Principal's Message
Hello everyone and welcome to Week 4... yep, you read that correctly, Week 4!
We are ticking along nicely here at school, albeit, quite a bit differently than 'normal'. We aren't able to do a great deal outside of the classrooms, but you know what, this is actually not a bad thing... with no disruptions (assemblies, excursions, carnivals etc... etc...), there is SO MUCH uninterrupted teaching and learning taking place. The big question on all our minds is, perhaps we need to reassess a lot of what we do and decide what we need to keep and what we need to limit to ensure this uninterrupted learning can continue into the future.
The drop off and pick up routine seems to be working very well and children are coming to school prepared, confident, independent and ready to learn. We have been so proud of them in how they have adapted to this 'new way of life'. I must say, however, that now attendance is up around 94% the afternoons are a little hectic out there. Please try and be patient during pick up time... I know it's not ideal, but it lasts for a whole 10 minutes and then calms right down. Be patient, and have a clear plan with your child about where to meet you.
One change that I must bring to your attention is that we cannot allow cakes etc... to be brought to school for a child's birthday. This is a standard response for all schools during this time. The classroom teacher will always make a fuss of your child when it is their birthday and we can do this without cake and the like! I don't see this as a bad thing anyway... surely one less thing for you to do at home in the midst of everything else is a good thing!
The calendar is pretty quiet for this term as we have had to (pretty much) cancel most events. We will however, continue our Book Week dress up, but to give you a little more time, we will reschedule this to Wednesday June 17 (Week 8). There won't be an assembly, just the opportunity for children to enjoy dressing up. Also, school reports will still be issued at the end of the term but will look slightly different than normal. There won't be any grades given, rather a general comment as well as a progress comment for English and Mathematics.
Thank you for your ongoing support. It has been appreciated on both a personal and professional level. We are a part of a wonderful community!
Daniel Bergin, PRINCIPAL
Chaplain's Chat
Thought for the fortnight
Imagine you are driving down the road. This road is familiar, after all, you’ve driven along it many times, with its predictable shortcuts, frustrating slow spots, annoying roadworks and even the odd hazard along the way. But you know it well……..and for the most part you feel in control.
Then suddenly one day as you’re driving along, you find yourself unexpectedly, in a tunnel. The tunnel is dark, unfamiliar, and isolating and it’s stopped you dead in your tracks. In disbelief you wonder how this happened. You can’t remember seeing the tunnel, let alone driving into it. There’s confusion, denial and even some panic beginning to creep in as you feel the loss of control.
Now the rational part of your brain frantically tries to make sense of this sudden unwanted reality. Somehow you know you can’t turn around and just go back to how it was before, yet the prospect of moving forward through the tunnel, equally leaves you with feelings of uncertainty and insecurity. You start to feel hesitant ……..stuck ……. even trapped!
Why is this happening? It’s not fair? Why am I being made to suffer? I did NOT ask for this. Whose fault is it? I can’t see this ever ending. I give up!
or ……………..
Why am I expected to be at work when others are able to keep safe at home?............What am I thinking? At least I still have a job. Why are we not in lockdown already? Does the government even know what they’re doing? This is so hard. I just want to protect my family!
Shock…..denial……emotional outbursts…….. resentment……anger……panic….. powerlessness…..bargaining ….. anxiety….fear….. disorganisation…….. guilt…….. disconnect……..loneliness
This is grief. It is a cycle; a process and it looks like this:
Unfortunately, tunnels in life, like the one we are experiencing at the moment, WILL happen but we can’t let them stop us from where we’re going. The good news is there will always be a light at the other end ……. a place of acceptance, hope, adjustments and eventually, a new normal. We just have to get there, one step at a time, however long that takes and remember we are indeed ALL IN THIS TOGETHER!
This too shall pass
Tina Lowther, CHAPLAIN (Tina.Lowther@youthcare.org.au)
School Entry Health Assessment
A Message from the School Health Nurses
School Entry Health Assessment- Kindy and PP
All children in Western Australia are eligible for a School Entry Health Assessment when they are of school entry age. The School Entry Health Assessment is provided by the local School Health Nurse. It is an excellent opportunity to look at the health and development of your child at the beginning of school life.
The assessments are simple, non-invasive, quick and easy. They screen for problems which are best addressed, if picked up and treated early. The assessments include: VISION, HEARING, TEETH, GROWTH (including weight, height and BMI)
Your child’s results will be sent home after their health check has been completed. Results are always treated confidentially. Please note, if the assessment results for your child suggest there may be a concern, the School Health Nurse will contact you to discuss.
School Entry Health Assessment forms are distributed for parents to complete several weeks prior to the assessment date. Please complete and sign the back page of the form before you return it. Please return the form to the class teacher as soon as possible.
If you have a concern about your child’s health, development or wellbeing, or wish to discuss a future or completed assessment, please contact us on 92588053. We look forward to working with you and your family.