23 Mar 2020
This information is shared so that parents and carers understand what they can expect in relation to the provision of work. These expectations have been drawn from the Department of Education. At the time of writing, the school is still operational. I am waiting for further direction from the Department of Education as to expectations and support of staff, particularly those who are vulnerable and how their work will look.
Should I send my child to school?
This morning, our Premier stated that NSW is shutting down all non-essential services to slow the rapidly spreading coronavirus but schools will stay open for now.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian has stated that parents should keep their children at home for the rest of the term if they are able.
“I want to stress that schools in NSW from tomorrow will remain open The health advice has not changed however, for practical reasons, in NSW we will be encouraging parents to keep their children at home.”
The choice remains yours. At this stage, no child will be turned away from school if the parent has no option but to send them to school. Schools continue to operate, but with much fewer students, who are receiving supervision as they complete units of work, not traditional classroom experiences.
Thanks to our parents and carers
Thank you to all of our parents, carers and students for their support of our school during this challenging time of COVID-19. There have been some kind words and comments that have acknowledged the manner in which staff are supporting our students and families during this difficult time that have been greatly appreciated.
Students who are unwell must NOT attend school
Thank you also to our families who are not sending students to school who are unwell. If your child has a cough, sore throat, runny nose, head ache or is simply not feeling well, please keep them at home. This is extremely important to ensure the health and wellbeing of all students and staff. Students who present at school unwell will be sent home as the school does not have the facilities or space to treat or manage students who are not fit for their studies. This is as outlined by the Department of Education.
School and learning
Lessons and class work are continuing with alterations being made to accommodate the necessary social distancing to the best of our ability. Teachers are prepared for their class and are supporting the students in their care each and every school day. Teachers are conducting face to face lessons and completing their school obligations but cannot be expected to also work in the role as a Distance Education provider at this time.
Currently our Numeracy and Literacy Leaders and school executive are working to put a learning plan and suggested activities resource for all students in place. This does however take time if it is to be of value to students. Considerations for the next three weeks are
Face to face teaching for those who must be at school
At home learning including digital and non digital
Check ins – how can we continue to communicate with our students?
The delivery of consistent teaching and learning material using different platforms to a remote audience off site and face to face on site will be problematic but the staff at Illaroo Road Public School are working hard to meet this challenge.
Systems and procedures are being evaluated and explored for every class across the school in the event the school becomes non operational in the longer term after the school holidays. This will look and be different from traditional classroom experiences.
I thank the teachers and their stage leaders for their continued hard work.
Learning Resources
The grid included in the school bulletin has been planned to support your child’s learning at home with digital and non digital activities for students to complete. They can be completed independently or with support from you. This depends on the age of your child and what they are able to do. Similar activities will be completed with children who attend in a face to face environment.
A work pack has been prepared for students in each grade and this can be collected from the office if your child was away on Monday 23rd March. This is general work aimed at the student’s year group. Your child will have received a work pack if they were at school on Monday 23rd of March after 2:30pm.
The staff will actively continue to evaluate and prepare learning material and ways to utilise online learning as the situation unfolds.
Communication
We will use email, the school website and Facebook to communicate updates and changes where appropriate. Please always call the school if you have a question. Facebook will not be used as a question and answer platform as it is too difficult to administrate this and not all families have access to a Facebook account.
We are working towards
All classes having access to and using the Seesaw app to communicate with students about their learning. Information about this will come home in the next few weeks.
Using text messaging as a form of communication if an important note or information has been added to our website
I thank our whole school community for their support during this unprecedented situation. We will continue to work in the best interests of all of our students.
The PDF information which is in this weeks bulletin can also be found in the "Newsletters" page or downloaded here.
If you have any questions, please contact the office.
Regards
Jacqui Piggott
Principal
