20-July-2021
Dear Families,
I would like to thank our community during this challenging time for its positivity and focus on those most precious to us: the children in our care.
Like me, many of you would have been intently waiting to hear from Premier Dan Andrews today. His message, though somewhat disappointing, was unsurprising – all schools will continue with remote and flexible learning until midnight on Tuesday July 27. We are planning, and hoping for, a return to face to face teaching and learning in the middle of next week.
Throughout the State and within our community the cumulative impact of these recurring lockdowns will increasingly affect the resilience, hope and courage of our people. Our Staff and I are thinking of you all at this tremendously challenging time.
We acknowledge that remote learning is not always easy, it’s also not the preference of leaders, teachers and support staff either as we juggle remote learning in our households too. Please know that we are here to support each other and each and every one of you.
Although we have again seen high numbers of students engaging with the learning and we know that many students have coped well with the remote learning, we also know that there will be some students and families who may struggle with this work. Our staff will continue to reach out and connect with you and your children over the next couple of days. We want to keep supporting our students and limit the risk of any child disengaging.
Our teaching staff have been preparing for this eventuality. Updated weekly overviews will be available soon via SEESAW and these will reflect DET priorities- namely – student wellbeing and learning.
A reminder to all families that for any students with a disability, who cannot learn from home due to vulnerability or family stress, access to on-site learning for that student is available. Please email us edithvale.ps@education.vic.gov.au or call (9772 1393) our school directly so that we can organise for this support.
Health and Wellbeing
It can be challenging to process and manage changes to routines and the uncertainty that comes with COVID-19 and related restrictions – including moving to remote learning.
To support our school community during this time, resources and support are available for parents, carers and families.
These resources will help to support the mental health and wellbeing of our students and the young people in our care during this time.
I encourage everyone in our community to access these resources and take care of themselves during this time.
support for students and their families is available for students, parents and carers looking to access expert guidance and resources to support wellbeing.
Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of our students remains a priority, especially during the continued COVID-19 pandemic and while students are learning from home during the current circuit breaker restrictions. Please see the PDF file below.
Updated quick guide to student mental health and wellbeing resources
For students, the guide includes resources to support their own mental health and wellbeing.
- Advice and resources for students about ways to adapt their learning during COVID-19, to look after themselves and where to get help.
- Wellbeing activities fearing AFL and AFLW players with tips on managing stress, staying active and gratitude.
- Kick it with Victory physical activities with Melbourne Victory Football Club.
- Smiling Mind mindfulness activities for senior secondary school students, including short videos, online tip sheets and meditations
The guide also includes resources and supports for parents and carers to help them build their child’s physical and mental health and wellbeing. This includes:
- resources to support children’s physical, mental health and wellbeing
- wellbeing activities and conversation starters
- Raising Learners podcast series
- how to talk to your child about COVID-19
We will communicate any further updates and information as they come to hand.
Take care and keep warm
James Whitla
