trundle central school newsletter · holidays, i hope it is less. if this occurs, i fear some of...

Telephone: (02) 68921303 Fax: (02) 68921184 Email: [email protected] School webpage – https://trundle-c.schools.nsw.gov.au Facebook - www.facebook.com/TrundleCentralSchool

30th March 2020 Term 1 Week 10

Trundle Central School Newsletter A school that provides a

professional, stimulating and challenging learning

environment

Principal Mr John Southon

Head Teacher Secondary Mr Gerry Capell

Assistant Principal Mrs Fiona Sanderson

Reminders

P&C President

Vacant

Secretary Vacant

Treasurer Vacant

The students are being taught social distancing rules both in the

classrooms and in the playground.

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.trundle-c.schools.nsw.edu.au/


Term 1 Week 10

Principal’s

Message

This week the school will be operating with a

significantly reduced staff. Our school will have one

teacher available from the Secondary and Primary

sections of the school, an executive member of

staff, and one administration staff member. This is

to cater for children of essential workers, or those

with genuinely no other alternative than to attend

school.

Staff will work from home preparing lessons, e-

learning and other assigned work. I completely

trust my staff to continue to work productively in

the safety of their own home. The family home is

the safest place for them to be, so that is where

they should be! Whilst I passionately believe

children should be at public schools, these are not

normal circumstances, and school staff cannot be

the collateral damage of this health emergency.

Last week was the most disruptive and unusual I

have experienced over 30 years in public schools.

Thankfully because of the professionalism,

compassion, and intelligence of the staff at this

school, I cannot describe the week as chaotic. We

have worked through all issues calmly and professionally, despite our constantly evolving

environment.

This school in a very short period of time has

provided learning packages allowing your children,

our students learning to continue utilising an

alternative platform during this health emergency.

An indication of the quality of the response from

public schools is the number of enquiries from

students currently enrolled in private schools

asking for access to resources from the public

system. I also would like to acknowledge Mrs Trish

Cleal from St Patrick’s Parish School for her

cooperation and support in ensuring a consistent

message is available to the Trundle community.

The current health emergency has brought out the

best in the majority of people. Unfortunately, the

worst of human traits and failings in others. Across

the state, panic buying seems to be reduced. The

families of 88% of primary children and 92%

secondary children, now accept that the safest

place for their children is in the family home, not at

school until the rate of infection drops.

Alternatively state-wide, there are some who have

ignored social distancing and health warnings. This

is, I believe, a total disregard for community during

a time when people need to look past themselves

and consider others. The ironic nature of these

decisions is, many of the people ignoring the

warnings are in the groups and families considered

most vulnerable.

Expert opinion states clearly and often, that social

distancing and regular hand washing are the most effective methods to reduce the severity and

impact of this virus. In short, all people

experiencing some pain now, will reduce the

severity and length of this emergency.

Unfortunately, the strength of a community is often

only as strong as the weakest link in relation to the

spread of a virus. It is evident in this community, as

most, there are weak links in relation to social

distancing and the ability to understand the health,

economic and social ramifications of this virus

entering Trundle.

Most deaths in Australia have been people aged 60

plus. This is a large demographic group in Trundle.

Hopefully 2 and 2 are still equalling 4 and all people

will soon understand the need to take the

precautions seriously as our community is not

typical. An elderly population, poor health facilities,

and a global virus could be tragic for many families.

Currently there are over 4000 cases nationwide

and 590,600 plus worldwide with 28,500 deaths.

There are approximately 27 cases of COVID-19 in

the Central West. The number of new cases

identified doubles every 4 days. Dubbo, Orange,

Grenfell have multiple cases. This indicates the

almost certainty of Trundle being affected in some

way in the near future.

It is an enormous credit to this school that so many students are experiencing a level of anxiety

because they are not coming to school. This

indicates the school is providing a stimulating, safe

and innovative environment to the vast majority of

children.




Term 1 Week 10

Unfortunately, for some, it is not only missing the

school environment but the fact there is a level of

dysfunctionality in the family that makes them feel

unsafe. This is across all socio-economic levels and

religious and racial groups in this country.

