20 May 2020
On any given day, we are seeing 50-60% of students returning to school. We have appreciated your support in the staggered return to school. The remote learning experience has been a learning curve for all of us but one that we’ve been able to conquer together. We have been advised that all students can return to school on Monday 25 May. There will still be some restrictions in place including:
• Parents are still not allowed to enter school grounds;
• No school assemblies will be conducted until further notice.
We have been able to open the fixed equipment and bubblers this week. They will be cleaned regularly throughout the day as required as part of the enhanced cleaning for schools. The canteen has also reopened for orders only through Flexischools. A huge thanks to the P&C for being so proactive and willing to adjust the menu to suit the needs of our school community. I know Tam was pleased to be able to get back in to the swing of things!
We were informed late last week that reporting requirements have changed for this semester only. A report to parents/carers on student learning progress in Semester 1, 2020 information sheet has been sent to families via SkoolBag and Facebook. We are in the process of developing a modified report. It will look very different to what you are used to. There is no requirement for A-E in this revised report. As soon as we develop the template, we can outline the timeline for you to access. It is our absolute priority to still deliver a report that is meaningful that will identify areas of strength and areas to develop.
Our two new playgrounds have been delayed due to a change in process at the Asset Management Unit level of the Department of Education. Long story short, the process changed before the equipment had been finalised and therefore we are bound to follow the new process. I am still hopeful that we can deliver the projects this year – I’ll be trying my best to get it done ASAP!
As we continue to move through this pandemic, I think it has really highlighted the amazing community that we live in. We know that we have great support networks and how we move beyond COVID-19 will be important. We will take time to reflect on the positives and what we’d like to keep doing as a result of our experience.
Out of school hours, we are seeing an increase of activity on school grounds. This includes people on skateboards, scooters and bikes. To date, some minor damage has occurred but it appears that activity is increasing. Whilst we have security patrols in place, we’re asking our community to keep an eye out for anyone on school grounds who shouldn’t be. Schools are inclosed lands and as such fall under the Inclosed Lands Act. That means that nobody should be on school grounds without permission from the principal. If you see people on school grounds, particularly on skateboards, scooters or bikes, can you please contact the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.
Brad Lyne
Principal