Head of Campus
Relationships, community & communication
Rollo May Quotes. (n.d.). BrainyQuote.com. Retrieved October 11, 2021, from BrainyQuote.com Web site: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/rollo_may_389414
When Greta Lyttle first established the School, it operated like a family. All individuals were valued and shown respect; children, teachers, parents, cleaners, maintenance and administration staff. Even though Preshil is a much larger school today, it still aims to function like a family, or close knit community, with all its individuals.
Respectful relationships amongst individuals at Preshil and effective communication remain at the core of who we are. “... allows us to share common interests, develop and strengthen connections, offer expertise and build the character of the school.” (Courage Document, 2010).
The IB also recognises the importance of communication and, through the Learner Profile attributes, we explicitly teach our children to be effective communicators. As defined by the International Baccalaureate Organisation, “communicators understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively in more than one language and in a variety of modes of communication. They work effectively and willingly in collaboration with others.”
Despite being ‘physically’ separated as a community during periods of lockdown, we have and indeed continue to connect through various ways to maintain and build relationships based on acceptance and mutual regard with all members of the community. Soon enough we'll be together again to re-establish the face-to-face interaction and communication that we all cherish, value and miss.
All teachers, including the Heads of Campus and Principal, remain open to the approach of any child, parent or staff member who has an issue to address and discuss. Whilst we have temporarily lost the ability to have conversations face-to-face, below are some modes of communication that we can continue to use to stay connected:
Compass, Email & Zoom
You are all familiar with our online program, Compass School Manager, but it does not take the place of all other communication. Parents are always welcome, and encouraged, to contact the office staff, teachers, Heads of Campus and the Principal via email, phone or with a meeting on Zoom if need be.
Parent Representatives & WhatsApp
Our wonderful Parent Representatives play an important role in establishing connections amongst families in their year levels. With a bit of luck and tightly crossed fingers, I am hoping we can see the return of our Preshil traditions when we come together and celebrate in the near future.
WhatsApp is a great communication tool. The purpose for the parent WhatsApp groups (established by the Parent Representatives) is to stay connected and to organise social events both at and outside school.
Staged return to on-site learning for Arlington Kindergarten and Primary School
We are looking forward to the children returning to on-site learning. Below is a summary of the staged return, and further information will be communicated to families via Compass by Friday, including detailed outlines of timetables and COVID Safe Measures that will be implemented. When you receive this, please take the time to read the information carefully.
Kindergarten
- From 5 October to 26 October, the Kindergarten will be open for children already attending under the eligibility categories.
- From 26 October, on-site learning will be open for children already attending under the eligibility categories and for children with fully vaccinated parent(s). Remote learning will cease.
- 1 & 2 November, mid-term break (no school).
- From 5 November, the Kindergarten can provide on-site learning for all children.
Primary School
- From 5 October to 18 October, Arlington will be open for children already attending under the eligibility categories.
- From 18 October, on-site learning will be open for children already attending under the eligibility categories; for Prep on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday; for the 6s and 7s (Years 1 and 2) on Thursday and Friday.
- From 26 October, on-site learning will be open for children already attending under the eligibility categories; for the 8s and 9s (Years 3 and 4) on Tuesday and Wednesday; for the 10s and 11s (Years 5 and 6) on Thursday and Friday.
- 1 & 2 November, mid-term break (no school).
- From 5 November, schools can provide on-site learning for all levels.
See you all soon!
Victor Toufas
Acting Head of Campus