This was the week we had been anticipating for quite some time, the week that we would be seeing the children begin to return to school. It has been a very good week. There has been an incredible amount of detail and planning that has gone into this week, and I am pleased that it has gone so well. My staff team continues to work with passion and commitment. Behind the scenes they have made sacrifices, putting aside personal comfort and their own anxieties, to ensure a smooth and positive transition for the children as they return to school. I cannot thank them enough.         

Again, this week I have intentionally been at the front gate each morning, to welcome the children. Mrs Ford, Mrs Cameron, Mrs Dalheim, Miss McKersie and many others have also been either at gates or just inside the school yard to greet the children, providing reassurance to those who may need it and to alleviate some of their nerves and worries.

This week we have observed lots of very big smiles, energy, enthusiasm and excitement from most children. Generally, they have been very loud. There has been a lot of ‘happy’ noise and squeals of laughter and delight on the playground. However, understandably  even with this, quite a number of children have expressed their worries about the things that are important to them. We’ve had children worry about whether they will still have friends, some of the Kindy children were worried about finding their classroom, another was worried about her winter uniform being way too big. Some of the older children have been nervous but not fully able to understand or articulate why. There have been some tummy aches, a few tears and visits to the sick bay for a chat reassurance and some TLC (thank you Mrs Neville!). One boy commented at the gate “I hope I haven’t forgotten all my Maths”. The majority of the children have said that they are relieved and pleased to be back at school, to be with friends and their teachers, but consistently, many have reflected that there were also many positive things about working at home, and aspects of Off Campus Learning that they will miss. I note that just about every parent I speak to says,

“It’s so good to send them back to school, thank you they’re all yours!”. 

One mum even did a dance of relief and happiness as her children walked through the school gates on Monday morning – it was the first time since March that she could have some time to herself. 

As we continue to transition back to school over the coming weeks these important messages will continue to be loud and clear:

Welcome back. We missed you!
It’s so good to see you.
You belong here.
You’re safe, valued and loved here.

I personally would like to take this opportunity for your prayerful support over these past weeks and months. I have appreciated people checking-in on me and asking how I am doing. I am feeling strong, positive and confident in our school and the way we are managing the many challenges of this crisis. I must be honest and say that it has been incredibly difficult at times to ensure we are doing the right thing by everyone. The uncertainty of things creates anxiety which has done my head in at times, that’s for sure. I like the analogy, that this crisis is like swimming in a wild sea. There are moments of respite and calm, and then there are moments when the next set of ferocious waves come crashing through. In all of this you try to keep an eye on the horizon, looking beyond, in faith that you’ll be okay, but uncertain about what might happen next.

It has been a privilege for me to speak with parents, teachers and children about their situations and to be able to stand alongside many in what are some very difficult personal circumstances. This week’s Chapel message particularly spoke to me. I love the story of the four faith filled men who brought their crippled friend to Jesus. When they could not get through the crowd, they climbed to the top of the roof and lowered him through the ceiling. The faith of the men, their belief and assurance that Jesus could meet their friend’s needs.  The men’s audacity, creativity, physical efforts and sheer determination resulted in his healing. This story reminds me of the importance of faith and community. We can’t always do it by ourselves and we need each other. The crippled man needed his friends, and his friends brought him to Jesus. If you are struggling at the moment, (and I know that many people in our school community are), be strengthened in knowing that our school community is praying for you, and we are here to help. Please do not hesitate to ask for help… this is what community is all about.

On Wednesday I shared some very sad news with the Year 2 parents. Mr Chris Keogh, dearly beloved father of William (Year 2 student), and husband of Jalin, passed away last week, having lost a long-term battle with cancer. The funeral was held today with only 20 people permitted to attend due to COVID-19 lockdown restrictions. It was a very special service celebrating Chris’s life and William was very brave. Please keep Jalin, William and their extended family in your prayers. We have been touched by the support, care and kindness bestowed upon Will by his friends and classmates at school. The P&F will have flowers and a basket of nice things delivered to the family, on behalf of our school community.

Take care this weekend. Enjoy a visit to a cafe or local restaurant perhaps.

God says “I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint” (Jeremiah 31:25)

Doug Thomas    
Principal

  Follow me @DougJThomas

We ask that all students who are working from home to practice patience while waiting online for a teacher to respond to your questions. Don’t forget there are others in the grade both onsite and offsite who your teachers are working with. When you come into Zoom, your teachers hear and know that you are waiting, but you may not be the first in line, so you have to wait your turn. Ideally, while you are waiting, use your problem-solving skills: go back and read or hear the instructions again to see if you can work out the answer to your own question, or use your initiative and independence and work on something else while you are waiting. Your teachers will get to you as soon as they can.

