This is our final newsletter for the term and I would like to thank all students and staff for their efforts. Thank you also to the many family helpers who contribute to school life; your ongoing support is appreciated. Our staff work very hard to provide an environment where all students are progressing and engaged in their learning, along with feeling safe and happy. It is always a pleasure to spend time in classes and see students striving to achieve their personal best; this is a particularly important area for our students as we have a strong emphasis on growth and effort. With semester 1 reports being made available to families this Thursday, it is timely to reflect on the work of Carol Dweck, who has researched the concept of fixed and growth mindsets and how this informs our understanding of what traits support students to be successful learners. Her research has shown that students who develop a ‘growth mindset’ believe that they can improve their ability, no matter what their current level is, through perseverance and effort. On the other hand, those with a ‘fixed mindset’ tend to believe that talent, knowledge or skill is something you either have or don’t have and no matter what, it does not change. Indicators of this include a fear of making mistakes and a belief that you need to be ‘fast’ at something to be successful (eg. maths problems). Recent neurological research on the brain indicates that mistakes are not only opportunities for learning but are also the times when our brains grow. Our students will often hear their teacher say that mistakes are ok as each mistake takes us closer to the right outcome, thus reinforcing the value of persistence and effort.
COVID-19 Update
As has been communicated via the media, South Australia has increased the level of vigilance around this matter. If any school related developments occur we will strive to communicate this information in a timely manner. As such, this is an appropriate time to reflect on current expectations and arrangements:
- When on site, all parents/carers are required to maintain a distance of 1.5m between others, including children (other than your own).
- All families are strongly encouraged to ensure you have access to your child's class Seesaw platform and Skoolbag. If you do not, and require assistance with this, please contact the front office.
- In the instance of a school closure and 'at home' learning is activated, learning materials will be sent out to families via Seesaw (or other electronic options as organised by the teacher eg. One Note for year 7 students). If you do not have access to an electronic device at home (or printer) please contact the school.
- If children are unwell, they are required to stay at home.
Management of a school closure in the instance of a confirmed COVID-19 case in our school community.
During school hours
In the event of a confirmed case of COVID-19 at Henley Beach PS during school hours the following steps will apply:
· Emergency Management Team (DfE and SA Health) will respond and provide strategic directions and actions for the school.
· Communication will be sent to all families using email, SMS and Skoolbag.
· If a site evacuation is required, parents/carers will need to collect their child/ren at their earliest convenience. All children will be checked off as part of the dismissal process.
· In the case of receiving an Emergency Notification please do not contact the front office via phone unless it is an emergency. We need the phones clear for support services.
· All children will be kept in their regular learning area and supervised until they are dismissed. Those approved to go home independently will be able to leave the school.
· No students or staff will be allowed back onto site until clearance is provided by DfE and SA Health.
Out of school hours
In the event of a confirmed case of COVID-19 at Henley Beach PS outside of regular school hours the following steps will apply:
· Emergency Management Team (DfE and SA Health) will respond and provide strategic directions and actions for the school.
· Communication will occur for all staff and families using email, SMS and Skoolbag.
· No students or staff (excluding the Principal) will be allowed back onto site until clearance provided by DfE and SA Health.
School of Languages Update
At our most recent Governing Council meeting we discussed further the possibility of the school hosting an after-hours language opportunity for next year. It was decided to go ahead with this proposal with Japanese being the nominated focus language. In terms of next steps, staff from the School of Languages will provide an information session for families in term 4 who are considering enrolling their children.
Grounds Update
Also at Governing Council it was decided, as a part of the school grounds masterplan, that the yard area where the bird cage is currently located will be upgraded this year. Included in this newsletter is the concept drawing that has been developed. Teachers will be sharing this with their class to seek any ideas students may have and you are also welcome to provide any feedback via the attached response. Over the next 2-3 years the intention is to re-develop several areas of the grounds with the goal of enhancing the overall school environment.
In other news, work on the school fence is well underway and when completed it will be a positive addition to our grounds. Another recent upgrade has been the installation of new doors in several of the junior classes which have replaced older, heavier sliding doors. Later in the year we will be looking to construct a shelter in the grub club, install volleyball goal posts and re-locate the long jump pit.
A reminder that Semester 1 reports will be available on Thursday July 1 via the Sentral platform.