Principal's Messages
Home Schooling Update 2
Hello Everyone. With new information coming in daily, I thought it best to create a way to communicate updates and keep parents and carers connected with what is happening. We will be sending out emails and notifications when a new update is released.
Update from Mr Butts!
Message from Premier Andrews NEW
STATEMENT BY PREMIER DANIEL ANDREWS
Following from the decisions made by National Cabinet on 29 March 2020, the Victorian Premier, the Hon Daniel Andrews MP, has announced that Victoria is now in Stage 3 restrictions. These restrictions include public gatherings and also enforce that where people can stay home, they must stay home.
The Stage 3 restrictions came into effect from 11.59pm on 30 March 2020 and will be reviewed after four weeks.
For further information, or to read the full Statement from the Premier, please visit the Premier of Victoria website.
Holy Week at Home NEW
Please see below HOLY WEEK AT HOME resources from Liturgy Brisbane.
School Holidays
I would like to clarify that children are not required to do school work until Term 2 begins on Tuesday 14th April. However, with isolation restrictions and home schooling to likely follow, some families are keen to set up routines in the holidays. Attached below is a sample daily timetable that can be used as a template that parents and carers can amend to suit your family. Please see Online Learning page of this bulletin for a variety of different learning options.
In School Supervision
Nothing has been confirmed yet regarding supervising children at school when Term 2 begins. It is a possibility however and if this is the case I'll be letting parents know as soon as this is communicated.
School Work Compulsory
It is important that everyone understands that home learning is not optional once Term 2 begins. They are required to take part in the tasks set by teachers and staff will be giving assistance/feedback to the students on their work when completed. The teachers have been working very hard preparing an engaging and interesting Home curriculum.
Ipad and Laptop Use
With all Gr 1 - 2 children taking home devices and our Prep families using personal devices, I am urging all parents to ensure responsible and safe usage. The Responsible Technology Consent form that all parents are required to sign off on explains the rules regarding this. Video Conferencing and virtual meetings will have some strict rules and will be closely supervised and structured.
Online Safety
With the increased use of devices used for online, learning Cybersafety has never been as important. All parents are required to read this Online Safety Guide and ensure you and your children understand the dangers of the internet.
Google Classroom
The teachers have done an amazing job in the last 3 days as they embark to present at online curriculum. All areas of the school have communicated with parents informing them of the online communication that will be happening in Term 2. Please contact the school if you have not been receiving correspondance from the teachers.
Message from Mrs Wilson
The aim of Term 2 Art lessons is to REDUCE, REUSE and RECYCLE, so as much as possible our art tasks will be using materials that you can find around your home. Please start collecting items such as: NEWSPAPER, MAGAZINES, CARDBOARD TUBES, BOTTLE TOPS, EMPTY TINS, JARS, CEREAL BOXES OR OTHER EMPTY BOXES, BUTTONS, BUBBLE WRAP, RIBBON, STRING, and the list goes on. See Mrs Wilson's Art page on Google Classrooms for lessons (starting Term 2) and fun activities.
School Fee Relief
We understand that many families are currently being affected financially due to the current situation. Please contact me personally if this is the case and we can work out a plan to support you during this very difficult time.
Medication
If any parent requires to pick up medication from school please do so before 3:30pm Friday. Keep in mind the likely home schooling period which may be lengthy.
Discussing Coronavirus with Children
Anxiety is high in both students and adults, so it is important to be calm when discussing the topic with children and not “keeping them in the dark”. Websites such as Unicef explain effective ways to discuss coronavirus with kids. Below are some Social Stories that may help lead the discussion with younger children.
School Buses
The school bus coordinator has informed schools that all buses will run 5 minutes earlier in the morning and 5 minutes later in the afternoon when school resumes.
Masses
Sunday Mass is livestreamed at 10.00 am from the Sandhurst Diocesan Website.
We'll be right!
The current situation is a challenging and stressful time for us all, but I am confident that we are ready to handle the coming weeks both positively and effectively. As always if you have any questions please contact me at via email.