From the Principal 

On all levels it certainly has been a strange year. In one respect the days and weeks have been long with many of our usual routines gone but it is term 4 with the end of the year just around the corner. Thank you for your support in transitioning our students back to onsite learning. Watching our children reconnect with their friends and settle to classroom learning has warmed the soul. This pandemic has certainly made us grateful for the most simple of pleasures – that picnic in the park, seeing your family and traveling just a little further from home this week. For me seeing my son, after so many weeks, was such a precious moment. We still have to follow the restrictions if we are to keep one another safe and well but seize what each new day brings – be kind to yourself, care for one another and stay grateful for the positive aspect of your day. 😊

Earlier this term I posted Resumption to School guidelines for CPS that were shared, on Compass, prior to our students returning . Parallel to this all schools operate under the Victorian Government Schools Operational Guide which is updated regularly and we implement the protocols and practices of the DET Covid 19 Safety Management Plans as they apply to Carnegie.

The department has comprehensive procedures in place with DHHS to manage suspected or confirmed cases of Covid 19 in schools. Throughout this pandemic staff and students who are unwell have been sent home, undertaken tests and not attended again until negative results received. I have attached the link from the department website that might answer further questions you might have.

https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/parents-carers-and-guardians  I am happy to talk further if you need further clarification.

WORKS AROUND OUR SCHOOL and UPGRADE OF OUR ICT EQUIPMENT

Playground upgrade

It is with excitement that I inform you all that the tender process for the “School Pride” landscaping project has been completed and the contract has been awarded with work commencing this week. This landscaping project is in the area off Kokaribb Ave, near our portables. Parts of this area will be cordoned off to allow the works to be completed and we will work together to ensure disruptions are kept to a minimum throughout the school days where possible. How wonderful it will be to see this project unfold and the area transformed. We received the majority of the money for this project from the State government but to ensure all aspects of our design can be included, some school funds will be put towards this. The PFA are providing $10 000 of their funds. Thank you very much for this. 😊

ICT/Digital Technology spending

We have purchased 28 new laptops which are now being predominantly used by our Year 2 team. Mr Acklom, our ICT teacher has recently organised for the purchase of 6 new interactive whiteboards to replace old boards and the updating of the audio systems in 8 classrooms. We anticipate this work being completed before the commencement of the 2021 school year.

Such spending is very much supported by the monies generously provided by families who paid the voluntary 2020 ICT level.

SCHOOL PHOTOS –WEDNESDAY 11th NOVEMBER

It’s still a few weeks away but we have been able to book our School Photo Day for Wednesday 11th November if all goes to plan. The easing of restrictions has allowed photography companies to recommence outside so we will be crossing out fingers and toes for the right weather. Information will be sent home to all families closer to this date. You might like to book in for those haircuts and spruce up for this very important event on the Carnegie school calendar.