From the Principal 

Dear Parents and Carers,

Many thanks for all that you are doing during lockdown this week. We know how challenging lock downs are and we know how challenging it is to have your children learning from home, with many parents also working from home. At this stage, Remote Learning will continue until at least Tuesday next week. We will continue to update the school community through the Sentral app. If the school can help you in anyway, please let us know. Please keep following the Public Health orders, we will get through this together.

We are disappointed that the Middle’s Camp has been cancelled and thank families for their understanding with the short notice, however we are directed by DET and the Chief Health Officer’s guidelines. Our staff are working on other experiences and once locked in we will communicate these with families. We are desperately trying to go ahead with the Year 5/6 Rumbug Camp on August 25. We are currently planning for the camp to proceed and will not make a decision until as late as we possibly can.

School Council are investigating if families would be interested in utilising a canteen type service, at this stage it is just being investigated as to what type of service would be best suited to the school. We will be sending out a survey next week for our community to provide feedback for School Council.

Taking care of ourselves and our children in these challenging times the mental health of our children is our highest priority. The following is a summary of suggestions for families to consider to support the mental health and wellbeing of their child/children.

A Healthy Diet:

Healthy eating includes eating real rather than processed foods, consuming small and regular meals, starting each day with protein and complex carbs, drinking plenty of water and keeping children away from caffeinated drinks.

Exercise:

A framework for exercise includes starting the day with some movement, taking regular movement and game breaks, finishing the school day with movement that 

gets their limbs moving and hearts pumping.

Maintain good sleep patterns:

A framework for good sleep patterns includes finding an optimum bedtime; creating a regular, relaxing routine, eating and exercising at the right time, creating a sleep sanctuary and getting up at regular times each day.

Maintain social connection:

A framework for social connection includes one-on-one time with family members and other loved ones, having shared family experiences to confirm a sense of belonging, having shared time and experiences with peers from school and the neighbourhood, and 

a connection with the broader community through shared experience.

Stay present:

A mindfulness framework includes regular mindfulness exercises, doing one thing at a time, using mindfulness during an anxious moment, practising self-kindness and forgiveness.

The importance of play:

A play framework includes space and time for play, child-initiated activities, a mix of lone 

play and group activity, some social or physical risk may be involved.

Spend time outside:

Manage and reduce screen time, explore natural environments in 

the neighbourhood and spend some time each day outdoors.

Develop structure and daily routines:

Routine behaviours such as waking at the same time, having breakfast, exercising, showering and dressing get us ready for the day ahead. They underpin productivity, earning and wellbeing.

Have a great weekend,

David Tapp

Acting Principal