Principal
Well-being and learning are key
There is a great deal of learning happening throughout our community. Parents learning about their children and how they learn, cope with change and being at home. All of us are learning how to stay connected when in our homes on our own. Our staff are continually learning and taking up many of the opportunities being offered by the Department of Education and Training and other organisations to participate in focused webinars and professional learning sessions.
Last week Shannon and Kirstin attended a session on designing and learning in remote learning, they felt this flyer might be of support to our families.
Our personal well-being can be challenging at this time, by taking care of ourselves we take care of our children.
This week I have participated in two sessions, one around management of anxiety and one led by Michael Carr-Gregg. What resonated with me (from both sessions) was the Circle of Control (things we can control) and the Circle of Concern (things we are concerned about). When there is little overlap of our circles we can find ourselves stressing about things we can do nothing about. This can be a major cause of anxiety especially in this time of Covid-19. Spending time identifying things are in our Circle of Concern - asking ourselves are these things that are within my control. If not, try to let them go, refocusing instead on things that we can influence. This would be a good strategy to use to support our students at this time. Focusing on the choices we make can support our personal well-being.
In the last two newsletters we have included Well-being information for parents from the Department, I hope that some of you have been able to access the resources.
Topics (with links) include:
- Looking after your child’s well-being
- Looking after your child’s mental health
- Keeping your child active and eating healthy
- Being safe online
- Taking care of yourself
Dr Michael Carr-Gregg Webinar
On Tuesday 25 August, the Department of Education and Training is presenting a free webinar for parents and carers by renowned child psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, on building family resilience during coronavirus (COVID-19).
Parents and carers play a vital role in helping children feel safe through uncertain times.
Dr Carr-Gregg’s webinar is aptly named Managing the Coronacoaster – Tips for building resilient families in the coronavirus era.
In this webinar, Dr Carr-Gregg provides tools and strategies for parents and carers to help manage the lockdown and remote learning. Topics include:
- your supportive role
- setting the emotional tone
- focusing on what you can control
- how to deal with disappointment
- further resources and where to get help.
Dr Carr-Gregg’s presentation will run for 45 minutes. This will be followed by a 15-minute question-and-answer session in which parents and carers can ask Dr Carr-Gregg questions.
Webinar details
When: Tuesday 25 August
Time: 7:30 pm
Duration: 45-minute presentation followed by 15-minute questions and answers session
Format: online via Webex
Cost: free
How to register
To register and for more information visit the Managing the Coronacoaster – Tips for building resilient families in the coronavirus era eventbrite page.
Farewell
Next week we farewell Hannah Maurici as she heads off to have her first child. Thank you to Hannah for all of your work as part of the Year 1/2 Team and leader of Student Voice and Well-being this last 12 months. We wish Hannah and James all the best for the safe arrival of their new family member. We cannot wait to hear the news!
We welcome Felicity Black to BPPS, she will be taking over in 2HM . Felicity has a number of years experience and has recently been working as a CRT in a school to support onsite supervision of the remote learning program. We are excited to have her joining our staff.
Review of Disability Standards for Education
The Disability Standards for Education 2005 help make sure students with disability in Australia can access and participate in education on the same basis as students without disability.
The Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment, on behalf of the Federal Minister for Education, is undertaking a review of the standards through an extensive community consultation process.
This review process is undertaken every five years to evaluate if the standards are effective and whether any improvements can be made.
The consultation will close on Friday 25 September.
As part of the 2020 review, an extensive community consultation process is currently underway to seek feedback about whether the standards are effective or if any improvements can be made. Current, former and prospective students with disability, their families and carers, advocates, educators, and other members of the public are invited to share their experiences, views and ideas to inform the review of the standards.
Due to coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions, engagement activities will mostly be held online via a dedicated 2020 review Consultation Hub. The hub offers a range of different ways that participants can share their views and ideas, and will be open until 11.59pm on Friday 25 September.
A series of webinars is also available for interested participants to share their experiences and opinions.
The webinars will be fully accessible, and will include Auslan translation and captioning. The webinars are open to the public, and each will have a different theme. These are:
- Educators webinar on Wednesday 19 August, 3.30-5.30pm
- Tertiary education webinar on Thursday 20 August, 3-5pm
- Early childhood webinar on Thursday 27 August, 4.30-6pm.
For more information about the upcoming webinars visit the frequently asked questions page.
A discussion paper has been developed with guiding questions to help interested participants have their say.
For more information email engage@thesocialdeck.com
R U OK?
R U OK?Day is Thursday 10 September and this year's message is: There's more to say after R U OK?
You don’t have to be an expert to keep the conversation going when someone says they’re not OK.
A conversation could change a life and by knowing what to say you can help someone feel supported and access appropriate help long before they’re in crisis.
Learn what to say next in our FREE Conversation Guide.
From Miss Lindau
Dear BPPS community,
This is a note of thanks and gratitude to all of the students, parents and carers, leaders, teachers and support staff who have been a part of my time as a teacher at Boroondara Park Primary School. It is with a heavy heart that I have decided to resign from classroom teaching for now. Since taking leave without pay, I have spent 12 months teaching in Bali and recently I have accepted a position writing learning sequences for teachers to use in their classrooms here in Melbourne. This is a new and exciting challenge for me and one that I hope can provide far reaching support for teachers and high levels of engagement for students.
Boroondara Park will always have a special place in my heart and I feel fortunate that this was the place where my teaching career began in 2002. I quickly discovered that teaching was exactly what I wanted to do and that I was actually pretty good at developing connections with students and families. This filled my cup, sometimes to overflowing, but is what kept me interested, passionate and always wanting to give it my all. Teaching is not easy, it takes a high level of multi-tasking, creativity, adaptability, time and commitment but the connections you make are truly a gift.
The past year has not been easy for anyone but has provided lots of opportunities for reflection. Thinking about my many years spent at Boroondara Park, I am certain you have all contributed to making me a better teacher, leader, mentor, friend, support person, listener and learner. I am very grateful.
Thank you for the stories, memories and gifts of connection that I will continue to share and hold dear.
Miss Monica Lindau
How to wear a mask
Provided to us from the Department this week a little guide for wearing your mask and staying safe.
Virtual School Tour
Our Virtual Tour is finished and has been uploaded to our website. Take a look!
If you know anyone who has a child starting school in 2021 share the tour with them.
Foundation Information - flier - QR code to presentation. Please share with anyone looking for a place in Foundation in 2021.
Our first Story Time took place online last week. Individual virtual tours can be arranged by calling the office.
Do you have a child who will be starting school in 2021? Download an enrolment form from our website, fill it in and return it to the office.
Please take care.
Susanne Lowe
Principal