If your child/ren is/are still working from home, and they are finishing their work quickly, first ask if they have completed the white tasks and submitted the best work they can, then encourage them to do the challenge tasks offered.  We know that at school, with teacher support, it is a big ask for students to complete all of the work set for each day, so it is unlikely that any child has finished all of their work including the challenge tasks to the best of their ability if they are finishing quickly.

Or if your child is struggling to complete all of their tasks, encourage them to complete the tasks with a star as a matter of priority.

I apologise if this sounds simplistic because we all know it is not; a one size fits all approach to learning is not achievable. Some children have an intrinsic motivation to learn, to do their best, to find out more… learning for these children is self-motivating and personally rewarding. Not all children are like this, some need “Extrinsic motivation (which) occurs when we are motivated to perform a behaviour or engage in an activity to earn a reward or avoid punishment”. (Ref., https://www.verywellmind.com/differences-between-extrinsic-and-intrinsic-motivation-2795384) 

Both forms of motivation are important in our lives. Perhaps this helps us to understand why we can have 2 children from the same family, one who loves to learn just because it is personally rewarding, and the other needs a reward (something they can do when they are finished their school tasks) to complete their work.

On top of this all students have different learning strengths, again, there is no one size fits all.

If you are considering keeping your child/ren home for medical reasons beyond Week 4, we will continue to look for ways to support you, so will be in touch with each of you next week.

Good luck if your children are still working from home.
Good luck with your own working from home arrangements.
And ‘go you’ if you are now considering a new career in teaching!

Janelle Ford 
Deputy Principal

iPads, Chargers, Headphones, Books Stationery Items

All students returning for the first time, must bring their iPads (fully charged), chargers, headphones, books and stationery items.

Students Coming to School Part-time

If there is any variation to the day/s your child/ren will be coming to school next week, it is important that the school is notified by 2pm on the day prior to the change. This is primarily so that we know if your child needs to take their technology and books home.

Car Lines

Week 3 has been an important week, and I must say a very lovely week, of hugs and goodbyes and letting go of your children in the car lines after seven weeks at home.  

However, from Week 4, we will be asking parents to stay in their cars when they drop off their children, to help the lines move quickly. Please ensure that your child is fully dressed and ready for school before they get into the car. The students bags need to be where they can easily access them, on the seat next to them or in the front seat of the car. Hugs and kisses are super important but please give these before your child/ren get into the car.

We will also be asking children (especially those in Years 1-6) to practise independence, by opening their own car door, getting their own things out of the car, and remembering to shut it too.

Uniform Requirements

Week 4

The official changeover date for winter uniform is Monday 25 May; this coming week is still a change-over week where either summer or full winter uniform is permitted.

If you have not already done so, please ensure that your child has been measured up for his/her winter uniform and that orders have been placed at Wylies, if your child needs a new winter uniform.

Students may wear their PE uniforms on their designated PE days (see below - these may have changed) and on Wednesdays.

Sport & PE Days

Days for PE will continue as follows. Students should wear full sports uniform, including white socks and predominantly white shoes on these days. (No other coloured sports shoes are to be worn to school.)

Monday - Kindy , Year 5 & Year 6

Tuesday - Year 3 & Year 4

Wednesday - Sport - all students

Thursday - Year 2 & Year 1

Roll Marking

If the child is not at school or not working from home the office MUST be advised by 9:15am.

Social Distancing – Front Office

There is new signage for the Front Office to control the number of parents/visitors in the front office at any one time.  This may mean that sometimes parents/visitors may have to wait outside until numbers inside reduce and the next person is called.

Social Distancing on Coogee Bay Road

Please remember to socially distance on the footpath while waiting to collect your child/ren in the afternoons. It is important that you are at least 1.5m away from the staff and from each other at all times.

Temperature Taking

All visitors to the school must come via office to have temperature taken.

Cleaning and Hand Washing

We are being vigilant with the students expecting them to thoroughly wash their hands before and after meals, and before coming into the learning spaces. 

