A message from the Principal

We are now in the last few days of term 3 - a term where students have only been onsite with their teachers and classmates for ten days and which has seen us start face-to-face, go into remote learning, back to onsite learning and back into the current extended lockdown. 

We still don't know how Term 4 will take shape but it is looking likely it will start with remote learning. We all sincerely hope that this is followed by a swift return to onsite learning (and that this stays in place through until the end of the year). Doing this will allow us to finish the year on a high, get into good routines and start the process of catching-up on any learning that some students have missed.

With this extension to remote learning looking almost certain, we will again share a survey later this week to seek feedback and views on the changes that we made a fortnight ago - we are really keen to hear whether the greater structure and increased whole-class live lessons are working for your child and your family. We will also be surveying students and staff and we will use this data to understand whether we might need to make some tweaks to what we do early next term.

It has been great to see so many families and students out and about in the park, along the beach and around St Kilda keeping active during lockdown and to hear the positive way that we are trying to deal with these strict restrictions. Whilst we might be living like this for a little while yet, there is light at the end of the tunnel and we must keep believing that better things are just around the corner.

With a return to remote learning from the start of Term 4, it is really important over the upcoming school holidays that children get a good break from the screen. If restrictions ease and the weather stays good then hopefully they can get out and about - staying active, riding bikes and scooters and socialising with their friends to the extent that is allowed.

As the term ends, I want to thank all of our SKiPPS families for their positivity and support through the latest lockdown. We recognise how hard this is for you all at home - juggling work and caring commitments and trying to find time to support remote learning. The fact that you are still so kind, positive and supportive towards the school after all of this time is quite incredible.

Finally, thanks to our staff. The last 18 months have required an incredible amount of patience, professional learning and hard work to adapt in the ways that they work. Their efforts have been monumental. We know that the remote learning program is not perfect and we are still striving to improve and make it work as best we can. The fact that our staff are so committed to improving and getting it as right as it can be is so impressive. They also deserve a break to get ready for a big Term 4 - however it looks.

Neil Scott

Principal