Dear Parents, Guardians and Caregivers

A huge thank you to all of you for your understanding and resilience over the last few weeks. With abrupt changes including fluctuating restrictions, school closures, the brief reintroduction of Remote Learning and the impact of the severe weather conditions, it has been a turbulent time! Special thanks to all those who passed on the message and made alternative arrangements for their children so quickly when we had no power which affected our lights, heating and channels of communication.

I would also like to thank our staff who have been amazingly adaptive and responsive. Whenever the situation changes it ultimately means more work for them- adjusting to new expectations and restrictions, on the spot problem solving, changing plans for learning activities and making new arrangements. They have been incredibly resilient and tenacious in their approach to creating the best conditions possible for student wellbeing and learning.

On our scheduled pupil free day, Friday June 11, teaching staff attended a very chilly Professional Development session with Dom Ryan and Geraldine Shelton from DOSCEL. Thanks to Dom and Geraldine for presenting without the convenience of power, warmth and the internet. Our Education Support Officers were busy cheerfully preparing resources in another area of the school while listening to the constant wailing of an alarm (which nothing could be done about until it ran out of battery). As this was the area with the most natural light they didn’t have an alternative. They told me they stopped hearing it after a while. Meanwhile Kaye and Vicky were cleaning out the canteen freezer and then moved onto the library shelves. I am humbled by all the staffs’ loyalty and diligence and most grateful!

We were really hoping to have an Open Afternoon yesterday to give students an opportunity to share their learning for this term with parents and friends. Unfortunately we have had to cancel this due to the current restrictions. We will endeavour to share as much as we can through alternative methods: Seesaw and Facebook.

The students, of course, are at the centre of everything we do. They have also been very adaptive over the course of this term. They are proud of their progress and achievements. The 3/4s have completed some wonderful projects and models reflecting local history and the 5/6s have been working hard on their projects on influential Australians and creating dioramas of important events in history. I had the pleasure of viewing all the Prep students’ writing last week- they couldn't wait to show me how they were progressing. I am also fortunate to receive many visits from 1/2 students to display work of which they are particularly proud. Thank you to all the students for their hard work, the way they bounce back during challenging times and the joy they bring to us every day!

I hope everyone has a lovely holiday and look forward to seeing you all next term.

Joanne Coldebella

Acting Principal