Assistant Principal

What a wonderful day we had here at SSPS last Monday when our Foundation to Year 2 students returned to school! That very first recess was especially moving as the sound of excited and animated students echoed around the playground, as they reconnected with their friends. It was a delight to behold and one I will treasure as a very special moment in my career.

During the last two weeks all of our teachers have been very proud of the students who have returned to school and have been commenting on how mature and grown up they have become during the lock down period. We have been very impressed with how well the students are walking independently into the south building of a morning, unpacking all of their belongings for the school day and hanging up their school bags. Super effort kids.

Whilst students have been at home many families have needed to introduce new routines and structures to manage the busyness of their day. Now that the students are back at school, how will you use the structures which you have developed during the day and re-purpose for after school? What new routines will need to be developed? It is well documented that children benefit enormously from routines and structure. Routine and structure make children feel safe, the predictability helps them to ease any pressure of feeling overwhelmed. This period for our F-2 students is one of transition and even though they are managing magnificently, we still have to keep observing and monitoring whether any student feels overwhelmed.

The Raising Children Network (the Australian parenting website - raisingchildren.net.au) offers fantastic ideas on how best to communicate with your child if you are needing some fresh perspectives at this time. The topics are quite varied and include: Talking about tough topics e.g Disaster news and distressing news events; School age: Coping with trauma. There is also a Coronavirus family guide which parents may like to access as our children will continue to ask questions about COVID-19 and issues surrounding the virus. The Coronavirus Health Information Line is 1800 020 080 if you also need to call for further advice.

It is really important during this transition period that parents acknowledge their child’s feelings and answer any questions that children are asking. Sometimes it is not until our children are going to bed that the questions that have been bothering them during the day surface. If you have any concerns please reach out to us here at school, so that we can help support you. If you observe any behaviour changes in your child, please let us know. Your child has spent a wonderfully happy and connected time with you and we encourage you to think about how you can continue with this now they are back at school? We wait in anticipation for our year 3- 6 students to return and then we will feel complete. Have a great long weekend break.