Winter Uniform

Full winter uniform is to be worn from Monday 25 May, including:

Boys:

• Grey shorts – thicker winter style from Wylies (woolen fabric and lined)
• White long-sleeve shirt with stiff collar for tie
• Tartan tie
• Long grey socks with green Claremont bands (wool)
• Garters (preferably adjustable or Velcro tab)
• Black school shoes – polished daily
• Formal Cap (School uniform shop)
• Blazer – compulsory in winter
• Jumper with crest
• Wool vest (optional)

Girls:

• Tartan tunic
• White blouse – long sleeve with stiff shirt collar
• Green tie with school crest (Wylies)
• Dark bottle green tights (purchased from Wylies, Target etc) or green socks (available at Wylies) – long with turn over bands
• Garters (preferably adjustable or Velcro tab)
• Black school shoes – polished daily
• Formal Hat (School uniform shop)
• Blazer – compulsory in winter
• Jumper with crest
• Pinafore (K to 2 – not worn to or from school)
• Bottle green ribbons, clips or headbands (School uniform shop)

(Extract from All About Claremont)

Hair and Jewellery

Girls’ hair must be short, plaited or tied back with green ribbons.
Hair must not be allowed to fall across the eyes.
Only gold or silver studs to be worn for earrings.
Only simple traditional watches to be worn.  

Boys’ hair must be cut in a conventional manner and must be above the collar. Defined layers, ridges and very short, shaved hair are not acceptable styles. Hair must not be allowed to fall across the eyes or touch the collar.

Only simple traditional watches to be worn.

Term 2 Health and Safety Transition Plan

Some specific actions at Claremont College across Term 2 will include;

Health and Hygiene Practices

• Temperature testing for all staff, students, contractors and visitors (to be reviewed at the end of Week 4).
• When having your temperature taken, you will be asked if you are experiencing cold, fever or flu like symptoms. Students, staff and others will not be allowed to remain on site if they display these symptoms.
• Students and staff must wash hands thoroughly and regularly.
• Good hygiene practices (coughing and sneezing protocols) will be reinforced with students.
• Hand sanitiser, soap, antiseptic wipes, gloves and face-masks, will be provided across the school
• Main thoroughfare doors will be jarred open, to minimise the touching of knobs and handles and to promote natural ventilation.
• No hand shaking with signage in the school office as a reminder.
• Disposable gloves provided to staff on car line duty in the mornings and afternoon.

Social Distancing of Children, Teachers and Others

• Staff meetings, other meetings and appointments will be via ZOOM unless there are less than 4 adults attending, and social distancing is possible within the space (1 person per 4sqm).
• Prescribed social distancing measures will include a maximum of 4 adults in common spaces including learning spaces and the staffroom, unless social distancing can be maintained.
• Creating a larger space for the staffroom by using the school hall with space created between internal seating, and with the external front driveway area or fishpond area also accessible to staff for breaks.
• The regular staffroom seating and kitchen is only to be used for those who have an office in the ‘Lock Up or Library’.
• Staff are encouraged to eat outside weather permitting.
• Communal food sharing is suspended until further notice.
• Whilst social distancing of students has been identified as low-risk, the spacing of students will be encouraged wherever it is possible.
• Infants and Primary Sport will be held at Grant Reserve later in the term, allowing for staff to supervise in the open air and be appropriately distanced from each other. Arrangements for staff to travel will be developed to apply with social distancing requirements.
• We will create a larger space for the sickbay if necessary and the school nurse will wear PPE (personal protective equipment) as required.
• Parents will not be permitted to enter the school beyond the drop-off and pick-up zones, and reception (with a maximum of 4 people only in the waiting area), with social distancing of parents enforced at gates and other gathering areas. Parent meetings with teachers will be by appointment only and where possible, via ZOOM.
• Large parent meetings (of more than 4 people) and events cancelled for Term 2.
• Chapel will be online for Term 2.
• Semester One Parent Interviews will most likely be held at the beginning of Term 3.
• Only essential contractors will be allowed access to the school during work hours.
• Social distancing signage markers and reminders in potential communal gathering areas including student pick-up gate area and the reception area.

Environmental cleaning

• Increased cleaning rosters with disinfectant of common areas, handles, railings and surfaces throughout the day.
• The cleaning contractors have worked with the school to develop an Action Deep Cleaning Plan of the school should there be a positive COVID-19 infection of a person who has been on site.

• Parents - please do not send your child/ren to school if they display cold or flu symptoms. Students will be sent home should they display a fever or cold/flu symptoms.
• Please contact the school immediately, should someone in your family or household be tested positive with the COVID-19 virus.
• We are taking the temperature of students, staff and visitors as they arrive on campus. A small hand-held thermometer is being used which measures the body temperature on the forehead.

Be Respectful to staff by encouraging students to show more independence with life skills. For example, open the car door yourself, put on your own school bag, and close the door behind you.

Larissa Cameron
Deputy Principal

In line with the recent developments and measures undertaken by the Australian Government, NSW Health and the Department of Education to control the spread of the Coronavirus in our community, all upcoming school events and activities have been cancelled until further notice.

Again today we would like to share samples of learning from various grades and specialist lessons.

