As we enter another lockdown it made me think about a number of key tips and advice for parents and students as they complete tasks from home:

1. Set yourself some clear (but realistic) goals about what tasks you need to complete each day
2. Organise workspaces with minimal distractions
3. Ensure both you and your child have regular brain break
4. Communicate with your teacher if you are unsure about a task using Seesaw and read feedback about completed tasks
5. Try and build in some exercise each day, a walk, a ride on your bike
6. Ensure your children are completing some ‘service’ tasks around the house (e.g. help with cleaning, washing up, emptying the bins, assist in preparing dinner)
7. Have a clear end-of-work-day celebration once you all have completed the tasks to the best of your ability. This could be as simple as a ‘happy dance’ or a high five

I must acknowledge the time, thought and care our teachers have put into preparing the online tasks and work packs over a short period of time. I was so impressed by the way our teachers worked collaboratively and productively to organise a meaningful learning experiences for your children. They are a great credit to the school and teaching profession.

Social media focus – Managing your child’s time online

As we enter a week of online learning I thought this would be an appropriate social media focus. Signs that your child’s online activity may be having a negative impact on them or on your family include:

• less interest in physical activity

• multiple, unfinished tasks

• tiredness, sleep disturbance, headaches, eye strain

• changes in eating patterns

• reduced personal hygiene

• obsession with particular websites or games

• extreme anger when being asked to take a break from online activity

• appearing anxious or irritable when away from the computer

• becoming withdrawn from friends and family

Help your child to manage their time online

Below are some general guidelines for parents that you can use to support your child in managing their time online:

• Stay engaged and encourage balance
• Create a plan
• Reduce your own screen time also sets a positive example
• Use the available technology controls

To read this article in more detail please refer to the eSafety webpage

https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/big-issues/time-online

Supporting Parents and Carers

I have attached a visual graphic link from the Association of Independent Schools New South Wales (AISNSW). This provides some practical tips on ensuring the wellbeing of the family at home during lockdown. Take your time to have a look over it.

http://10 Steps to Family Wellbeing.pdf (aisnsw.edu.au)

NSW State lockdown

Thank-you to all of our parents who have made the sacrifice in following the New South Wales Health Authority advice in keeping their children at home during this lockdown week. It has been most appreciated.

Ideally, we would like to see as few as possible students at school during lockdown to reduce the number of people moving around the school. We understand that this will not be possible for all parents.  

We will continue to communicate with you about arrangements for next week once the NSW state government makes a decision about the lockdown. 

Obviously these are very trying times for everyone, particularly people in Sydney and some of our Regional areas. We hope and pray for a reduction in the infection rates so that we can safely come out of lockdown and return to face-to-face teaching.

Let’s keep looking after each other in these difficult times.