Thursday 13 August

Principal’s report

We are now halfway through Term 3 and we are getting closer to spring and sunnier days. Make sure you check out Stephanie’s page today for an opportunity to be creative as we notice change taking place.

Each week I enjoy reading why students are receiving the Student of the Week award. There is much to be proud of for the way our students, supported by their families, are still able to be getting the most of the lessons online. Our staff continue to recognise the efforts of our students as they manage lockdown and continue to shine. Everyone is contributing to ensure our students are still able to learn, it just looks different. Not necessarily a bad thing.

Each PLC level is sending communication today through Compass just to ensure expectations for students are being reinforced and to support families needing guidance.

TIME TO READ A BOOK?

I am not a big fan of eBooks; I prefer to hold a book in my hands not a device, however during these times it can be difficult to access some different books to read, either for yourself or your children. This week I renewed my membership to Eastern Regional Libraries. This was really easy to do – just follow https://www.yourlibrary.com.au/join-the-library/ and fill in the form. I received my membership number by email within a few minutes and was able to go online and search the library data base. I found the easiest way to access the eBooks was to go to the App Store or Google Play and download the app ‘Libby by Overdrive’.

Once I downloaded this app I entered my library, my library membership number and my PIN and I could then view all the eBooks available at Eastern Regional Libraries. If you enter the ‘Kids’ area the guide automatically uses a ‘juvenile’ filter. The thing to remember with this app is that the books will automatically return on their due date unless you renew your loan. Renewal is only possible if there are no reservations on the eBook.

When you open the Libby App and click on ‘Library’ then ‘Explore’, you can choose an area to look in. I chose kids. There are a few eBooks available there.

With your library membership you can also access ‘Story Box Library’ which has some wonderful titles read by different people in different languages. I highly recommend this area if you want someone else to do the reading.

There are also many educational areas available with your membership.

The Eastern Regional Libraries website does give you access to some resources without becoming a member. These include Storytime and Kids Activities. Just click on this link https://www.yourlibrary.com.au/ to go to the home page of Eastern Regional Libraries. Enjoy!!

My apologies for a few repeats from last week. Some things just need repeating!

SURVEY

I would like to express my gratitude to those that have completed our survey seeking feedback on how we have modified our approach to RL2.0. Your feedback is being monitored as we are always looking to improve how we meet the needs of our students, our teachers and our families. Please access the link https://forms.gle/11rDdbGMv6bt3a9j6 to have your say.

LIGHTENING THE LOAD

I have booked our school for a free parent webinar with Dr Justin Coulson. This will take place at 8pm on Wednesday, 19th August. Please register your interest via this link https://www.happyfamilies.com.au/freebies/lightening-the-lockdown-load/

Lockdown is hard. It hurts our kids and it’s a drain on parents.The first time was tricky. There were challenges. For some, it was horrible. But most of us managed ok and got through it.

This time it’s different. The pressure is higher. The demands are greater. The children are more oppositional. The home learning stretch will be longer. There’s work stress, family stress, and stress about being stressed!

While we can’t click our fingers and make it magically disappear, there are real strategies that parents and children can rely on to not just survive, but thrive – even in a far-too-long lockdown. They’re simple ideas that you can start on right away.

Join Dr Justin Coulson, one of Australia’s most trusted parenting specialists, as he shares 4 secrets to make it through the pain of the winter COVID-19 Victorian lockdown. By the end of this FREE webinar, you’ll:

Feel reassured, with less stress and pressure around your kids, their schooling, and life
Have concrete strategies you can start on immediately to make your family happier
Know how to be on the same page as your partner
Be able to develop habits and practices that will ensure your children – and YOU – can get your daily work done, even while everyone is stuck at home.

ONSITE ATTENDANCE

I have been advised by the Education Department to review and reduce the number of students and staff on-site due to Stage 4 restrictions.

Requests for onsite supervision must be made in writing using the approved Education Department application form. This form has now been updated to further restrict access to onsite supervision. The main change is a move away from ‘essential’ to ‘permitted’ workers. The Victorian Government has provided a list of these work areas.

Application forms must be received by the school by 3.00pm each Friday and all families who seek this service must complete an application which is accompanied by a ‘permitted worker’ letter. A ‘permitted worker’ letter may be requested from your employer.

2021 PREP ENROLMENTS

Enrolments for Prep 2021 are now open. Families are asked to complete an enrolment form and return it to the school office to assist with planning for 2021. These can be accessed fro our website - https://www.menziesps.vic.edu.au/

If you know of family or friends who may be interested in hearing more about Menzies Creek education for their children, please ask them to contact the school office to arrange a chat. Thank you for your assistance with this.

Remember to take care of each other. Please see Riaane’s wellbeing page for resources to access. If you need any support this website may be useful too. https://www.education.vic.gov.au/parents/family-health/Pages/taking-care-of-yourself.aspx

Stay safe, stay home and take care,

Dale McInerney

1/2 RM