Junior School

Well, the Premier’s news this week was not unexpected but nevertheless not the news we were hoping for. So we remain in a remote learning mode for the next four weeks and the teachers and educators are already talking to me about their reflections on the weeks past and ideas for the weeks ahead.

I know family liaison officers have been in touch with families and are providing good support where they can and communicating with me and the teachers about challenges faced so that we can work through them together. I have also had various communications with families. The open lines of communication are important so that we can work in partnership to provide the best learning experience we can over the coming weeks.

Some important factors to remember:

1. Children must continue to learn from home unless their parents’ own work circumstances mean they need to come to school, where we will continue to supervise them in their remote learning. The Premier has mandated this so as to reduce community mobility. Please don’t send children to school so they can connect with friends. It reduces everyone’s capacity at school to learn effectively. Teachers and Learning Enrichment educators are focused on online delivery, including on the days they are supervising.
2. Prioritise Literacy (English) and Numeracy (Mathematics). The teachers have been asked to provide additional work in other subjects for those who want it and are keen to do it, but it is not expected that all activities can be completed by all students. That is just an impractical expectation for some children, so don’t fret if your child is not completing all work. If you need advice prioritising then please send a message to your class teacher or family liaison.
3. If your child is an early finisher, encourage some outside exercise or play, pursuing a hobby or perhaps researching a special interest and producing a PowerPoint or informative speech to post on Class Dojo/Google Classroom; maybe even creating an original piece of art, music or an impromptu magic show!

If you have other concerns or queries, please reach out to us. We are in this together.

Happily, teachers are thinking of unique ways to enhance engagement and break-up the remote learning experience. We have had Bring Your Pet to Class days, a Christmas in July celebration and even a Mini-Olympics! Read on to find out more and we will try to bring you an update on the fun stuff as well as the weeks progress.

Stay well, stay safe and see you just as soon as restrictions permit.

Mr Nigel Cockington

Head of Junior School