Currently the level of domestic violence in

Australia is three times the level of this time last

year, a stark indication of the problem.

I am not making a value judgement of any family in

Trundle. It is a fact in any community. All

indications are that Australia will need to lock

down as parts of UK, America and New Zealand

have. Also, I am planning for at least six weeks of

alternative operation in this school after the holidays, I hope it is less. If this occurs, I fear some

of our children will be forced into unsafe

environments, especially because of the 38%

increase in alcohol consumption during these times.

I appeal to the community to be aware of the

needs of children in relation to a continuous safe

environment. Children do not choose the

behaviour of adults. If you feel a child is at risk, call

the child protection helpline free call 132111.

As the leader of this school, I have attempted to

make my response to this health emergency

extremely clear. This has upset some people, but I

really think this is a minor consideration in my

management of the school. Unfortunately, I believe

the inconsistencies in the message given to the

public has decreased the quality of our country’s

response. Consider these few:

• A family needs to hold a funeral with less

than 10 people but teachers are required to

be exposed to hundreds.

• From midnight, public gatherings of more

than two people are banned but public

schools are still open.

• The Trundle Club is closed, but Westfield’s

Parramatta is open. More people would be

on the escalator during peak times at

Westfield’s than in Trundle Club during the

week. • The Prime Minister’s message at times is

directly contradictory to the premier of

NSW in relation to schools, creating

considerable confusion.

• People cannot sit in a café for 30 minutes but

can go to a busy hairdressers for hours.

• Private gatherings are banded, but

Queensland can have a local government

election. Work that out??????

• People on Centerlink payments receive 1500

dollars extra but many working families did

not.

There are many more, these are just a few. In a

recent meeting with staff I made this statement.

What occurs in this school in relation to our response

may be sometimes wrong and may bring criticism but I

am determined that I will be clear and timely in relation

to decision making. In relation to this I have made

the following decisions:

• Vaccinations will not be taking place in the school until I am confident in relation to the

level of risk.

• The school will be operating with reduced

staff with only one teacher in each section of

the school and one administration staff

member on site.

• The secondary excursion will be cancelled for

this year. The advice I have received is that

the cases of COVID-19 in Melbourne won’t

start to decline for possibly another two

months. The excursion is in August when

levels are likely to be reduced but still high.

As the Principal, I have a duty of care to all

students and I am not prepared to take the

risk. I realise this will be extremely

disappointing for students but I have to be

firm and consistent in decision making. The

school is currently working on options for

families in terms of a refund. Under school

finance systems, this could take some time.

Many Year 12 students already have a high level of

anxiety because of the nature of continuous

assessments and other requirements of the HSC.

At this time, NESA who is responsible for the HSC

is confident the HSC will go ahead. This means,

students should be working towards completing

assessments and maintaining a consistent work

pattern. Students who feel they have been

genuinely disadvantaged in assessments should complete an appeal form. The normal school

processes continue in relation to appeals.

However, teachers may need to change some

future assessments due to the off-site nature of

instruction. This will be communicated to schools

and students well before the assessment and will be

consistent across schools.




Term 1 Week 10

On Friday last week, all Western Area Program

Principals met to ensure all schools are consistent

in their delivery of support to students. It is

important that this consistency continues to

maintain equity. In short, we are all in the same

boat. It is up to the students how hard and often

they are prepared to row.

Students should only worry about what they

cannot change. A student at Trundle Central

School is not responsible for determining the way

ATAR is calculated or practical assessments are

completed and marked during these unusual

circumstances. I can absolutely guarantee, these

will be worked out and no student will be disadvantaged. Students need to continue to

complete lessons and assessments. This is the task

they can control.

The caravan that has been up for tender has not

met the reserve. As per the conditions of the

tender, I have removed the caravan from sale. The

school will use the caravan for storage but is open

for private offers as the tender process is

completed.

Finally, some good news. Charles Anderson

received a highly commended in the Deputy Prime

Ministers ANZAC Writing Competition.

