Dear Parents and Carers,

I am pleased to report that the students are back and once again thriving in our school environment. I asked our senior students yesterday what they felt about learning at home and what they thought about being back at school. Many of the students enjoyed the opportunity to work at their own pace and have breaks when they felt like it. Some students enjoyed spending more time with their family and pets. Most of the students missed their teacher; especially when they needed help. A few students missed the sharing of ideas with classmates, while others enjoyed less distractions. All the students were pleased to be back to see their friends, as you can see by the smiling faces in the photos below!

We look forward to hearing how our parents and carers managed during the home learning period in our, 3 Way Parent, Student and Teacher Conferences from Tuesday 9th June - Friday 12th June. These conferences will take the place of the traditional Term 2 Report and will focus on confirming the next steps in learning for your child. It is essential all parents and carers make time to attend one of these meetings. Bookings for these meetings are now open via Compass. Go to the Community Tab and select Term 2, 2020 Parent/Teacher 3 Way Conference. Read the instructions, choose the teacher you need to meet with, click your preferred time slot and confirm your booking. If you get stuck, ring Kate Thompson after 9.30 am and she will guide you through the process.

I am aware COVID -19 is far from over and encourage you to keep praying for those families affected by the virus. I also know many families must be struggling financially so if you are having difficulty meeting your school fee commitment please call and discuss the matter with me.

As lock down restrictions are slowly being lifted, we enter a time of transition and adjustment. COVID-19 has significantly impacted us all. For some it has been an opportunity to reflect on what is important, whilst others have embraced the opportunity to learn new things. Many young people may be excited at the prospect of restrictions being lifted; others may feel mixed emotions. Reactions will differ depending on how well individuals cope with stress and change. Keeping a check on your children's mental health and well being as they adjust to new routines, will be vitally important. Some students may still be feeling anxious about COVID -19 and what will happen in the future, so I recommend you watch the short video clip available on School TV https://stjosephsquirindi.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-coronavirus-transition-back

Just a gentle reminder to please keep your children at home if they are unwell. You can phone or notify the school via Compass to let us know.

I hope you enjoy the new format of our school newsletter. One of the benefits of this i-Newsletter is that we are able to share with you many photos and videos of your children enjoying school and their learning.

Take care and be safe

Pauline Long

Principal

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