Dear Parents and Carers,

I am happy to report that all the children at school appear to be well, happy and excited to be at school. I'm not sure that children understand the concept of social distancing but we are making every effort to keep them safe, secure and in their usual routine without having to worry. 

Congratulations to Mr Nick Brierley who has been appointed as Acting Assistant Principal until the end of 2020. Mrs Samantha Edwards has been appointed as our Acting Religious Education Co ordinator. Thank you to them both for being willing and able to step into these roles. I am very pleased to have such capable staff on our leadership team. Mr Brierley and Mrs Edwards are currently working with teachers on flexible learning packages should the school need to operate differently at a later date. 

Unfortunately we had to cancel our Open Day this morning and so are looking for innovative ways to get our message out there to new families. We will prepare a virtual “tour” for our Facebook page. Can our families please join our Facebook page and share the page with friends in the community who may be currently looking at schools.

In Term 2 we traditionally change into winter uniforms. Our uniform suppliers will not be holding a school stall this term so you will need to purchase any winter requirements online or at their Turramurra store. There may be a delay in getting long sleeve shirts immediately but they will be ready before the end of the holidays.

The Archbishop is postponing Confirmation ceremonies. This will apply to our current year six. The family information session evening has been postponed. Thomas will send further information to the families of those students regarding the parish group lessons - he is currently looking for alternative online solutions. 

We will postpone the school disco until later in the year and will let you know the status of the Mother’s Day breakfast closer to the date.

Gift of Bread - (Thursday evenings - Parish Hall) is cancelled for the time being.

Some of our anxious children are feeling it a little more so at the moment I have included a few tips regarding this and we have included some resources for you at home. 

Strategies for Parents and Staff:

WHO (World Health Organisation) has issued a very practical page for parents on how to guide and support our children during these uncertain times.

Helping Children Cope with Stress During the 2019-nCoV Outbreak

Strategies for Mental Health during the Coronavirus spread:

Despite the challenging times ahead of us, we can still try and find positive happenings throughout the day and count our blessings. A gratitude journal can be helpful - write down three things each day that you are grateful for.

Prayer, Meditation and Mindfulness practices to lower anxiety and calm the nervous system are also absolutely vital at this stage. The Australian Psychological Society has released an article called Tips for coping with coronavirus anxiety

This video link on how to talk to your children about Coronavirus found on the SCS website. It features Michael Carr Gregg with some very useful advice. https://schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-coronavirus

Beyond Blue also has some good advice at the following link: Link

Thank you to all parents for being supportive of the changes we have had to make and for supporting your children. I hope that you are all managing in this time of constant change. 

Regards

Julie Caldwell