Prep - Year 2

Assistant Principal's Report

Term Two wrap

Hello again to the Pakenham Springs community, and welcome back to Week 11 - the last week of what has been the most remarkable, unprecedented and memorable term in recent memory!  Whilst we certainly hope that the worst of the pandemic is behind us, and that we never have to encounter another term such as this one again, I must commend the entire Pakenham Springs Community - students, parents and staff - for the way in which they have embraced the challenges and supported one another.  I distinctly remember Martin Heppell telling us as a part of The Resilience Project sessions in Term One that 'We will get through this if we do so together', and this has certainly been the case at Pakenham Springs.

In particular, I would like to acknowledge the way that the entire community responded to our second forced closure last week, after having confirmed cases among students who had been on-site.  Information regarding the closure was received very late on the Sunday night, but our channels of communication were most effective and very few families arrived at school on Monday morning.  Messages of support and thanks have been very much appreciated by our staff who have been working incredibly hard during this time to ensure that the school is safe to return to, that Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) protocols are stringently adhered to and that the student learning continues whilst ensuring that their health and well-being remains a priority.  A thorough clean of the entire premises was carried out also. 

It is very pleasing to be able to say that learning has resumed on-site, and that as I write this, there have been absolutely no cases of on-site transmission.  This certainly suggests that our precautionary measures, that were praised by DHHS, have been incredibly effective in stopping the spread.

Students for the most part have been very settled upon return, which really highlights that school value of Resilience.  It seems very timely that students have commenced work on The Resilience Project curriculum in recent weeks.  These activities have been really well received, and I think it is a really great time to stop and practice being grateful, and focusing on what we do have and can do, rather than what we don't have and cannot do at present.  The research behind this improving our own mental and physical health is quite remarkable.

It was particularly interesting listening to a recent seminar with Hugh Van Cuylenberg who founded The Resilience Project, talking about the importance and benefits of practising Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness during turbulent times.  Everybody throughout their lifetime will experience troubling times and declining mental health, to different extents, however, they will also typically bounce back. Research suggests that people who practice Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness not only bounce back, but they bounce back further and actually experience post-traumatic growth. Certainly recent circumstances have been challenging, but we have also learned a lot.  Teachers have developed a number of ICT skills which they will be able to use to further develop their teaching practice and about different platforms that they can utilise.  As a Leadership Team, we have become aware of different ways to interact with and engage the school community and I feel that our community as a whole could be stronger for having been through these past few months, when we finally come through the other side and circumstances return to 'normal'.  

The way that learning has continued in recent days and that school values continue to be demonstrated in all settings, is a credit to the work of staff and families throughout this time. Thorough hand-sanitising and other precautionary measures remain a high priority across the school.  Normal teaching and learning programs have returned; Literacy and Numeracy sessions are running as normal right through until the end of term, as are our Specialist subjects.  Each year level team have all had planning days in preparation for Term Three, and after a well-earned break, are looking forward to seeing everyone back.

Likewise, I am excited about Term Three and fresh beginnings.  We can only hope that it is less eventful than Term Two!

So until then, I hope all families have a very relaxing and enjoyable break over the next two weeks. I hope that you all take care and stay safe. 

Regards

Danny Forster

Assistant Principal (Junior School)