Dear Parents and Families

Welcome to an extremely unique Term 2, to what can only be described as unprecedented times for us all.  I trust that you are all well and doing okay during this time. Hoping that you have had an enjoyable Easter break and are keen to begin a new journey of learning. 

Thank you for the positive praise many of you have forwarded our teachers. As you can imagine, teachers have been working hard to guarantee continuity of learning and have encountered a steep learning curve using technology to ensure this continuity.  I also acknowledge the efforts of our parents at home as well.  Your respect and understanding of what we have been asked to do in such a short time is greatly appreciated.

By now you would have received communication from your child’s class teacher regarding the learning students will encounter throughout the upcoming weeks. All year levels have access to a ‘Team’ in Microsoft Teams. This is where you will find communication, activities and resources for learning. Students can communicate with their class teacher(s) in this digital environment.  Whilst online, I urge you to continue to be vigilant with your children and their online chatting and learning. 

Thank you for your patience with any tech issues when trying to login to your child’s Microsoft Office 365 account- there will no doubt be some issues when first using these new platforms. For technical support, please let the class teacher know that you require support and they will contact the school Information Services Support Technician.

We want you to know that we are here to support in anyway we can to help you through this time. 

We are conscious that:

Some families are focusing on school work.

Some families are focusing on mental health.

Some families are focusing on survival.

Different families have different needs at this time.   

We are supportive of all of the above.

Following are some links to information available for parents and carers who are supporting students learning at home. The following resources may be helpful.

• Lets continue to learn! Continued learning at home when school is out -  by Courtney Lyon for the Canvas Blog
• Learning from home: Advice to parents and carers NSW Government website
• Talking to children about COVID-19: A Parent resource  - National Association of School Psychologists
• The family lockdown guide: how to emotionally prepare for coronavirus quarantine - The Guardian
• Support learning at home - Collins UK
• 6 strategies to juggle work and young kids at home it's about flexibility and boundaries - The Conversation article by Ruchi Sinha 23rd March 2020
• Maintaining Healthy Routines - Queensland Department of Education

Over the Easter break we have been working hard once again to maintain our school facilities.   

Thanks to Heritage Stonecraft and Design for the amazing job they have completed on the retaining wall between the Primary School and College Oval.  We will now have easier access between the Primary School and College.  See photos below. 

The Mercy Centre floor has been resurfaced and painted and looks so shiny and new it's hard to keep the children off the floor.  We have new lines and an almost new space to play and learn in thanks to Dan Harrold Flooring.  

Also, during this time our amazing School Cleaner Kristie-Lee managed to complete her COVID-19 cleaning certification and clean every classroom, ledge, window, furniture, every surface throughout the school and in the playground.  It is wonderful to hear the compliments extended to Kristie-Lee for ensuring our school remains clean and safe for all of us. 

Many blessings to you all.  We are missing you all and hope to see you all back soon.

Warm regards

Madonna