Newsletter 9th March 2022
Principal's Message
COVID Cases
I guess it had to happen sometime. We have had our first cases of COVID and students from Room 5 and 6, along with some other students across the school, have had to quarantine. Due to quick actions of parents, the help of a long weekend, and the advent of mask wearing for children in Years 3-6, we have been fortunate not to have any further close contacts identified in the school.
Speaking of masks, thank you to everyone with Year 3-6 children. It was great to see everyone wearing their masks. We have noticed that some children have modified adult masks. Some of these modifications leave gaping sides, which means unfiltered air gets in and out. The good news is that there are simple ways adult surgical masks can be adapted for children more effectively and you may wish to watch this video to find out how best to protect your children.
Today's Announcement
We will be updating you as soon as we have more information on the new arrangements for close contacts that are starting tomorrow now that we are in the very high caseload environment. At this stage we know that children who become close contacts through school activities (not through household activities) and are asymptomatic can attend school and school-based activities (as well as OSHClub) unless they return a positive test on Day 1 or Day 6 (PCR test) or Day 7 (RAT) or become symptomatic. However, while they can attend school and school-related activities they must quarantine at all other times at home. At this stage, we have been unable to confirm if these new requirements are retrospective so Room 6 will need to remain in quarantine until Friday.
Learning at home - one mode
As you may have noticed from the plans that we sent out last week, we have been directed to only offer one mode of learning at a time. This will mean that the teacher will not be able to teach some children face to face while offering a full learning program for students at home via work packages and online learning. This week, those students in a class that are all quarantining have had their teacher online with them. Those students who were in a class where the majority of students were at school, have been given a matrix of activities to complete on their own at home, and their teacher will review their work on their return.
Ms Hasson’s Baby, Alfie
For those who don’t know, Ms Hasson had her baby last Wednesday evening. Mother and baby are doing well. We are very grateful to Mrs Noeleen Mackintosh, who was able to join our team and take over Room 5 early. She too is quarantining with Room 5 and they are continuing their learning with her online.
Harmony Day – Monday 21st March
We will be celebrating Harmony Day as per usual this year (or as close to it as possible given we are not able to all meet together). Students are encouraged to wear orange or dress in a national costume representing their heritage. Students will be writing letters to, or drawing pictures for, their buddies. Unfortunately, as we are ‘cohorting’ (not mixing children outside KP, Year 1-3 and Year 4-6 cohorts), they will not be able to meet up in person.
Delays to Re-roofing - update
As you might have noticed, work has stopped again on the re-roofing. The builders have come across an unforeseen issue and are awaiting a solution from their engineer. In the meantime, they wish to start work this Friday on the staffroom roof.
Values and Honour Awards
Integrity
Being honest and standing up for what you believe is right. Doing the right thing even if it is hard.
Foyer Display
Room 10 students have creatively written about and shown the "Best Parts of Me".
Sports News
Faction Swimming Carnival
The carnival is tomorrow, Thursday March 10th at Aqualife 10.30am – 2.30pm. Attending students are to wear their bathers to school with their shorts and faction T shirts. Students are to take food, water, hats, towel and sunscreen with them for the day’s events. All students from Year 4 – 6 will attend and invited Year 3 students. Students must wear masks on the bus. The program for the day is attached to the newsletter. Students will swim in their nominated events. Only parents of swimmers can attend and you must sign in at the front desk and follow COVID protocol. The cost for spectators is $2.00.
Interschool Swimming Carnival
Competitors will be selected from the faction carnival to represent Kensington in the interschool carnival on March 17, 12.15pm – 2.30pm. The carnival is at Aqualife and will involve selected students from Years 4 -6. Information and permission to attend will be sent out on Consent2Go.
Winter Sport
Winter sport registrations in the community are now open. Click on the following link to find details of a local sport club.
See below in Community News for the details for hockey in our local area.
Teacher - Raema Stanford
School Nurse News
P & C News
Containers for Change
We have a wheely bin and/or a wool bale in the quadrangle where you can deposit containers, help the environment and fundraise for the school all at once. We hope, with sufficient support from everyone, to expand this program.
Community News
