A message from the Principal

Earlier today, it was confirmed that there will be a seven-day extension to the current lockdown restrictions in place across Victoria.

This means that the school will remain closed until Wednesday 28th July and we will continue to provide a program of remote and flexible learning for the remainder of this week and Monday and Tuesday of next week. 

Like all of you, we are hoping that a return to school is possible next Wednesday. As we have shared previously, we understand what a challenge remote learning is for everyone involved - the students, the parents and also the teachers. 

Our Online learning program

Even with this newest extension, the most important thing is to stay healthy and happy as we get through this. We have designed our program to start off every morning with a live, fun whole-class check-in via Google Meet. Whilst we know it may be a challenge, we really encourage all students to be logged in and ready to go at 9 - by maintaining routines and connections with their friends and teachers, students are more likely to stay positive and motivated as they deal with this latest difficult situation. the meetings also allow us to take the attendance roll and understand which children are engaging with the learning - a key requirement from the Education Department.

Beyond this, please use our remote learning to the extent that it helps you and your child to survive! Please do not worry or get into arguments at home about completing all parts of our remote learning program – use, adapt or omit as you see fit.

In terms of our learning program, we are using a model that blends synchronous (or live) learning sessions on Google Meet with asynchronous (pre-recorded) content on Seesaw or Google Classroom. We are aiming for a balance here which takes into account the situation of all of our wide range of families and homes. Whilst we know this is a balance that doesn't always suit every family perfectly (who might prefer more of one and less of the other), it does provide opportunities for children who might struggle to attend a series of live online sessions throughout the day by allowing them to tackle certain lessons and tasks in their own time and at their own pace.

One day each week we aim to provide some variety by providing a 'Specialist Day'. On this day the learning provided will be uploaded by our specialist teachers Stephen (Performing Arts), Frances (Italian), Chantel (Visual Arts) and Katie and Louise (Library). For this week and next, our specialist day will be on Tuesday.

Onsite Supervision

Whilst the school is closed and families are asked to keep their children at home, we understand this is not always possible and will continue to provide onsite supervision for those children of essential workers who have absolutely no ability to keep their children at home or organise alternate care for them.

We will be sending out an online form on Thursday of this week for families to request supervision for Monday and Tuesday of next week. Please look out for this and respond promptly so we can arrange apropriate staffing.

Remote Video Assembly

With the extension to lockdown and the terrible weather this week, it is more important than ever we keep spirits high and finds things to celebrate.

As with previous lockdowns, we will be creating a video assembly this Friday morning and would love to share student musical performances, artwork, poems, writing or anything else worth celebrating!

Please email any videos or photos through to neil.scott@education.vic.gov.au or save it directly to drive.google.com/drive/folders/1lWwEIqBE9bPxa4huvPKC5_FmRpnL-Lvg?usp=sharing

Neil Scott

Principal