Considering there were 680 entries, this is a

significant achievement. If I was being a bit cheeky,

I would say it only took two years to put some

polish on him through public education but I must

acknowledge the excellent foundations of St

Patrick’s and his supportive family. Mind you

imagine what he could be if he started in public

education earlier. Sorry, I could not help it.

I am very proud of my staff always, but their

response to this health emergency has been

outstanding. Public schools are often the focus of

increased scrutiny and criticism because of the

important social function we serve. Many private

schools which charge fees equivalent to a new

family car each year are closed and not providing the service to the community that your local public

school continues to do. I will leave this judgement

to the individual.

Every cough or sneeze is not Corona Virus but it

sure moves people away in the dunny paper

section of Woollies.

John Southon

Principal

Trundle Golf Club

Regretfully Trundle Golf Club in consultation with

Management and adhering to the Covid-19 recent

restrictions, have made the decision to cancel all

programmed golf for the foreseeable future.

For exercise members may play golf in groups of 2

mindful of social distancing and public gathering

guidelines AT ALL TIMES.

Carts will not be available for hire. Private carts

must only have one person in them.

We need to get through this safely.

Thank you so much for your co-operation during

these challenging times.

Thank you so much

Suellen Taylor




Term 1 Week 10




Term 1 Week 10

Ajax’s

Weekly Woof

Woof Woof Awards: 5000 happy barks to those families who have

picked up lesson packages to allow their children

to continue learning.

5001 happy barks to teachers for the professional

way they have coped with this unusual situation.

Lessons are done for this week and production

continues for a possible extended time away from

school.

I have been made to go into lockdown because

there is a very small chance the virus can survive

on dog hair. Come on Southo, you eat three day

old pizza for lunch, take a risk!!

Whilst I have been at the Croft Street penitentiary

I have been thinking about things families can do whilst waiting out this terrible virus:

• Walk the dog. This is also a good hearing test

because you will hear the barking of the many

tied up, neglected Trundle pan lickers close

and from a distance.

• Wash the dog. This is a fun activity especially

when the dog runs around the yard after you

are finished.

• Pat the dog and tell him/her that they are

good. We love that.

• Feed the dog a little treat because we are not

used to having you home all day either.

Ok Southo, I will break the cycle.

• Read a book. It does not matter what the

battery percentage is for a book.

• Clean your room. Come on, see if you have

wood or carpet on the floor.

• Lie on your back and look at the clouds. You

will require a fly net for this activity.

• Do a jigsaw puzzle. This does not require bad

language as the pieces are in the box,

Southo.

• Learn a new skill. This could be throwing a

ball into a bucket.

• Learn to cook. This is lots of fun because

dogs get the mistakes. No chocolate please.

• Plant a tree to mark the time we could not

go to school.

• Draw a picture.

• Ask your Mum how she met your dad. Then

ask her two years later and compare the

story.

There are many things you can do whilst we are

self-isolating. Also Southo said, do your school

work. He cannot help himself.

I will see you next term.

Ajax

Bark with laughter with

Ajax:

What happens when it rains cats and dogs?

You can step in a poodle!




Primary

Term 1 Week 10

As a school and a community, the students and staff have worked hard to adapt to the quickly changing

conditions of the COVID-19 crisis. As the impact of COVID-19 evolves, our school continues to place

the highest importance on supporting our students, the teachers, the parents and guardians and the

wider community during these uncertain times. The teachers have worked hard to create, organise and

adjust a variety of work packs for the students to work on over the final two weeks of the term.

We have:

• Implemented stringent hand washing procedures during class, before and after breaks.

• We have implemented social distancing procedures where all students need to be no less than

1.5m apart when lining up, in classrooms and out in the playground.

• Teachers have worked hard to create work packs that have been specifically tailored to the needs

of the individual student in their classes.

Moving forward from here:

• Each teacher will monitor individual student’s needs, ensuring that specific tasks are adjusted and

developmentally appropriate.

• Each teacher will adjust work packs ensuring there are a range of engaging tasks for a range of

abilities. Please do not return any work until after the holidays.

• Staff will ensure that there are explicit instructions in each pack, enabling parents to easily monitor

their child’s progress.

