Welcome once again to the school week, a bit shorter after the long weekend. Our region was indeed a hub of activity; congratulations to the many locals who played volleyball, competed in the tennis tournament, engaged in the local life-saving carnival, visited friends, were involved at the dog show or sung at the Folkie!  I’m sure many also escaped to other locations to enjoy camping, riding, fishing or attending the Women’s World Cup final. As well I’m sure many did what I did, just stayed at home catching up with house chores! Whatever you did it is important to celebrate and be grateful for where we live; a caring, active community, with easy access to our natural environment and a safe place to be!   

School Review

Importantly with family and student support on Friday St. Joseph’s school closed to continue our on-going professional development. This support to quality teaching and learning is valued by our teachers and support teams. On Friday our teaching staff attend a school review workshop and our Learning Support Officers participated in a “Google” ICT workshop.

Our teaching staff worked with the Catholic Education Office to evaluate school-wide feedback from several important surveys completed by families, staff and students. Last year our community completed the School Climate surveys and Religious Education survey. We had 90 students from the senior school complete the student survey. All staff completed the employee survey and 60 randomly selected families completed the whole school survey. This information will form part of our 2020 School Review. Every five years our school completes a school review.

The school review work is monitored by the Catholic Education Office, Ballarat and validated by external education consultants visiting in Term 3 of 2020. Our School Advisory Committee and parent association groups are also involved in this work. Last Friday was the start of this work and it will continue over terms two and three. The review report will be developed to guide our annual school improvement actions over the next few years 

Student and Community Health

Our Occupational Health and Safety Team continue to monitor student health, especially the growing issue of the coronavirus spread. St. Joseph’s will follow Education and Health Authorities advice. Specific actions already undertaken was the cancellation of our Japan partnership programs of homestay and school visits. While very disappointing for all concerned we have cancelled these events for 2020 as a precaution for all students and our general communities.

In classrooms, we are implementing all advised health and hygiene practices with respectful vigilance. In our classrooms, as well as appropriate hygiene we have always had disinfectant wipes available for a range of needs. These are updated as needed and we have a good supply. For our Foundation classrooms, we also have hand sanitizers. We will continue to monitor all advice is provided to ensure the best practice. Generally, it is also important that childhood illness is reported to the school; our families are very conscious of the importance of this early information and school procedures. This includes common illness like chicken pox etc.

From a “looking ahead” perspective some are talking about extended days at home for individuals or schools; if students have to stay home our parent access modules and electronic communication is first class and the vast majority of families have our SZApp. The App is easily able to provide updates, advice and school work support if needed.

I have also added below ten ways to reduce risk from a virus, as provided by the Department of Health

Ten ways to reduce your risk of coronavirus

• Wash hands often with soap and running water, for at least 20 seconds. Dry with a paper towel or hand dryer.
• Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow.
• Isolate yourself at home if you feel sick. If you take medication it is wise to ensure you have adequate supplies.
• Phone your GP first if you need medical attention. They will tell you what to do.
• Continue healthy habits: exercise, drink water, get plenty of sleep.
• Don't wear a face mask if you are well.
• Buy an alcohol-based hand sanitiser with over 60 per cent alcohol.
• Get the flu shot (available April, 2020).
• Shaking hands is optional

Annual School Fair

This event is fast approaching and we are looking forward to a great day. All help appreciated, please see the weekly ‘Fair News’ for all updates and requests for your donations, help and support.