Choir

This week was a very exciting week as we got to finally make music together again! (With restrictions of course.) We ran our choir sessions outside in the Music room garden and the neighbours were smiling from ear to ear hearing the beautiful tones coming from those beautiful voices. And of course… we finished with a sing/dance off...

Thanks for being patient as I negotiate choir times with all that is happening and the changing organisation with students both off campus and on campus.

Thank you to everyone who joined choir at school or at home this week. Choir will continue in Week 4 at the following times:

Senior Choir will be on Monday lunch at 12:30pm

Junior Choir will be Tuesday lunch at 12:30pm

If you are home this week:

Students at home, please log into zoom at 12:40pm (with your lunch too) and you can join in our session. Please remember that I will be organising kids at school today as well, so please be patient as it may be a few minutes by the time I get everyone sorted,  then we can sing. You can warm up your voices if you are waiting.

Thank you all for believing in music - stay safe, stay singing and if we didn’t see you yet, we will see you when it is right for you and your family. All in your own good time. 

Mrs Tara Barr
Head of Music

Library News

It was lovely to welcome students back to the library this week. Please can I ask you to ensure that your children return all library books to the library. Many students borrowed extra books before the holidays and they all need to be returned. Please also provide a cloth bag or library bag for library borrowing classes.

New Fiction Titles

Rosie Banks is the author of the Secret Princesses and Secret Kingdom series. Due to popular demand mainly from students in Year 3, I have added complete new sets of all books in both series to the library collection. Rosie spent her childhood dreaming of magical creatures and faraway places. She has always been close to her two best friends, and their special relationship provided her with inspiration for the magical trio of Jasmine, Ellie and Summer.

The Secret Kingdom series takes the reader into a world of special friendships, secrets and magical adventures. These books are great for newly confident readers and the text has plenty of illustrations to catch the reader’s attention.

Recommended for ages 6+.

The Secret Princesses is a series about magical princesses. They are called Mia and Charlotte and they aim to be brave, kind and make wishes come true. Each book in the series is about friendship, magic and fun.

Recommended for ages 7+.

Mrs Susan Kesur
Library Assistant

A number of cases of head lice have been reported this week at school. This is a recurring problem in all schools, however treatments are commercially available which are most effective. If your child has head lice or nits, he/she needs to be excluded from school until the hair has been fully treated. It is most important for all parents to check children’s hair on a regular basis. Tell-tale signs are scratching, redness around the nape of the neck or scalp and white eggs attached to hair strands. Please ensure children's hair is kept either short (above the collar) or long hair is plaited or securely tied back.

There is lots of information about head lice available, to help you get rid of them and to dispel any myths surrounding them. This is an excellent site for further information: www.health.nsw.gov.au/headlice/treatment/index.html

We do appreciate an email from you when your child has lice so we can monitor numbers and send out messages such as this when necessary. Thank you for your cooperation.

Welcomeasy are delivering recess and lunch orders to school.

Orders must be placed by 10:59pm the night before for delivery on the next school day.

If you are ordering a snack item, please specify in the notes area whether the snack is for Recess or Lunch.

Please note that orders are to be placed on the ‘Welcomeasy’ website and NOT Flexischools.

You must firstly create an account by following some simple steps. Go to www.welcomeasy.com.au  

The Uniform Shop is closed however, if you need to purchase any items, please place your order online via Flexischools. If you need to purchase any second hand items, please email clothingpool@claremont.nsw.edu.au to arrange an appointment to visit the shop.

All new uniform items can be purchased from ‘Wylies’ at 3/17 Green St, Banksmeadow (02) 9344 5796.

Please note that all communication should be through the email address: clothingpool@claremont.nsw.edu.au

Hello Parents and Arty Crafty Students!

Welcome back to school! Bookings for our Term 2 Art Classes are now open.  We are running our regular program of Mixed Media on Monday afternoons and our Thursday Drawing Class.  Something new we are trialling is a ‘Years 5 & 6 only Art Club’ on a Wednesday to give the older students a chance to enjoy a crafternoon with their peers.

We accept the $100 NSW Creative vouchers and credits from Term 1, a code would have been emailed to you if this applies.

Located in the spacious and light filled Year 1 rooms, we have room to spread out.  Our classes do not exceed 10 students and we will be working with individual art kits to limit handling.  All classes run for 90 minutes and finish at 5.00pm.

As we enter more weeks of transition, we wish you a smooth change back into regular school and good health and wellbeing.

From Phi Morton & Shallal Bader, the Artisan at Home Workshop Team

Enquiries can be made to Phi on 0403377420 and bookings can be placed online at https://artisanathome.com.au/collections/afterschool