Dear Families,

As you are aware Covid-19 is creating an atmosphere of uncertainty. As a school we are doing many things to ensure that the students, parents and staff within our community are safe. This week we have introduced a few extra safety measures against the spread of the virus.

• We have taken away bubblers and replaced them with taps. This gives children access to more hand washing stations. If a child is without a water bottle we have spares that they can access and refill from these stations.
• Visitors/Volunteers to the school – We still welcome visitors, we ask that you sign in at the office, wash your hands thoroughly and only attend the area that you have volunteered for. We ask that only volunteers enter classroom/corridor spaces. If you are to collect a child, we ask that you do this from the front office. Unless you have a visitor sticker you will be asked to leave the classroom space immediately.
• Birthday treats – At this stage we are suspending all home baked birthday treats. If you would like to provide your child’s class with a treat these can be ordered for the canteen. Birthday cakes, lolly bags etc. that have been brought in from home will be returned that afternoon.
• Library books/Readers will be sent home in bulk and will remain at home until the end of the school holidays.
• Our before and after school pickup has changed suddenly, and I thank all parents for assisting in the smooth transition.

As advised on Monday, we have cancelled all Term 1 events. This has now extended to Term 2. As such, in consultation with the Community Council, we will no longer have our annual Mother’s Day Breakfast, environment disco, and Open Days.  Other events such as Cross Country and assemblies will be going ahead but in a revised format.

• Unfortunately, Story Time and Playgroup has been suspended until further notice.
• All Sacraments, Confirmation, First Eucharist and Reconciliation have been suspended until further notice.
• Saturday netball season has been delayed till at least May, which will be revised. Registrations are still being taken.

In terms of school closures there is a lot we don’t know. It is not a certainty that schools will close. It is however, necessary that we prepare for the event that our school might close for a period of time. At this stage the teachers are looking at options for remote learning that includes digital platforms. I would like to get an indication from families as to whether this is a viable option. Could you please email me at kate.markcrow@cg.catholic.edu.au if your child does not have access to the internet or if there is no computer/iPad within the family home?  ONLY THESE FAMILIES ARE TO RESPOND.

For children who have to stay at home for a period of time, we are looking at ways that we can keep your child engaged in learning. In the meantime, students can log into Maths Online, Sunshine Online (Yrs K – 2) or use their Google Classroom to continue working on class assignments. Students can also continue reading books and other suitable material, story and journal write and engage in mathematical activities as they occur within everyday life.

Below is a link to an excellent video that should prove helpful to parents in discussing the current health situation and addressing childhood anxiety in relation to COVID-19:

With growing confusion and overwhelming media reports on the COVID-19 outbreak, SchoolTV has produced a short, fact based video for school communities. SchoolTV’s special video report on how parents, carers and teachers can help children and young people deal with any anxiety they may be experiencing as a result of media coverage of the COVID-19 outbreak is clear.

SchoolTV has advised APPA that since its release on Monday the video has had over 20,000 views and continues to rise. In association with APPA, this important video from Dr Michael Carr-Gregg is now available via the link below:

https://schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-coronavirus

Sick Children

Thank you for your support in keeping home children who are sick. We understand that this can be problematic for some families but appreciate the extra effort parents are making in keeping sick children at home. We ask that all children who have coughs, cold and fevers do not come to school. We will continue to enforce this and all children who present with these symptoms will be sent home.  Staff have been asked to stay home if they are unwell.

Although we have had to make adjustments to the school, classroom routines are continuing and children are still participating in all learning opportunities.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or need any support during these uncertain times.

Year 5 Harmony Day Assembly

The Year 5 children have been busy preparing for their Harmony Day assembly. The main message of this assembly is celebrating multiculturalism and that everyone belongs.  This week the assembly will be presented via video. All parents are able to view the assembly from 2pm by logging in to Facebook. All students in the school will be watching this assembly in their classrooms at 2pm.

Colour Fun Day

The fun must go on. Although our Colour Run has been suspended for the time being, we are still encouraging all families to fundraise. The money raised this year will go towards to sensory playground that we are creating outside, near the hardtop. To help purchase the colour powder, all children can come to school next Thursday 26 March dressed in their favourite colour and bring a gold coin donation. See the flyer in this newsletter for further details.

Down Syndrome Awareness

A big thank you to Leanne Perryman and Nip who came to school yesterday and talked to our Year 3 students about Down Syndrome. The children were actively interested and asked lots of questions. It was heart-warming to see this group of children want to learn more about their class mate. 

Peace and Best Wishes

Kate Markcrow

Principal