Welcome back to term 3, although not the start that we were all hoping for. We hope you are well and that you have managed to keep safe during these uncertain times. The teachers have been working hard to establish online learning for the students to begin from tomorrow and will continue to provide learning opportunities for our students across all grades.
As previously communicated, onsite supervision will be available for families of children who need to be at school (children of essential workers, vulnerable students or students who have no other supervision options). We will be continuing to support student learning for those who have no option but to attend school. Those students will be engaged in the same learning as those at home. Not all teachers will be at school as they engage in work-from-home arrangements to reduce their own level of risk to infection.
Devices
We are aware that not all students have access to devices at home and that some families might have several students. For students who are unable to access online learning we are offering an opportunity to borrow a school-owned device; for students in Years 2 to 6 a Chromebook and for students in Kindergarten and Year 1 an iPad. Should you wish to borrow a device please email the school at mimmac@parra.catholic.edu.au and tell us the most suitable time for you to collect the device. You will be required to complete a Rights and Responsibilities Agreement form at the front office prior to borrowing the device. Should you need assistance with internet connection please email the school as we may be able to assist you also.
Any students borrowing a device will need to bring them back to school each day they are learning on site. We are limited in the number of devices, so we suggest you complete the form asap to ensure your child does not miss out.
Remote Learning Access
Please check Skoolbag and your emails for directions on how to access the online learning platforms for your children. The teachers have developed fact sheets that will assist the children in participating in the daily activities.
Drop off and Pick up – Week 1
All students are to come onto and leave the school property through the front main gate. Dismissal times will be staggered, to reduce the number of people on site at any given time. We ask that once you have collected your child/children that you vacate the premises immediately. In line with NSW Health all parents and carers will be required to check in, wear face masks and ensure social distancing.
Dismissal times are as follows and are based on the youngest sibling (for eg. A student in year 6 with a younger sibling in year 1 will be dismissed based on the year 1 dismissal time)
3pm – Kinder and Year 1
3:10pm – Year 2 and Year 3
3:20pm – Year 4, 5 and 6
As communicated at the end of last term Mrs Annemarie Bond was to return to MIPS as acting Assistant Principal, however, she has been asked to continue on at St Monica’s at Richmond for the remainder of the year. We wish her the very best.
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce Mr Chris Maguire who will be our Acting Assistant Principal for the first four weeks of the term. Mr Maguire has worked in the Diocese in a number of roles such as Teacher Educator and Numeracy Coordinator at Mother Teresa, Westmead. We are grateful to have such an excellent operator join us and are also excited to show him just how wonderful our community is and for him to witness the exceptional abilities of our students.
We realise that you may have many questions at this time and that these circumstances can be quite challenging. Please be assured that we will continue to update you as careful planning continues. Please continue to check Skoolbag for any updates. Please reach out if you require any assistance
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Mrs Sharon Mizzi
Acting Principal