• Work for next week will be ready by Friday morning. This will be available at the front office from

9-11am. If you are not able to pick these up, they will be mailed out as per last week.

The staff at Trundle Central School are committed to providing each child with high quality, easily

accessible resources that will continue their journey along a successful educational pathway.

Mrs Sanderson

Assistant Principal




Term 1 Week 10




Term 1 Week 10

Secondary

At present it would seem that most of our families

are following our Premier’s advice and have only

sent their child to school if it is necessary. I applaud all of you for following this as the harsh truth is

that actions like these will save lives in the long run.

We know that this is not an easy decision and that

people are concerned about the education of their

children. We will continue to support your child’s

education in every way that is possible. The

secondary section this week is about these steps.

Before we start we need to understand what a

Google Classroom is. It is basically a private

website that the students can access where their

school work will be posted.

I would like to start with our Year 11 & 12

students. At present there are no video

conference lessons running. Students’ course co-

ordinators will continue to post work to each

individual subjects on Google Classroom. This is not a new thing and all of our Stage 6 students

should be very capable of accessing this work.

If your child cannot access internet to download

this material we will send it out to you. The

students’ co-teacher will print off the work. Last

week Mrs Charlton surveyed the Stage 6 students

and we now have a list of who will need work sent.

In addition to this the students’ co-teacher [the

teacher who supports them at Trundle for the

different lessons] will be ringing and speaking to the

students at least once a week. This will occur in

accordance to video conference timetable. If they

have 2 video conferences scheduled they will

receive 2 phone calls. These calls will be to offer

support to the students in any form we can.

As always, if there are any concerns regarding

Stage 6 lessons and material please contact me at

school.

For Year 7-10 students it is a much steeper

learning curve, for both the students and staff.

We have a Google Classroom for Year 7&8 and

for Year 9&10. This was the starting point last

week. All students have an invite to this. However,

as it was for all of their subjects it quickly became

cluttered. As a result of this each teacher is going

to make an individual Google Classroom for each

class. So for example, there will be a Year 9/10

Maths Google Classroom, a 9/10 Science Google

Classroom, a Year 8 English Google Classroom etc.

To access these classrooms the students will need

to follow a link from the original Google

Classroom for Year 7&8 and for Year 9&10.

For those students who cannot access the internet

work will be printed off and sent out. At present

we have a list of students who need work sent. We

are happy to expand this if the need arises.

Alternatively, it can be picked up from school on a

Friday. The work packs will be organised in year

groups and clearly labelled in the bus shelter at the

front of the school. This will be available 10am-1pm

on Fridays.




Term 1 Week 10

The printed work and the work online are

exactly the same. No student will be

disadvantaged through either method of

delivery.

Work can be returned in the following ways:

1. On Google Classroom. Miss Ranger is

providing a “how to” video on the

original Google Classroom for Year

7&8 and for Year 9&10.

2. Email attachment to the teacher of the

subject

3. Post to school

4. Drop off the work into the plastic container

under the Community Noticeboard outside

the front office

As always, if there are any concerns regarding Year

7-10 lessons and material please contact me at

school.

Our student’s willingness to adopt new methods of

learning needs to be commended. I have already

had maths work emailed to me from some of my

Year 9&10 students. As I have stated previously

our students really value their education and I am

hoping that this change in the delivery will not

affect this commitment.

I especially need to applaud our teachers. With

very little notice and specific new training our

teachers have accepted that they need to change

their delivery methods and the ways that they

support all students. They have done so admirably,

willingly and cheerfully. There would appear to be

some discord on the teacher’s roles in the present

climate. Happily, I am able to say that there has not

been one instance of this, but rather a rolling up of

sleeves and diving in to new methods and systems

to continue to provide the greatest education that

we are allowed to provide. A special mention to Mr Lynn for all his technology ‘guruness.’

I will be calling families of our Year 7-10 students

weekly to offer any support our school is able to

provide.

As always, if there are any concerns please

contact me at school.

Have a great week

Gerry Capell

Head Teacher Secondary Studies




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trundle central school newsletter · holidays, i hope it is less. if this occurs, i fear some of...

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