later our Year 3 – 6 students joined them. In the final week of term we were reintroduced to the possibility that Remote Learning would once again be upon us. In the opening weeks of Term Three our school community smoothly re-entered Remote Learning. In Week Three and Four of Term Three we had a COVID-19 enforced school closure and Stage Four restrictions to come to terms with. Over the last two weeks we have delivered an enhanced Remote Learning program that we believe has a balanced approach that best supports our whole community and student engagement, wellbeing and achievement.

To my point, the next two weeks provide us with an opportunity to settle into somewhat of a steady state. To the best of our knowledge there will be no alterations to the State Government’s plans around restrictions and DET have provided clear organisational support and structure moving forward.

As such, I encourage our community to take the next period of time as a chance to slow down, take a breath and…

As best as you can, hit cruise control!

Annual Report to the School Community

The Annual Report to the School Community provides an opportunity for Principals and School Councils to share the school's successes, activities and achievements throughout the year. It details the school’s financial activities, workforce composition and performance. Last night it was presented to and ratified by School Council.

Click HERE to read the 2019 Annual Report.

Are your Digital Technology needs being met?

As mentioned last week, if you need more digital technology resources we can support you!

Please contact Karen.cyster@education.vic.gov.au if you require assistance with internet connectivity (a Telstra dongle) or a device.

This invitation extends to families that are finding device sharing inefficient for optimal student learning.

Onsite Attendance for Remote Learning 24 - 28 August

Please use the link below to notify us of your child/ren’s onsite attendance next week, 24 - 28 August 2020:

https://forms.gle/5asHSzGzsk4TH8x58

A reminder,

The Victorian Government has stated that all students who can learn from home must learn from home.

On-site supervision will be available for students in the following categories, based on revised criteria:

children whose parents are permitted workers and for whom no other arrangements can be made
to vulnerable children including:
- children in out-of-home care
- children deemed by Child Protection and/or Family Services to be at risk of harm
- children identified by the school (Carol Wyatt, Assistant Principal – Wellbeing) as vulnerable (including via referral from a family violence agency, homelessness or youth justice service or mental health or other health service).
- children with a disability where the family is experiencing severe stress.

By submitting this form, you declare that your child is well and you will collect your child as soon as is practicable upon the request of the school if your child becomes unwell.

Please consider your child's onsite attendance accepted after you have completed the form. For any:

alterations please contact Jennifer.Culshaw@education.vic.gov.au
discussion around addition student needs including an identification as vulnerable please contact Carol Wyatt carol.wyatt@education.vic.gov.au
Out of School Hours Care bookings please email oshc.croydon.hills.ps@education.vic.gov.au or call 9724 4514.

Christian Holdsworth - Principal

Dates to remember

2020 Important Dates

Notices sent home this week

- PLEASE CHECK YOUR COMPASS FEED REGULARLY