Principal's Report
Dear Parents, Families and Community members,
The end of another week already. I hope that everyone is safe and well!
Covid-19 Update
As you will all be aware, the increased concern regarding COVID-19 and positive cases in the Geelong area has brought about some changes that have implications for us all in some way, shape or form.
It is important to try to remember at the moment, that whilst these changes and the reasons for them are of concern, we are still really fortunate that we have only a fairly small number of increased restrictions as a result and that this is because the local risk is still considered quite low.
At this point in time I have not been provided specific advice relating to Geelong Schools; however, I am informed that there will be updates and that it will most likely align with the advice provided to Melbourne and Mitchell Shire schools.
The advice below comes from the most recent Schools Operation Guide and is information our school community needs to be aware of, despite most changes only directly impacting staff at this stage.
12. Face coverings in schools
a. For schools in metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire, all school-based staff must wear face coverings at school, and when travelling to and from school.
b. Teachers and education support staff will not be required to wear face coverings while teaching, but those who wish to do so, can. Teachers should wear face coverings in other areas of the school when not teaching (for example, in the staffroom, on yard duty and when providing first aid or taking temperatures), and when travelling to and from school.
c. Students who attend primary school for on- site supervision will not be required to wear a face covering. Students who are aged 12 or over by Year 6 will not be required to wear face coverings. The Victorian Chief Health Officer has advised that it is not practical to require some primary school students to wear face coverings while others are not required to.
Please be aware that there are exemptions for some adults and students over 12 years old. For our secondary students, staff and families will encourage students to wear a mask/face covering where possible; however, these students are eligible for exemption under the criteria of ‘disability’.
We will be placing some additional signage around the school to support ACS staff and CRTs in remembering our obligations with regards to wearing masks/face coverings. Let’s also be mindful of ensuring we are considerate and supportive of our whole community during this time as these changes are an adjustment for us all.
We developed a social story to support students in understanding why adults will be wearing masks. It is really important to acknowledge that for many students (staff and parents), seeing staff/people in masks may be a bit confronting, especially at first. Every learning community will prioritise time to do some explicit teaching and create some open dialogue with students about these changes and how we are affected by them. Let’s keep the messaging positive and optimistic, and focus on the role we can all play in staying healthy and safe.
At this point these are the main changes that I am aware of that impact our school. Parents and Carers are reminded that access to the school site is still unfortunately restricted. We ask that unless absolutely necessary, that visiting the office be by appointment only.
You may have other questions or points that I may not have covered, so I would really like to hear about them and you can do this by phoning or emailing the school.
Parent Feedback
Thank you to all the families who took time to complete the Parent Feedback survey, when returning from Remote Learning.
Leadership and staff greatly value your input and will continue to increase our use of what you find successful, user-friendly and engaging for future communication planning.
Please see below the attached summary of the main points.
Solar Buddy
Student Voice activities facilitate students to have deep conversations, collaborate and take actions that empower themselves. One way the 1-2 Community has been promoting and developing student voice is through Positive Climate lessons. Students have learnt about different charities, made suggestions and voted on a charity to further investigate and support.
Students voted to support Solar Buddy and will be undertaking learning opportunities aligned to its aims. Through engagement in Solar Buddy programs students will learn how innovative design solutions can help create a more sustainable world for all people and our planet, and demonstrate how their gift of lights can transform lives.
Solar Buddy’s creative hands-on program will empower students and our community to learn about the 800 million people living in energy poverty and inspire you to make a difference with your gift of light. While 1-2 Student Voice selected this charity, all students will be provided with different opportunities to participate and contribute.
What students will do:
- Learn about energy poverty, renewable energy, global citizenship and share this message with the community,
- Fundraise via. GoFundMe,
- Make a solar light and write a personal letter to their buddy,
- Illuminate futures of children living in energy poverty and watch a film of the lights delivery to a country in need.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela
Help students at Armstrong Creek School to make a difference and light the way for others by supporting SolarBuddy.
Students have also voiced their ideas for how they could raise funds, including: donating a small part of their pocket or birthday money, doing extra chores, walking or riding to school, minimising the use of lights at home and then contributing this on the GoFundMe page.
Book Fair
We will be holding our Scholastic Book Fair in Week 8 of Term 3 (August 31 to September 4). The theme for the Book Fair this year is Arctic Adventure and we will be celebrating by dressing up in this theme on Friday 4 September.
Students will be given the opportunity to browse the Book Fair and create a "wish list" to bring home. This does not by any means indicate that you have to purchase any or all of the items on their wish list, it is just a guide for you so that you know what students have seen and liked.
Each Learning Community will also be providing a wish list of books they would love to have in their area and we welcome families to purchase a book to donate to the school to help build our library resources. Each book that is donated will have a sticker placed proudly inside with the donating family's name.
All books are to be purchased online, we will provide further details on how to order in the coming weeks.
Have a great weekend!
Evan Savage
Principal