Dear Parents and Carers,
Many times I have heard the adage "There is only one constant in education and that's change."
Boy, who ever said that, was not kidding!
You will by now know that the school is beginning the processes required to re-open in a staggered manner.
Your support in these most uncertain times has been valued by all staff and we can assure you that your children and returning them to school in the safest and most responsible manner is our first, second and only goal.
The decisions made at a local level for our school community have been informed by the current information that is available for schools regarding COVID19.
We are keen to return to "what we do best" but are confident we have developed a system and a platform which could sustain remote learning into the future, if required.
One of our first tasks, when we have all back on site, will be to review with the children and sample families, what worked and where we might adapt. We feel that this reflection phase is most important as there are implications for how learning looks for students as they prepare for "life beyond St James" somewhere in the future (If we as a school were to show you our first plan on March 19th you would be amazed at where we now find ourselves).
Can I just reiterate that the time of the return, beyond the Transition Plan, will be a family decision which will need to be discussed with the principal. This of course takes into account the health vulnerabilities some families are dealing with.
As I sit here writing, I can hear Elle Aslin and Mrs Dougherty counting for the fiercest game of Hall School Hide and Seek. These are certainly different times in which we live, but I am most warmed by the family values and connections that our children are making and maintaining with one another, within family and their siblings.
I have watched my great niece learning to ride her bike without training wheels over the past weeks, via facetime. It is not that much fun looking at the sky from the bike basket when she drops the phone, but I have been glad to have been invited to share.
I know that there are many stories such as this, and I hope we hold these memories and opportunities to spend time with those we love as precious after this experience.
Yours in hand sanitiser,
Ann
