Newsletter 6 - 9 April
Dear Parents & Carers
This will be a brief final newsletter as we complete a unique and challenging term one due to COVID-19 impacts and ongoing uncertainty.
Firstly, thank you for the support and understanding shown as we all navigate unprecedented, new requirements for social distancing and self-isolation and consequently the need to provide alternative ways of learning. More than ever, we are really relying on our 5 Keys to Success, especially resilience.
Both schools are utilizing a multi-modal approach in order to meet the needs of all families. This includes both digital technologies and low-tech hardcopy student learning packs, as internet and device access varies considerably as well as other household circumstances. Remember, you are not expected to become the teacher!
Keeping our communities positive, connected and supported and students engaged in learning is our main focus. We will be putting our campus motto into practice
STAFF SOCIAL DISTANCING in practice
This applies to work spaces, meetings, professional learning and campus our campus morning tea. We appreciate the professionalism, consideration and positivity of staff, throughout this rapid ongoing and uncertain period.
Please find below some key updated messages from our Director General, Lisa Rodgers, as well as some specific information for each school.
SBESC Information
As parents and carers the main question you would probably want me to answer would be when your child will be able to safely return to learning programs on our campus site. Unfortunately, the circumstances and conditions will contine to change as the Government, Chief Medical Officer, and Director General of Education determine the best ways to reduce the spread of this Coronavirus. Therfore, our state, metro region or school site may experience lockdown situations in addition to current self-isolation, social distancing and meticulous hygiene practices.
At this stage, education staff are expected to be at school from the start of term 2, Tuesday 28 April. However, staying at home is considered the safest option, so parents are encouraged to keep children at home, if possible, for everyone's safety. This is particularly true for our Special Needs students, where social distancing is problematic due to the physical support required to shape behaviours or for toileting.
If too many students return to school we may face these issues:
- Staff who are vulnerable or who have vunerable family members will need to stay home and student safety and learning opportunities at school could be compromised.
- Social distancing between students will be difficult to enforce.
- Social distancing from staff will also be a challenge.
At this stage SBESC intends to support a dual learning program with some students whose family circumstances require school attendance and most engaging in distance learning at home.
Please carefully consider if you can sustain the learning at home option. The teacher will still be developing the academic learning program, guiding delivery in an ABA way and supplying resources. You can email or phone the school next term to discuss your individual circumstances and preference.
On a positive yellow hat message to finish with .....
The Premier has confirmed that the Easter Bunny has permission to cross state boarders! 
All the best: Stay connected, safe and well at home.
Cheryl Lennox
Primary School Information
As you are aware from my previous messages, school holidays for everyone begin today. School is now closed until Tuesday 28 April.
During this week, all staff at SBPS have been working hard to produce student curriculum work packages for term 2. The work packs will be available to you from Tuesday 28 April. This will mean your teacher will be in touch with you via Class Dojo and any hard copies of work will be available from 11.00am onwards. I will be posting further instructions about the collection of these packs on Tuesday 28 April.
At the end of the school holidays, Australia commemorates ANZAC Day. Mrs Beck, our art teacher, has posted on Class Dojo some information as to how you can commemorate ANZAC Day with your family whilst not being able to attend a formal ceremony. It includes a template to enable you to make a wreath if you would like to as well as links to parts of the formal ANZAC ceremony. It would be great to see people post their commemorations on DOjo if you can.
Once again, thank you all for your on-going support of our school. I look forward to being in touch with you next term through Class Dojo and our School Newsletter Schoolzine.
Take care, be safe and enjoy the break.
Kind Regards
Wayne Press
2 New Basketball Courts
The resurfacing is complete and they look fantastic! Students can look forward to playing on them when they return to school.
The timing for replacing our old website is not terrific, however, the new one will be worth the wait! Our committee is working hard with our new provider to make this happen as soon as possible.
