Newsletter

Hello everyone and welcome to our first official Newsletter for Term 2 2020.

COVID

As you are aware, due to the COVID 19 environment many of the usual programs and activities have been either cancelled or postponed. This continues to be the case with the Government remaining cautious in regard to approval of all non-core activities in schools. We will continue to see this impact our school until restrictions are lifted further. If nothing else, the current situation in Victoria demonstrates that we must continue to support this strategy and be vigilant ourselves. Most importantly I would like to congratulate our parents and our children for demonstrating great resilience and patience in the disrupted and, at times, unsettled COVID environment and for getting straight back into learning; both online and at school once restrictions were lifted. Interestingly we are averaging over 94% attendance at the moment, an improvement of 2% on this time last year. We continue to remain vigilant with social distancing and hygiene practices and we seek the continued support of families as well.

Thank you to our Kindy and Pre Primary parents for your patience in supporting the retention of our new start and finish times. I am certain you will have noticed the improvement to parking availability and traffic congestion at pick up and drop off times. In addition, your support in allowing your children to walk into class themselves of a morning has demonstrated their progress in the area of independence over the year.

Reports

All families will receive their Semester one reports next week and these too have been impacted by the COVID 19 virus. As you have been previously advised, due to the disruption to learning across semester one, the Department of Education has advised schools to not incorporate A to E grades and instead to comment on your child’s/ children’s progress in Maths and English; and to provide a comprehensive general comment. In addition, you will be invited to a meeting with your child’s teacher, designed to elaborate on the written report and allow you to engage teachers in greater detail.

School Board and P & C

Both our P&C and School Board have met recently following the easing of restrictions and it has been pleasing to see such high attendance rates at these meetings. Restrictions permitting, there are wonderful initiatives planned for the second half of the year, so more soon from both the Board and P&C. The next Board meeting in term 3 will be our annual “Open” meeting, meaning the community can attend (as observers and subject to social distancing requirements and limits). You will be advised of the meeting details soon. In addition, the next meeting of our P&C will be its annual General Meeting. We will keep you advised of the details of this meeting also.

Taking Pictures of Students.

Can I remind parents that due to legal and safety issues related to some of our students, it is not permitted to take pictures of students at school without the appropriate permission/s. This includes at events, in carparks, lining up or at the gates. In doing so, should the images inadvertently become public, you are risking the safety and well-being of some of our students.

Additional Classrooms

Early in term 3 we will see the arrival of 2 new teaching rooms. These are of the “transportable” type and will be placed in between teaching blocks 4 and 5 so as to try to conserve as much open play space as possible.

Stay safe and well and see you at the gate. Mr Morgan, Principal.

Junior Choir

I am happy to announce that Junior Choir will re-commence in Term 3. Rehearsals will take place on Wednesday at lunchtime (1:10-1:40) in the Technologies Room. Please pack your child a small lunch on this day as students will need to be ready to sing at 1:10pm. Students should bring their music folder and drink bottle to rehearsals.

 I look forward to seeing everyone at our first rehearsal for the term on Wednesday 22nd July.

Senior Choir

I am pleased to let you know that Senior Choir will re-commence in Term 3. Rehearsals will take place on Wednesday afternoons in the Technologies Room but will run for 45 mins from 3pm- 3:45pm. Please ensure you collect your child from the Technologies Room via the OSH gates behind the undercover area at 3:45pm.

Students still need to bring their music folder, something light to eat from 2:40pm-3pm and a water bottle.

I look forward to seeing everyone at our first rehearsal for the term on Wednesday 22nd July.

Mrs Atherton

The Library is looking for donations of good quality new and used children’s books.  A donations box will be placed outside the Library and in the Administration Office.

Our school is participating in Scholastic Book Club this year. Up to twice a term, during the school year, we will send home a Club catalogue with a different selection of books offered for all ages.

It is easy to order. The Book Club LOOP platform for parents allows you to pay by credit card. Your child’s order is submitted directly to school safe and sound and the books will be delivered to class. You can place your child’s order at scholastic.com.au/LOOP or using the LOOP app, which can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play. We will be accepting payment by Book Club LOOP only.  

In Term 3 there are available spaces for the following Music programs:

• Piano
• Guitar
• Vocals

If your child is interested in this opportunity please collect an application form from the Administration Office.  Don't delay as places fill quickly!