Newsletter August 11th, 2020
When this is over, may we never again take for granted
A handshake with a stranger,
Full shelves at the shops,
Conversations with neighbours,
A crowded theatre,
Friday night out,
The sharing of Eucharist,
A routine check-up,
The school rush each morning,
The roar of the G,
Each deep breath,
A boring Tuesday,
Life itself.
And when this ends,
May we find that we have become more like the people
We wanted to be,
We were called to be,
We hoped to be.
And may we stay that way –
Better for each other because of the worst.
- Laura Kelly Fanucci
Dear Parents and Families,
And so we work our way through another experience in what has been the year of things never before done. Fortunately (or perhaps for some unfortunately), this time we have learnt from previous experiences.
From the outset, it is important to remind ourselves of the rationale behind remote learning, that being the increased restrictions are promoting the greater good of the community and efforts to reduce the impact of this deadly virus. Premier Daniel Andrews has been very clear and strong in the directive that, if you can work from home, you must do so. This is important in helping to limit the number of people moving around in order to slow the spread of COVID-19.
As a community we are incredibly proud of the efforts of our families and staff during the last round of remote learning. We know it was tough, we know it wasn’t what people signed on for, we did get through it and our children were successful. We have seen growth, in academic skills but also in so many areas. Families who did incredible things together, students developed incredible skills in self management, resilience and wellbeing. We also know that there were tough times and ugly times, challenges no one saw coming, throughout it all though we shared as a community, people pulled together and kept their communication up and we were able to get through.
Remote learning for Term 3 may look different from the first time, there are things we have learnt from our experience, there is also the reality that the world is in a different place to 15 weeks ago. We will have a mix of academic and social experiences for families, we will work to support you throughout, and we will stay strong to our message of do what you can. No one is comparing, no one is competing, whatever you are able to manage for your child is enough. Late last week Michael Gray, President of the Victorian Association of Catholic Primary School Principals shared a very relevant quote with us all.
“A good education is about so much more than just learning geometry or memorising dates in history. All of that is important, but an education is also about exploring new things – discovering what makes you come alive, and then being your best at whatever you choose.” – Former First Lady Michelle Obama.
Please note that the School Operations Guide which is effectively our ‘bible’ during this period has changed the advice on temperature checking. The latest advice is:
In order to support community awareness of the symptoms of COVID-19 and to help identify children displaying symptoms, all schools should undertake temperature screening of students participating in the on-site supervision program while the stay at home restrictions are in place.
A reminder that children should not be sent to school for on site supervision if they are at all unwell, rather they must remain at home.
A reminder that both the forms for onsite supervision and for after school care are sent out on a weekly basis through both PAM and SIMON Everywhere. These forms must be completed by Thursday of the week prior to when supervision is required. Additionally, as stated by both the State Government and the Catholic Education Office there are strict requirements over who may attend on site. Documentation to demonstrate eligibility may be required.
Check out these photos of some great learning that is taking place at home.
We are excited to have launched our new look website (view here) featuring this fabulous video that showcases our beautiful school community.
Feel free to share the website and video with family, friends and the community via the following links:
Website - www.sbballan.catholic.edu.au
Video - https://vimeo.com/442894209
Congratulations to Emmy Fidler on winning the Moorabool Wind Farm "Name a Turbine Competition". Emmy received a certificate, $50 voucher, solar operated model wind turbine and her winning name "Lilly" will be visible on the tower of a turbine.
Thank you also to the Moorabool Wind Farm for the $1000 Officeworks voucher received by the school as part of the prize.
Please be rest assured that fee relief is available for families requiring genuine fee support.
Please see the attached letter outlining the fee relief available, along with a Covid-19 Fee Relief Request Form and the Catholic schools Family Fee Assistance Scheme brochure for families holding a means tested Health Care Card, Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card or Veteran Affairs Pensioner Card.
Please return the form and/or a copy of your valid card to the office. Please contact Gabe or the office should you wish to discuss this further.
The Victorian Government has reintroduced Stage 3 restrictions in regional Victoria. Unfortunately for us it means that our churches will be closed, with no masses until September 13. There are exceptions for funerals and weddings. We hope all parishioners are keeping safe and connected to our parish as we work our way through this very challenging environment. We will get through this and once again be able to come together as a parish community to worship, pray and share. Take care and stay well.