Isolation Observations

Following the ANZAC day commemoration, NMPS staff reflected on the sacrifices of the women and men in the armed services throughout our history. Whilst we feel as though, at times, our current sacrifices to flatten the curve seem challenging; they seem minimal in comparison to those given by our servicemen and women.

Yes, supervising our children learning at home is challenging; our on-line meetings might be interrupted by our need to film our children throwing and catching socks, dancing to Drama Dan’s wiggle song, or helping them post their responses to their teachers. However, the isolation helps us to 'flatten the curve' and keep each other alive, which makes this inconvenience worth it. I feel fortunate to live in Victoria where our Chief Health officer's leadership is ensuring that our health and safety are paramount.

New School Council

We held our first-ever ‘on-line school council meeting’ last Thursday. I’d like to congratulate Melinda Green on being elected as School Council president and Megan Cusack will be deputy. Gen Kelly will continue as our minute secretary. We also welcomed new members, Will, Sim, Kristen, Nuray, Gemma, and Hilary. I’d also like to thank the retiring members, Brent, Tom, Tyson, Georgette, and Matt.

Further School Council information later in the newsletter and can always be found on our website.

The meeting had few agenda items and we had time for a brief chat about our ‘current schooling situation’. I reiterate our conversation in this newsletter message. Thank you to everyone who has made the beginning of term under isolation and utilising remote learning work so positively and successfully. I have been delighted and proud of the compliments that I have received from the school community.

A message from our new school committee member, Nick Oliver sent this note after the School Council meeting:

I wanted to say how happy I've been and the parents I've talked to agree, that the work the teachers do is fabulous. Yes, we are working and sure that might be slightly inconvenient but I'm overwhelmed by a sense of gratitude for the work of the teachers. Yes, I have a lot of video conference meetings each day and my kids need a bit of redirection but that is nothing to managing the learning of 28 kids each day.

If you get a chance to let everyone know how appreciated the teachers are. I freaking love their work.

These articles may be of interest.

Does missing a term due to COVID-19 really matter? What happened to student results after the Christchurch quake.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-04-17/will-missing-school-due-to-covid-19-matter-for-school-students/12154266

Growing Up Digital Australia, Gonski Institute for Education.

https://www.gie.unsw.edu.au/growing-digital-australia

Communication with School

Sally Karlovic

Principal

Naylor.Sally.S@edumail.vic.gov.au

Sarah Nightingale

Assistant Principal – Teaching & Learning

Nightingale.Sarah.S@edumail.vic.gov.au

Anna-Marie Low

Assistant Principal – Wellbeing

Low.Anna-Marie.A@edumail.vic.gov.au

Zoe Bourdon

Social Worker

Bourdon.Zoe.J@edumail.vic.gov.au

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