Term 3

Well, the return to school for Term 3 didn't last long, with another lockdown put in place for week 2 and possibly next week as well.

This is something that nobody wanted, however we are all relatively practiced now and the staff and students were able to slot back into online learning really quickly. Thanks to all the parents that have become home teachers again. We know this is a huge challenge and we appreciate the effort you are putting in.

One of the big issues identified around the repeat lockdowns is lack of continuity. This has been felt very keenly by teachers, trying to plan, teach, assess and support students without any consistent block of time to work. Certainly trying to run events is challenging.

I am sure the students are feeling this as well, particularly when they see another year when they miss out on special occasions, like the Level 5 Camp to Coonawarra.

There isn't a lot of advice around to address this issue, other than to encourage consistent routines at home, set clear expectations, and stick to them, and encouraging regular communication with the school teacher.

Parent / Carers Opinion Survey

This annual survey is now open and parents/carers will be sent a link and a PIN to use for access. The survey will be open until 22 August.

WE WANT OUR PARENTS/CARERS TO TELL US WHAT THEY THINK!

So please take the time complete this survey.

TeamKids

TeamKids continue to provide a service during the lockdown. Check them out on www.teamkids.com.au

Greening the School

As mentioned in the last newsletter we have created a Jells Park Environment Sub-Committee, led by Samar Abdul Aziz. Their first project in 'Greening the School'. Samar has been very active in developing a plan for planting in all the bare/empty garden beds in association with the Friends of the Dandenong Valley Parklands (FDVPL). This includes a plan for the right type of plants for a school, where to plant them and when to plant them.

To start the ball rolling on this plan, there are two points to parents:

We need to remove all the flax bushes around the front of the gym - they are not appropriate for the area and have grown so large they are obstructing the footpath. If there is any family that would like these - please contact me and we can arrange a time for you to remove them.

Planting Working Bee on Saturday 21 August, where we will fix the soil, plant and mulch a number of the priority garden beds in the school. We have a whole pile of donated plants to put in so it will be a busy morning - all families welcome to join us.

Welcome

With the departure Jo-Anne Hoare to Great Ryrie PS we welcome Mrs Carolyn O'Rourke to the position of Business Manager. Carolyn comes with 10 years experience in this role at Pembroke PS, however is excited at the prospect of working at a bigger school with larger programs and activities. Please take the chance to welcome Carolyn to the school when our doors open again.

Kevin Oakey

Principal

Community Events 2