Primary

From the Primary Office

As we reflect on our first week of Quality Distance Learning (QDL), we are incredibly proud of everyone for the way they have conducted themselves during these unpredictable times. The resilience demonstrated by all teachers, students and parents is something we should not take for granted. The urge to ‘just get on with it’ is something that keeps us moving forward in a positive way when dealing with a situation we have no control over. Add to that the fact that we have seen our friends and family deal with this situation many times across the Murray River in Victoria, it has given us some sense of how to deal with these trying times.

Whilst we are incredibly grateful for all the messages of support, we are not oblivious to the fact that some families are going through difficult times. The challenge of managing individual learning spaces and different times for check ins, all whilst trying to work from home, should not be underestimated. Considering we currently have no indication on how long this will continue, we would like to remind you of the following:

• Don’t feel pressure to recreate a 6-hour school day. Learning from home is not the same as learning at school;
• Set up regular routines;
• Have a clear work space;
• Make it fun;
• Be flexible;
• Have regular breaks;
• It is ok to call it quits for the day if everyone is feeling overwhelmed and just needs to get off their device. Feel comfortable making these decisions because you know your kids best;
• Wellbeing comes first;
• Build in some exercise each day;
• Be kind and pat yourself on the back. You are doing an amazing job!

The link below provides some great suggestions for families.

https://www.racv.com.au/royalauto/living/at-home/home-school-remote-learning-tips.html

If additional support is required, our social workers continue to be available, albeit in a different format. Should you require these services, please contact your child’s classroom teacher to discuss.

Core Value Awards

Core Value Award are awarded to students who consistently display one or more of the school’s core values and motto. Congratulations to the students listed below who received their Core Value Awards at our Primary Stage Assemblies last week.

Integrity at Moama Anglican Grammar is living consistently and authentically who we are called to be; doing the right thing even if no one is watching, being true to our beliefs and values. We can observe this when we live by our values and engage with others through honesty, compassion and respect. 

Primary Book Week

We welcome all students and parents to join us in celebrating this year’s National Book Week, organised by the Children’s Book Council of Australia (https://www.cbca.org.au/cbca-book-week). 

With the many changes to our learning, we feel that it is important to continue to celebrate books and Australian children's authors and illustrators. The theme of this year is “Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds”. 

As part of this year’s Book Week, students at various year levels have participated in the Mini Writers Festival where they were able to virtually interact with various Australian authors and illustrators. 

On Tuesday 24 August, all Primary students and teachers are invited to dress up as their favourite literary character during their remote learning day. We look forward to seeing everyone get involved to add some fun and engagement throughout the day.

“You can find Magic wherever you look.

Sit back and relax. 

All you need is a good book”. 

Dr Seuss

Primary Parent-Teacher Interviews

The PC Spider Portal has now open for families to book their Parent Teacher interview times. All interviews are conducted via Microsoft Teams. Teachers will contact families at the allocated time via their child’s device (iPad/Chromebook). 

ICAS Competitions

For those students enrolled to compete in this year’s ICAS competitions, please note that the advertised sitting days have been postponed. There is an additional ICAS sitting window between Tuesday 5 October and Friday 29 October. Our School testing days for next term will be confirmed at a later stage. 

Private Instrumental Music Lessons

Following current AIS guidelines, all non–core curriculum related activities are to cease on school sites. Therefore, private online instrumental music lessons will need to take place out of school hours, when the students are at home. 

QDL

With the announcement today that all NSW schools continue with remote learning next week, teachers have been working on the matrix for next week. This resource will be uploaded and shared with students and families through the digital platform by 8:30am on Monday 23 August. All teaching staff are allocated to a supervision roster to ensure students onsite are adequately supervised. Whilst student feedback on uploaded work is an expectation, please be aware that on the days when staff are onsite, the feedback may be limited due to these additional commitments. We thank you in advance for your understanding and ongoing support.

Father’s Day Celebrations

We are currently monitoring the upcoming Father’s Day / Footy Colours Day event which has been scheduled for Friday 3 September. A decision will be made closer to the day about whether this event can go ahead considering the restrictions in place at the time.

Year 3 and Year 4 Camps

Whilst the current restrictions do not allow overnight stays, we continue with our planning in the hope that restrictions may ease or change before our Camps are scheduled. We would encourage parents to have a talk with their children about the possibility of Camps being cancelled at the last minute to avoid disappointment.

Nici Deller                                           Mel Scott

Head of Primary                                Head of Teaching and Learning Primary

Science Creations and Investigations

Mrs Paul's Year 6 students have created some amazing models for their science project on adaptations. 

Mrs Carmody's Year 6 students also had a fabulous time doing a practical investigation into gravity.