Hallett Cove East Primary School

Dear Parents/Caregivers,

REMINDER PUPIL FREE DAYS ALL NEXT WEEK

This is a reminder that school is closed for all students all next week, (April 6th-9th.) OSHC is available for care during this time. If you need care, please contact Sally or Lissy on 8381 7577.

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE

We continue to live and work in challenging times and I sincerely thank parents for your support and patience during this time as we plan, not just learning programs, but how we learn,  develop, use and manage online processes, (which are brand new for most staff), between home and school. I know many of you are anxious about what learning will look like particularly from home. I would like to reassure everyone that this is brand new for all of us, educators, students and families everywhere, and as a team we will work together and learn along the way. Parents are not expected to develop programs, we are doing that. Children will not be expected to be online all day. In fact we are planning that there will be other work provided that is not done on any device at all. The mix of modes and amount will vary between year levels and the ability of students to be able to work independently. My message to parents is to just do the best you can. We expect that things may start at a basic level while we are all getting used to operation in this new education style. As each week passes we will all become more proficient with it and as a school, we will be able to improve processes for students and families.

Understand too, that things may change in the 3 weeks prior to the start of Term 2, we do not know what will happen and some of our plans may change. As a school community, we will work together and address these issues as they arise, (under direction from appropriate government departments). Term 2 Weeks 1 & 2 work packages and “how to” information will be sent out at the end of next week. Please make sure you do not use the materials until the start of Term 2, as this is the learning program for both home and school learners, and there may be times when home learners will learn with the staff and other students at school.

Please return the Consent Form giving permissions for students that was sent out on Skoolbag yesterday, to utilise Department for Education approved online platforms, as soon as possible. We need returns for all students regardless of whether they are learning at home or learning at school.

So, one final message, try not to be too concerned, we are all in this together!

SOMETHING SPECIAL

I would like to sincerely thank Kobe in 3N and Chloe in 7W and their Dad and Mum who together created a fabulous film clip resource for children, teaching them the importance of good hygiene throughout this pandemic. In fact the message is important at all times.  

Please click here to view the video.

HIGHLIGHTS OF TERM 1 2020

Although our last few weeks of school have been significantly affected by attendance, we have continued to work hard throughout the term, even with protective distancing measures in place. Highlights aside from our routine programs included:

• Student Leadership application process and commencement of roles
• Genki Kids program
• Traffic Monitor training and work
• R-5 Swimming program
• Student Leadership assembly
• National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence and Harmony Day activities
• Premier’s Reading and Be Active Challenges commenced
• SAPSASA district swimming competitions
• Cross country training
• AGM including presentations by Student Leaders
• A new Governing Council elected
• Acquaintance meetings
• Teachers undertaking training in learning design, assessment and moderation, Maths, Languages, Arts and PE with a focus on Formative Assessment, Feedback
• Teachers undertaking training in writing One Plans and Interoception

HATS IN TERM 2

According to our SunSmart policy, students who will be attending school do not need to wear hats during Term 2. I would ask however, that students still bring their hats to school for the first week or two just in case we have weather where the UV reading is above 3.

SCHOOL SECURITY IN THE HOLIDAYS

To help prevent vandalism and other crime in the school during the holidays, we seek your support to please report any suspicious behaviour you may observe in and around the school to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or direct to Police on 131 444. I thank you in advance for doing so.

…..AND FINALLY

Please stay healthy and safe during the holiday break with your children. We look forward to working with all students whether that be from home or at school from the start of Term 2, Monday 27th April.

Anne Rathjen

Principal

Before Term Two Begins

The last few weeks have been a challenge for us all across the country. In a normal year teachers would often spend time planning term two and coming in to school to prepare classrooms during the April holidays.  This year we are asking all our teaching and non-teaching staff to spend the two weeks of the school holidays having a break. We have asked them to take leave if necessary and not come in to school. We want our staff to come back as refreshed as possible for whatever challenges we will encounter in term two.

We would also like to ask that all our students have a holiday from school and/or school work over the following weeks. They too need to return to school directed learning refreshed and ready to tackle the challenges ahead. There is much advice to be found for activities for children during these unusual times and you may find that a little boredom may enhance their resilience.  

Our learning programs will commence on Monday of Term 2. Further information will be sent out on Skoolbag and posted to families next week.

So we hope that everyone has as good a break as possible and stays safe.

 Soccer News

 Our soccer co-ordinator has received an email from the President of the Noarlunga Junior District Soccer Association to advise that the 2020 season has been cancelled.

Thank You

Thank you to everyone for your understanding and compassion. Thank you to all those who have offered messages of thanks and support to us at school, we really appreciate it. Thank you to staff who have needed to show greater flexibility, adaptability and perseverance than ever before. Thank you to those who are keeping their children at home to help us all. Thank you to those in our community who are helping through keeping our country going. As the principal has already stated " we are all in this together".

Kind Regards,

Andrea Hayden

Deputy Principal

This week I want to give a big “shout-out” to all our staff at Hallett Cove East Primary School.  As we all know we are in the midst of experiencing life as we have never experienced before.  We are all feeling a variety of emotions and definitely some more intense and prolonged than what we have felt before.  It is a time in which we are being asked not to be selfish.  To think about not only ourselves but to think about the impact of our decisions and actions have on others.

I work with colleagues who are impacted heavily by what is occurring but they continue to carry on with their role.  Every day they ensure our students feel safe and cared for.  They have gone the extra mile knowing that students are experiencing loss with the absence of friends, worry, fear, confusion and anxiety.  They continue on with the job even though they too are anxious, worried, scared and yes, unable to get toilet paper after hours!!!

So thank you to all our staff (our teachers, SSO’s, leaders, pastoral care worker, canteen manager, cleaners, groundsman) for making it just a little better for our children and young people. 

Thank you too, to our parents and community for keeping our young people safe at home.  We know that you also have a tough job with holidays coming up and the insurmountable support that you will give for your child’s learning in term 2

Please remember that, like the seasons, everything changes and this will not last.  Continue to find the positives in these life-changing events. 

Keep safe and well,

Evie Donoghue

HCEPS Wellbeing Coordinator (evie.donoghue503@schools.sa.edu.au)

BOOK CLUB

Due to the current situation, COVID19,  delivery has been delayed.  The orders are on their way!!   We will be in touch , via SKOOLBAG, as soon as they arrive to arrange a 'contactfree' collection.

Please be understanding.    

Irene    (Resource Centre and Book Club Coordinator)

Unfortunately due to COVID-19 we are unable to offer our canteen services until further notice.

Unfortunately due to COVID 19 the second hand uniform shop is closed until further notice.