Coronavirus

Coronavirus update

I sent the last Coronavirus update via email to you this afternoon. Please read this carefully.

As has has been mentioned in past correspondence our first priority at St John Vianney's is the health and safety of our school community. Be assured we will continue to provide you with the latest information and advice as we receive it from Catholic Education Commission of Victoria (CEVN).

Helping our students through this challenging time

It has been a challenging time for all within our community and I thank you all for your ongoing support and care we have for another.

Cancelling or postponing many of our 'normal school activities' (see email sent on Monday 16th March) has been necessary to best protect the health of all.

We are all aware that some people in our school community have heightened levels of concern and anxiety regarding the many impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.

These thoughts and feelings are normal and understandable.

To this end we hope that the information we provide and the actions we take to minimise the risk, are helpful to everyone. Of course if anyone would like to chat with me/ leadership about any issues feel free.

We share with you a child friendly document that some teachers may have used with their classes to assist at this uncertain time. You are welcome to also use it at home as it may assist in having good conversations with your child.

MINDHEART (1).pdf

Talk to children about the situation, if they feel particularly anxious or stressed. You have a key role in helping your children feel prepared and safe.

Thank you for continuing to work with us in reiterating the importance of:

practising good hand and respiratory hygiene (Washing hands, Covering nose or mouth when you cough and sneeze).
not giving high fives, touching others, shaking hands
continuing healthy habits: drinking water, getting plenty of sleep

Please be assured we are reminding our students regularly about the importance of good hand and respiratory hygiene.

Absences

If students are unwell we remind you as usual to keep them at home to get better and avoid passing any illness to others.
When reporting an absence to the school you are required to give the reason for the absence as we need this to be recorded on our database.

School continues to be open as has been directed by the authorities; this is being reviewed constantly. (See today's email update) If you have chosen to keep your child at home please note that you should engage with your child's learning in the following ways:

Continue daily reading. Reading (to, with & by). Discuss characters, main ideas.
Write a journal/ engage in various writing pieces/ including hand writing
Complete Maths activities using real life Maths activities including cooking, gardening and mapping
Playing card games and board games
Design and complete projects of interest
Complete homework that has already been set

The above activities apply for the present time. If the situation of school closures changes we will review and provide appropriate learning activities for students.

As mentioned in the Principal's Post we have been notified that the Sacrament Confirmation in the Archdiocese of Melbourne has been suspended until further notice.

To everyone - thank you for your ongoing support; continue to care for your family and be mindful for all within our world who are living in most uncertain and complex time.