Dear Parents/Caregivers
Parents Onsite and COVID 19
As we are located on a mainstream school site, parents need to be aware that issues around who comes on site and when rests with the mainstream principal. This has been compounded during the pandemic. For us it does mean differing access across each site. I knows this has been frustrating, particularly at Padbury, however, I am hopeful that we will be in phase five from early term 4 and that access to each site will return to a normal pattern. We are hopeful that we can run the transition workshop for parents onsite and possibly a reading workshop.
Social Media and Our Students
I urge all parents to avoid using Social Media Platforms with our students. If you are accessing these platforms, including Messenger Kids, ensure that your children are supervised at all times. Our students are at
greater risk due to their age (not at the recommended age for these platforms) and their language disorder. The risk is not always a stranger that is unknown, it can be the children accessing or doing inappropriate things themselves. The old fashioned phone is a great way to keep in contact and face time allows for face to face. These would still need to be monitored.
Year 1 Transition to Mainstream
Parents need to let us know the name of the school you are enrolling your child in for Year 2 in 2021. If you would like your child to spend a day or two at their mainstream school during Term 4, please discuss that with your teacher and site deputy. You would also need to discuss it with your mainstream school. We will run a parent workshop on transition during Term 4.
Next term will be a busy one with the review of students’ data and placement. Have a great holiday break with your kids.
Social/Emotional Information
Emma McFarland is our social/emotional leader. She sent out regular tips and ideas during the shut-down period and has sent some ideas more recently. This week a letter has gone out about resilience. We learn to be resilient as we grow up and the adults around the children are critical to this development. How we manage upsets and disappointment shows the children that you can ‘bounce back’ and be OK. This is very important this year as we have all had to deal with the pandemic. This has impacted on some more than others. I hope you find the tips useful.
Ms Shelley Blakers
Principal