Good afternoon community.

What a topsy-turvy world we live in, 3 months ago we had no rain and no Covid 19 in Australia, now we have both.

These are indeed trying times, which brings me to a very relevant quote from Pope John Paul 2

I plead with you - never, ever give up on hope, never doubt, never tire, and never become discouraged. Be not afraid.

In this 'new world' we are living in, these words are hard to enact, but Pope John Paul's  inspirational stance brings hope.

Firstly I would like to thank parents for their understanding and support, the school has received at this very difficult time.  I would also like to give all our parents and carers praise for the way they have taken on the role of 'teacher' in their remote learning environment.

Survey

In regards to a survey that was sent out yesterday we experienced technical difficulties. A new link will be sent later today, this survey will be given a new heading so there is no confusion.

The idea of the survey is to gather information regarding remote learning, including some of the challenges and successes that you have experienced so far.  It will also enable the school to target support for hardware/internet access to some specific families who need assistance in these areas.

End of Term

As mentioned in my email sent out this earlier this week, school will be closed for Pupil Free Days all of next week.  This is to enable teachers to plan the best experiences for your child in terms of a remote learning program next term.  

Remote Learning

A document will be sent out next week which outlines SJV’s approach to remote learning for parents and students.  This will give parents an outline of how this program will be conducted and the expectations for the program.  An expectations document for teachers will also be developed.  This will ensure all roles and expectations are made a little clearer.  

I would like to ask parents for some assistance with some current complications around our online learning platforms.   We have had some of our students, quite innocently, tie up discussion threads with unrelated chatter, spam or unrelated posts.  Can you please remind your children that anything posted onto the schools educational platforms is (a) monitored and (b) for educational purposes only.  This will help free their classroom teacher from unwarranted distractions.

Term 2

In preparation for Term 2, families will need some materials from school as well as returning some items that they have borrowed, at a designated time. This time will enable our Year K-2 parents to pick up some printed materials for their children and all other parents to pick up other items like readers, Spelling and Handwriting text books.  There may be the possibility to borrow books from our library. Attendance at the school for this purpose will follow strict Social Distancing Regulations and will be restricted to only one family member entering the school premises for these Educational purposes.

At this stage one family member will come in on Tuesday of Week One in the following groups (If you have children in various grades you may choose a time that suits)

Year 5/6 Parents - 9:30-10:30

Year 3/4 Parents - 10:30-11:30

Year K-2 Parents - 11:30-12:30  

Extra Help

If you are doing it tough at the moment and need some extra supplies next term for your children (textas, glue, pencils, erasers, exercise books etc) pleaase let our front office now and we will put some things aside for you.  

I am keeping all our students, families and staff in my prayers so that we can all make it though this to the other side, safe and sound.  

God bless.