11-Dec-2020
It seems we are finally back to normal and its been wonderful seeing so many parents and carers back on-site briefly each morning and afternoon. Next week we have our Year 4s on Camp, a Christmas Concert for our younger students, class parties and our Year 6 Graduation Ceremony.
All of these events and activities will look and feel a little different to previous years, and we continue to work flexibly and adapt to the changing conditions under which we are permitted to run our school.
It will be a busy and exciting final week of the year. Last day for our students will be Thursday December 17 with dismissal for the Summer break being 1:45pm after a short assembly for our students and staff.
Face masks in schools
Face masks are no longer required in school settings. However, they are recommended for use by staff when physical distancing of 1.5m cannot be maintained.
Promote COVIDSafe activities
There is no requirement to limit the number or type of visitors to school premises, however the density limit of one person per two square metres should be applied to any spaces being accessed by parent/carers and other visitors. This includes classrooms and our Administration area
Schools across the State have resumed more familiar and normal activities. We are grateful that we can again welcome parents and other vital members of the school community back onto our grounds but we need to remember to remain vigilant and stay home when unwell, practice regular hand hygiene and maintain physical distancing from others when practical.
Wellbeing in the holidays
It’s been a big year and the attached guides provide tips and resources for parents, carers and families to support the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people in their care over the school holidays. We hope it is helpful in supporting you to support your children.
Tutor Learning Initiative
During Term 4, schools across Victoria have been focused on supporting students’ mental health and wellbeing, in addition to assisting students to readjust to on-site learning. Teachers have also been focusing on assessing student learning, addressing individual learning gaps and identifying those students who need extra support for their learning, using classroom-based observation and assessments.
As you may be aware, in response to this, the Victorian Government is investing $250 million in the Tutor Learning Initiative to enable schools across Victoria to engage around 4,100 teachers as tutors in 2021 to support students who need extra assistance with their learning. Schools will determine how this initiative is best implemented for their students and will ensure that students will get this support in a way that minimises disruptions to other learning or school activities.
By engaging additional staff to support children with intensive learning, classroom teachers will have greater capacity to ensure that all other students’ achievement, engagement and wellbeing needs are met, so that all students receive the support they need in 2021.
The Victorian Chief Health Officer message to schools and their communities can be found by accessing the link below.
Take care and keep well
James Whitla
