Dear Parents and Carers,

As we enter Week 3 of the Term 3, I hope you are all well and managing, through these unprecedented times, to focus on positive moments and the many reasons we have to be grateful.

Here are 4 reminders to continue to  help keep all in our learning community healthy and safe.

• Please continue to socially distance during drop off and pick up at the gate and only come into the school via reception for essential reasons.
• Please keep your child at home if they are unwell.
• We encourage you to get tested if you are unwell or displaying any symptoms such as fever, sore throat, cold and respectfully ask that you consider keeping your child(ren)  at home until results come back as a confirmed negative. 
• Please provide, if you are able, a clean cloth towel or flannel each day for your child  to dry their hands. This will support us to ensure we are following strict hand hygiene practices when washing hands with soap and water and reduce the use of paper towel. Please know that the paper towel is also available and provided by the school.

Road Safety particularly at Marlin Drive: We have received a letter from our crossing lady at Marlin Drive. There is worrying concern about the safety of students and families  as there are reports of cars not stopping and drivers being distracted as you drive down Marlin Drive.

Please ensure we are taking care on the roads and being very mindful of the pedestrians and extra vehicle traffic during these colder months to ensure the safety of all in our community. 

Also a reminder to students riding out the back of the school to use the crossings and travel safely. If your child travels this way please have a further conversation with them about safety and the importance of using crossings.

City of Greater Geelong Newsletter item about our Victorian Sustainability  Awards: 

https://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/news/item/8d82d67a8ce3a3a.aspx

Many thanks Sue and Kellie on a great article.

Student Safety Form: We have updated our Student Safety/Behaviour form which children in Year 3-6 have on their IPADS.

https://forms.gle/wCwxdoNpmNTrzxL5A      

This form is a great opportunity for students who are feeling worried or unsafe to report their worry by filling out the form. This information comes directly to Paul and myself and we can follow up with the students. It also gives an opportunity for your child to release the worry, knowing we will support them at school and they will be able to enjoy the day or night, depending on when they submit the form. 

School fees: If you are experiencing difficulty with making school fee payments please make contact with me directly to discuss how we can help you through this time. Every enrolment is important to us and we are here to support you. 

Incursions and Excursions: The teachers have been looking at opportunities to engage with incursions and excursions.This week sees our Year 3-6 students being fortunate enough to participate in writing workshops with Little Scribe Mini-writers Festival. Please refer to the Hub news for more detail about this incursion. This Thursday, will also see any Year 3-6 students that showed interest, participating  in the Australian Mathematics Competition which is also being paid for by the school. Next week our Preps will be having an incursion with the Science Discovery Dome.

Assembly: As per last term, we are still continuing to live stream our assemblies via Google Meet to all classes. We are also sending the link home via whole school group email on Friday for those families wishing to view, particularly if your child's class  is on assembly. This week assembly is being presented by Year 3 LM  and next week will be Year 4 CO. 

Warm wishes to you and your family for a happy, safe and productive fortnight ahead.

Kerryn