EHPS Contact

Principal's Report

Dear Essex Heights Community,

 

This edition of the newsletter is the first to feature several articles from our student journalists. As I have mentioned previously, it is our intention that every second newsletter contains mainly articles written by students that inform you of the things that have been happening in the school from a student’s perspective. In subsequent editions other students will participate in the writing of articles for the newsletter. This is a real world example for our students of the importance and relevance of writing and the use of their literacy skills.  I hope that you will enjoy reading their contributions.

Rapid Antigen Test Pack Distribution

The final distribution of Rapid Antigen Tests for this term occurred yesterday and today. Thank you again to the parents that volunteered their time to assist in the distribution  of the RAT packs, and also to Betty Ciorciari for coordinating the team of parent helpers.  Your support was so valuable for the health and safety of our school community.

 

If you did not collect your child’s Rapid Antigen Test pack this week, you can still collect your RAT pack by coming to the School Office, during office hours, to pick it up. 

 

At present I have not been provided with any information from the Department of Education & Training regarding the continuation of the Rapid Antigen Testing requirement for Term 2.

 

Change to the testing requirements - from School Operations Guide 25 March 2022

Students and staff who tested positive and completed their 7-day isolation period are not required to participate in the RAT screening for 8 weeks after their release from isolation. In addition, if a staff member or student have recovered from COVID-19, they aren’t required to get tested or isolate/quarantine if re-exposed to a case within 8 weeks of ending their isolation period. This period was previously 30 days.  After 8 weeks, they must follow the relevant advice depending on the type of contact you are.

Are your children getting enough sleep?

I am becoming increasingly concerned that some children are reporting that they do not get to sleep until quite late at night. Research tells us that tired children do not learn effectively and that it also has implications for their compliance and behaviour. Please read the excerpts from an article that I have made available previously that gives useful tips regarding sleep.  

 

“Effective learning at school requires children to be well rested and for their brains to be active and alert. Well rested children engage in learning activities better, are able to think clearly and then apply it to their learning. Also, children that have had the appropriate amount of sleep are happy at school and do not get tired as the day progresses.

Good sleep is critical in children’s growth and development. Research tells us that children who do not get enough sleep on a consistent basis are more likely to have problems at school and develop more slowly than others that are getting enough sleep.

Children between 3-5 years need about 12 hours sleep and from 5-12 year about 11 hours. Therefore, if your child in Prep needs to wake up at 7.30am to get ready for school, the child needs to be in bed by 7.30pm to get the right amount of sleep to help their development.

 

I know that we may all have different routines at home for our children, but I urge you to seriously consider the need for your children to have more sleep. Even if you believe that your children are doing well at school and they are managing even though they go to bed late, imagine how well they could be doing at school if they received the appropriate amount of sleep.

 

Here are some useful tips:

  • Have a bedtime routine
    • Have a light snack. 
    • Take a bath. 
    • Put on pyjamas. 
    • Brush teeth.
    • Read a story.
    • Make sure the room is quiet and at a comfortable temperature.
    • Put your child to bed.
    • Say goodnight and leave.
  • Make bedtime the same time every night. 
  • Make bedtime a positive and relaxing experience without TV or videos. According to one recent study, TV viewing prior to bed can lead to difficulty falling and staying asleep. Save your child’s favourite relaxing, non-stimulating activities until last and have them occur in the child’s bedroom. 
  • Keep the bedtime environment (e.g. light, temperature) the same all night long."

Updated COVIDSafe Guidelines

Updated school operations guidelines came into effect on 25 March. They require that all adults, including visitors, must have had three COVID19 vaccinations and be able to present their digital certificate on request to enter school buildings. 

 

If you have to come to the school to deliver something for your child, collect a child early, collect your child's RAT, for example, please STOP, and ring the Office for assistance/instructions. If instructed by our staff to come into the Office reception, you will be required to show your vaccination certificate recording that you have had three doses of COVID19 vaccine. 

Farewell 

We farewell Rico V (2D) and his family at the end of term, and thank them for their contribution to our school community. All the best in the future.

Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday

Don't forget that clocks turn backward by one hour at 3am on Sunday 3 April when Daylight Saving Time ends. 

End of Term 1 & early dismissal reminder

Term 1 ends next Friday, 8 April. Parents are reminded that students will be dismissed early - 2.20pm (Prep & Year 1)/2.30pm (Years 2 to 6). Have an enjoyable Autumn school holiday break, and I look forward to seeing you for the new term on Tuesday 26 April.

 

 

See you at April Food's Day tonight. Keep safe and well.

George Perini

Principal