We May Be Small But We’ve Got It All

Pomona Public School

Fortnightly Newsletter

Term: 1 Week: 10 3rd April 2020

Principal: David McDonnell Phone: 03 5027 3486 502 Pomona Road Fax: 03 5027 3659 Pomona NSW 2648 Email: pomona-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au Website: https://pomona-p.schools.nsw.gov.au

Principal’s Report Hello everyone,

As a school learning community, we have been set an incredible challenge

the last couple of weeks. The effort of staff, students, parents and the

wider community has been remarkable. I would like to thank our

wonderful school community for being patient, for leading the way at

home and for trusting our teachers as they embark on a new planning and delivery model

for learning. School remains open.

Wellbeing is extremely important in these complex and isolating times. Remember to look

after yourselves and your family. Please be assured, our focus is three- fold:

1. Health and Wellbeing of Everyone

We are only a couple of weeks into this new way of life. Our

students, our teachers and our parents are all having to make

changes and adjustments to their way of life. It will take

time to adjust and establish routines both at school and at

home. I ask that we all look after each other and if you have

questions/concerns then please speak to our staff. We are here to help. They only want to

help and support your children and what staff have achieved in a very short time has been

astonishing and I am super proud of them along with the efforts and support from our

parents and students.

We May Be Small But We’ve Got It All

2. Learning will be relevant and meaningful.

The move to online learning is not a short-term

solution so we all need to ensure we're looking at a

sustainable approach to learning in this way. If you

haven't done so already, please make sure you have

set up a learning environment for your child/ren at

home where they can access their computer. Each day give them time away from the

computer. This could include things like games outside, cooking, being creative, helping

around the house and just time for themselves (free time). Let them be a child.

3. Students need to be socially connected.

We are acutely aware of how isolating online learning can be,

particularly during the current global situation. It is vital that we

remain digitally connected. Again, I stress the importance of

getting your child set up for learning online. It will enable them

to connect with their teacher and moving forward, their peers

also. We have amazing technology at our fingertips. Teachers are

learning quickly, and your children already have a good understanding of the digital

environment. Right now, teachers and students are sharing learning with each other, posting

photos and videos. This interaction will only get more sophisticated as we begin to hopefully

utilise video conferencing technology called zoom.

Finally, please remember that this way of life is new to us all.

Nothing is more important than the health and welfare of your family. If that online

task can’t be completed it is not the end of the world. Just do what you can we are

all in this together.

Attendance

Excellent school attendance remains an important aspect of online learning. Teachers will

be keeping a record of who is active online, not necessarily within the traditional hours of

school but consistently participating in set tasks. If your child is active online and

responding to tasks, they will be marked each day as 'F' - Flexible which means they are

attending school at home. If your child is sick, please advise the classroom teacher through

the communication channels provided and they will be marked with 'S'. If your child has not

We May Be Small But We’ve Got It All

engaged with the teacher or there is no evidence of your child completing work, they will be

marked with an 'A' for unapproved leave. Parents of students who have not been active

online for 2 days will be contacted by the school to assist with improving their attendance.

Holidays

I wish you all an enjoyable holiday period. Please make sure your students switch off during

this time and have a complete break from online learning. Teachers will reconnect with

their students again at the start of Term 2. Best wishes and stay safe.

David McDonnell Principal Principal’s Award Each Friday during our whole school assembly Mr Mac announces a Principal’s Award for a student that has been following our 3 school values ‘Respect’, ‘Learning’ and ‘Safety’. Congratulations to Sasha Hopkins and Elise Gebert.

We May Be Small But We’ve Got It All

Important Dates For Your Calendar April Wed 8th Apr – School Disco (Cancelled) Thurs 9th – Last Day of Term 1 Thurs 9th – Anzac Day Service (Cancelled) Fri 10th – Good Friday Tues 28th – Students First Day Term 2 May Fri 1st May – Pomona Cross Country 11:30am (Cancelled) Tues 5th May – M/D Cross Country – Euston (All PSSA activities have been ceased) Fri 8th May – Mother’s Day Morning Tea – 11:00am at school (Cancelled) Sun 10th May – Mother’s Day Tues 12th - NAPLAN Testing Online starts for students in Grades 3 and 5 (Cancelled) Fri 15th May – Barrier Cross Country in B/Hill(All PSSA activities have been ceased)

Wentworth Shire Council Thank you to the Wentworth Shire Council for making our mailbox for the front of the school. It will come in handy for many years to come and of course during these uncertain times.

We May Be Small But We’ve Got It All

We May Be Small But We’ve Got It All

We May Be Small But We’ve Got It All

We May Be Small But We’ve Got It All

Coronavirus (COVID -19) Information for parents and carers to support children and young people How you can support your child It is perfectly normal for children to have questions about events that are covered in the media, such as the information currently being distributed about COVID-19. Children look to the significant adults in their lives for guidance on how to manage their reactions and you can help your child by remaining calm and reassuring them. There is a common misunderstanding that talking with your child about a topic such as COVID-19 may increase their anxiety. This is not the case. It is important to listen to your child and answer their questions as honestly as possible and correct any misunderstandings. This will help them feel informed and understand what is happening. Keeping up to date with the facts from reliable sources will help keep conversations calm, considered, and constructive. Provide information in words that are appropriate to the age of your child. Children can be distressed by hearing repeated stories so monitor how much your child is being exposed to television and social media and encourage them to talk to you about what they are seeing and hearing.

Some practical advice Some practical advice for your child includes reminding them to cover their nose and mouth when they cough or sneeze (coughing into their elbow is a useful strategy), keep their hands clean by washing them regularly with soap and water, and avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth before washing their hands. These are easy habits for children to adopt, and should help them feel as though they're able to exert some control over their circumstances. If your child must stay at home, it is important for your child to maintain a healthy lifestyle including proper diet, sleep, and social contact at home and by email and phone with family and friends

Communication is important • read the department’s response to COVID-19 for current information • read any information sent home by the school. contact the school if your child becomes unwell.

Where to get help Contact the school if you are concerned about your child’s wellbeing to discuss the most appropriate support. Support is also available through a number of agencies and community organisations. Parents and carers can: • call the National Coronavirus Health Information line (1800 020 080) • review the NSW Health COVID-19 website for the latest information and advice • obtain help and information from the local General Practitioner or Community Health Centre If you would like additional support, the following services are available • The school counselling service • Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800 – kidshelpline.com.au • Headspace – 1800 650 890 – eheadspace.org.au • Parent Helpline – 1300 1300 52 • Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 • Lifeline – 13 11 14