Weekly Overview

There appears to be a sense of optimism that students will return to face to face teaching at some point in Term 4. We still do not have a date for this and I am confident that any return will again be staggered. As Minister Merlino recently mentioned, any return will be decided on the advice of the Chief Health Officer and the transmission rates. Fingers crossed these rates continue their downward trend and we can welcome our students back to school with open arms.

Progress reports. Today the first progress reports of Semester 2 have become accessible on COMPASS. These reports reflect the learning and teaching undertaken in the last few weeks of term 2 AND the last 6 weeks of remote and flexible learning. Throughout this term we have asked students to reflect on their learning, identify work they are proud of and include that in a folder on SEESAW. This is referenced in each teacher’s report comments.

Today we have set up a SeeSaw activity to create a space for our students and their families to say thank you to our teachers. The purpose of this is twofold; this act of kindness and gratitude will be deeply appreciated by our teachers and it also gives our students and families a chance to take the time to be thankful and kind to someone else. Cognitive science shows that acts of kindness are beneficial for the receiver and the giver, as both parties get a hit dopamine in the brain. So if you haven’t seen this SeeSaw activity, please log on and spread some kindness J

In the second last week of term we will be focussing on assessments in English and Mathematics to help us plan for the start of term 4. These assessments will build upon the ongoing evidence that teachers collect each day and help to identify students’ strengths and areas for improvement. It is important that we are acutely aware of what our students do and do not know so that lessons and tasks can be tailored to their needs. We ask that our students complete these assessments independently so that they can be a true and accurate reflection of a students’ learning- at this point in time

At the end of that week On September 11 at 10:00am we have an AMAZING treat for our students.

Cosentino’s School Of Magic workshop is a 30min interactive virtual streaming tutorial designed for all ages and skill levels. Cosentino will share 20 years of professional performance experience teaching students fun, educational and amazing magic tricks using everyday household items (see list below)

Cosentino will first perform and present each magic illusion as it would appear on a live on stage or Television appearance. Then take students step by step through the secret, technique and method to the effect.

It’s a small way that we can say THANKYOU for their efforts during remote and flexible learning.
A short promotional video link is included below
https://youtu.be/TV0yVYA5pH4

Included below are some tips on how we can support and care for our children that I received from the Principals’ Federation during the week. I’m hoping some of these are helpful for you

WHAT IS YOUR CHILD EXPERIENCING DURING COVID-19?
• Seeing global pandemic and worrying.
• Feeling a big change in schedule and normal life.
• Hearing parents, trusted adults and leaders expressing alarm or worry.

HOW DOES THIS IMPACT ON YOUR CHILD’S BEHAVIOUR AND HEALTH?
• Increasing worry and stress.
• Acting out or holding feelings inside.
• Expressing fear in the form of anger or arguments.
• Causing sleeping problems.
• Changing eating habits, which can lead to stomach aches and headaches.
• Provoking tears easily in some children.

WHAT DOES YOUR CHILD NEED?
• To feel safe.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Manage moods. Maintain a consistent routine. Connect. Grow
• Focus on staying calm.
• Help your child cope in a healthy way – play games, be active, draw, listen to calming music.
• Give your child control by giving choices – clothes, foods, chores.
• Set a regular bedtime and turn off devices one hour before.
• Create a daily schedule with your child.
• Spend time together as a family.
• Help your child chat virtually with friends and family.
• Do something new and different.
• Create a warm, loving environment – use calm voices and share kind words.

Acknowledgement: Steve O’Brien, Psy.D., Anxiety in Children During the Covid-19 Crisis: Targeted Strategies to Create Calm and Build Resilience

Cosentino_School_Of_Magic

James Whitla

Weekly Overview for Week 8: