This week has seen the return to school of most, but not all students. On Monday we saw 82% of students return to on campus learning, then on Tuesday – 85%, Wednesday – 86%, Thursday – 86% and today – 81%. It is so lovely visiting the learning spaces, chatting to, laughing with and catching up on the children’s news and stories. The children are delightful and their energy and enthusiasm are infectious (pardon the pun)!

As we prepare for Week 5 of Term 2, we anticipate close to 100% of students returning to school. Monday 25 May is an important day for many reasons. So much thought and preparation has gone into planning, teacher development, briefings, discussion, administrative planning, risk-assessing, reviewed safety measures, evaluation and reflection - to have things ready for what will surely become the new ‘normal’ of school life, in all of its rhythms and routines.

This week I have spoken with many parents, and all share the mixed sentiment of relief, gratitude and confidence in the actions of the school. I, too, am confident in all that we have planned. However, because of the uncertainty that comes with the COVID-19 crisis, I will also be cautious over the coming days, months, indeed the year ahead. I note a survey in today’s ‘Sydney Morning Herald’ that suggests one in three Australians remain ‘wary’ of the lifting of restrictions. This is an important number as it reminds us that there is both hope and caution as ways of responding to this new stage and hence our school community also needs ongoing reassurances to allay the concerns and anxieties associated with the days ahead. 

Another recent survey showed that one in four parents of primary aged children indicated an increase in their consumption of alcohol during the COVID isolation. The survey respondents directly attributed this increase in alcohol consumption to the stresses associated with their children’s online learning. While it is tempting to reach for another glass, it may be useful to remind ourselves that this choice of behaviour doesn’t promote our resilience or overall wellbeing.  Taking the time to think about alternative ways of managing stress, ahead of the times it ‘all gets too much’, can help us make better choices and hence be better role models for our children.

All students returning on Monday are to wear their full winter uniform. Today’s weather suggests that the timing is right for this. Again, there is something significant about this in relation to this point in time, winter has arrived. With winter, we see more colds and flus and all the symptoms that come with this. Under no circumstances, can children and staff attend school should they display such symptoms. Welcome to the ‘new normal’, with its new expectations, demands and ways of responding to the health and safety of our school community.

A McKinsey article published this week, raises some important points that apply not only to our school, but to our families, businesses and the way we interact and do life with each other; 

“Return is not a phase; it’s a way of operating.”

We must get used to doing things differently and demonstrating flexibility of mind. Our home-school routines, the way we manage when we are sick by not coming to school or work, the way we teach a class of students at school or at home, the way we work and learn remotely because we are ‘vulnerable’ (but not sick), how we use technology, how we continue to maintain social distancing, gather for meetings and events – everything is going to be different and never quite the same. I will quote the McKinsey article as it makes a very good point that applies to us all.

“Given these and other uncertainties and the need for experimentation and fast learning to navigate through them effectively, we believe the next step in the response of businesses cannot be thought of as a phase at all. It will be open ended rather than fixed in time. A better mental model is to think about developing a new “muscle”, an enterprise-wide ability to absorb uncertainty and incorporate lessons into the operating model quickly. The muscle has to be a “fast-twitch” one, characterised by a willingness to change plans and base decisions on hypotheses about the future – supported by continually refreshed micro-data about what’s happening… And the muscle also needs some “slow-twitch” fibres to set long term plans and manage through structural shifts.”

We must get used to new rhythms, routines and ways of doing things that will become more embedded into school life, evolving, adapting, as we learn and interact together. Some things will not return to how we once did them, and much will be ‘open-ended’. The new normal for school life is here to stay.

We are a collaborative, innovative, compassionate community

As we make decisions and make plans for the future, we will be guided by our Core Values of collaboration, innovation and compassion, so that any caution and anxiety we may have is balanced by a healthy measure of confidence, reassurance and hope .

The reward is resilience

The McKinsey article concludes with an important point on resilience; 

“Getting the return muscle right will be key to building resilience throughout the organisation… The ability of top leaders to refocus on the task of building sustainable capabilities will define companies that emerge from the pandemic over the next two years.”

To build community resilience we must connect, consult, collaborate, listen, empathise and bring faith to situations and circumstances. Over the coming weeks we will be providing you with the opportunity to connect with the School, and other parents, as we support each other and make sense of this situation.

• P&F ZOOM Meeting, Wednesday 3 June
• Fathering Project ZOOM Meeting, Thursday 11 June

An ‘Off Campus Learning’ Feedback Survey will be sent to all parents towards the end of Term 2.

As we return this Monday, and as we create the new normal, our leadership priorities remain:

• the health, and safety of all members of the school community
• the wellbeing, happiness of the children
• quality teaching and learning
• student academic progress and growth of intellectual and emotional character and dispositions
• equipping and supporting teachers and the wider staff team, to be at their very best
• supporting and resourcing parents so that our families are strong
• creating a resilient and adaptive community as we establish new norms and prepare for the uncertainties, and the health announcements of the days ahead (whenever and whatever they might be)
• creating opportunities for our community to be thankful and to celebrate the joys, the wins and our many successes along the way
• bringing faith, hope and love to the challenges of this crisis and to draw on the strength, peace and guidance that only God can bring.

I would like to acknowledge Anna Laurence (Year 6) for this week’s lead image and also remind parents that you are invited to watch this week’s Chapel by clicking here. 

Be blessed and thanks for your support, encouragement and prayers.

Doug Thomas
Principal

  Follow me @DougJThomas

This section of the Newsletter has been written to answer some questions we have been asked this week.

SO WHAT HAPPENS IF…

If your child displays cold or flu symptoms

• Do not send him/her to school
• Report the absence 
• Access Off Campus Learning
• If you do not have the iPad at home, you may contact the office and arrange to collect it
• Consult with your GP about whether a COVID-19 test is recommended

If a teacher or member of staff displays cold or flu symptoms

• The teacher may decide that he/she is well enough to work remotely from home and to deliver lessons using Off Campus Learning structures. 
• The teacher might need to take sick leave
• The school will determine what level of staffing is required to maintain student learning and supervision. 
• A relief teacher will be employed if necessary, depending on the timetable and available existing staffing structures.

If a member of your household or workplace is diagnosed with COVID-19

• Contact the school to report the diagnosis
• Consult with your GP about if a COVID-19 test is recommended for you/your family
• The school will seek guidance from the Department of Health to determine the required length of absence. 
• Plan for your child to be required to stay at home for a minimum of 24 to 48 hours.
• If you do not have the iPad at home, you may contact the office and arrange to collect it

If a member of the school community is identified as diagnosed with COVID-19 *

(* this information is based on what we have learnt from the experiences of other schools, and may be different according to each context)

• the school will usually be contacted by the Department of Health
• the school may be required to go into a short period of lockdown to determine individuals who may have been in close contact with the infected person
• Individuals deemed to have been in close contact with an infected person are usually required to be isolated for a minimum of 14 days
• the school will take instruction from the Department of Health and respond accordingly
• The school will take responsibility for deep cleaning of the school
• The length of any subsequent closure of the school will be determined by Dept of Health (estimated to be 24 to 28 hours)
• The school will communicate with parents and school community via sms, app alerts, email and website (exactly in the same way we have been doing)
• Due to privacy legislation, the infected individual/s will not be identified by the school
• the school will contact parents of those who have been in close contact with the infected individual
• Members of the school community would be requested to not post details on social media, to support the school in its dissemination of clear and factually accurate information through designated communication channels
• Parents will be required to follow the directions and stated expectations of the school
• Off Campus Learning will commence and collection of student iPads arranged

AND WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH...

Our Canteen

• We will continue with WelcomeEasy until further notice

Our Uniform Shop

• The process of tendering for a new service provider commenced in Term One and is now on hold
• A new tender process will shortly recommence
• We hope that we will have a new provider in Term 3

Your Child’s Semester One School Report

• The National Standards Authority in Education (NESA) has waived the requirement for all schools to use the A to E (in our case 5-1) reporting codes. 
• Our school reports are being reformatted for Semester One to give teachers the opportunity to both assess and report on your child’s achievements and progress, in the context of Off Campus Learning.
• Reports will be issued and uploaded to your parent portal in Week 9 of this term.

Parent Teacher Meetings

• We anticipate holding these in Week 4 of Term 3
• Only urgent interviews or meetings with teachers (prior to the Parent Teacher Meetings)  may be booked via office@claremont.nsw.edu.au and will be held via ZOOM. 

Year 4 Environmental Excursion Camp (Term 3)

• This annual overnight excursion to be held on Wednesday 29 July - Friday 31 July will go ahead as planned
• At this point, if the school cancels we will lose our deposit of $21 000
• Parents must inform the school of your child’s non-attendance by Friday 19 June OR you will be charged if you change your mind at a later date. 
• The Department of Health guidelines are being considered and the camp may be cancelled according to the Guidelines
• The school will ultimately make a decision to hold the camp based on health and safety risk assessments, and we will keep Year 4 parents informed.

Our School Concert and Book Week Parade (Term 3)

• Our Concert, held every 2 years is always a major highlight at Claremont
• Our booking for the 24th September was cancelled by the venue, the City Recital Hall.
• We hope to hold an event at the end of Term 3, but it is highly unlikely that we will be able to book a venue
• We will be creative in providing an opportunity for the children to perform (live or virtual), and this will be determined by government social distancing regulations for the audience
• The Book Week Parade (Thursday 20 August) will only go ahead in its usual form if social distancing regulations permit

School Sport

• We are following COVID-19 Sports in Schools Guidelines that have been issued by the Department of Education.
• Mr Geering (Sport & PDH Coordinator) has written a comprehensive overview of our Term 2 Sports Program, which includes alternatives to our Annual Athletics Carnival which had to be cancelled. Thanks Mr Geering!

Off Campus Learning

All parents who completed the short survey yesterday, notifying us that you will be keeping your child/ren at home, have received an email to explain how OCL will continue for their child/ren. If you are keeping your child/ren at home and you did not receive this email, please contact me through office@claremont.nsw.edu.au .

STUDENT WORK ON SEESAW

While students are still completing many of their activities on their iPad, not all tasks will be visible to parents on your child’s Seesaw journal. Also, now that we have the advantage of having the students back at school the teachers are able to give the students verbal feedback (the most productive kind) to help them know what to do next. Written feedback, which is often time-consuming, will not be as evident.

HOME LEARNING

From next week the vast majority of students will be back at school, and our ‘business as usual’ approach to student learning, means that Home Learning will recommence. However, we want to ease the students back into their Home Learning as it is very evident how tired the students have been the past 2 weeks, after their weeks in isolation.

We will focus on Literacy and Numeracy for the compulsory tasks, with other Key Learning Areas to be the optional tasks. This means that Preview Learning will be a compulsory task as the key skills usually are reading or discussing and comprehending. 

Home Learning will be:

• Reading as compulsory activity every night
• A maximum of 1 compulsory task/per night across the week (even if parents or students choose to do more on any one night)
• Plus

• • Primary Students:1 compulsory 5 nights/week
  • Year 1 and 2 students, 1 compulsory task 4 nights/week
  • Kindergarten students, 1 compulsory task/week that can be done several times, ie sight words

This differs slightly from the suggested number of tasks for some grades in our Home Learning Policy. We will monitor this over the term.

Even though we believe Home Learning is important, we hope that you will continue to enjoy all of those family activities you reconnected with during isolation, such as family puzzles and card games, outdoor games and exercise, bike riding, cooking and gardening, reading books, watching movies together and so much more.

Stay safe, stay well, look after yourselves.

Janelle Ford
Deputy Principal

Winter Uniform

From Monday onwards, only the Winter Uniform is to be worn. 

Would all parents check children’s winter uniforms this weekend and if new uniforms are needed, please contact Wylies immediately. Please remember that every child must be well presented in their full school uniform at all times. We would remind parents that girls’ winter tunics should come to the bottom of the knee. It is not acceptable if they are above the knee at all.

It is important that Kindy and Year 1 girls wear their pinafore at school, especially during winter as frequent dry cleaning of tunics does become expensive. Girls should not, however, wear the pinafore to or from school in either Winter or Summer. It is also important that blazer sleeves have been altered correctly. Sleeves cannot be rolled up or under.

Parents are reminded that every item of uniform must be in the correct style and fabric. Therefore, almost all items need to be purchased from Wylies or the Uniform Shop. Please note that boys’ winter shorts are a slightly darker woolen grey and are fully lined for extra warmth. The full school tracksuit must also be worn to and from school on a Wednesday during this time of winter uniform. All parts of the uniform must be clearly named and worn correctly. Please advise Mrs Rochester (Principal’s PA) if you are waiting on an order from Wylies. Again, we seek parents’ support in ensuring that a high standard of uniform is maintained at all times. 

The winter school uniform requirement are as follows:

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.

Wear your winter uniform and sports uniform with pride. Come to school ready to learn every day and to contribute positively in all of our learning environments.

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.

On Wednesday in Year 3 we had a student who needed to see Mrs Neville. As he left, he gave us a salute and said “Hasta la vista baby”. 

Thank you to our Term 1 Grade Captains for a job well done and congratulations to the following children who have been elected for Term 2 and who received their badges at assembly on Monday 18 May. We are sure that these children will do their best as they assist their teacher and classmates.

Kindy - Oliver Tharenou, Isabella Huang, Ella Ferguson, Micah Agahari

Year 1 - Sabrina Anderson, Marcus Reitz, Cedric Lam, Isabel Rogers

Year 2 - Lauren Tan, Emily Mclean, Oliver Riberevski, William Basi

Year 3 - Noah McCollum, Archie Tremain, Stella Larby, Charlotte Francis

Year 4 - Zara Fisher, Taka Maven, Illiana Sukkar, Maison Retief, 

Year 5 - Isabelle Williams, Zahra Addison, Alex King, Hannah Nixon

Year 6 - All of Yr 6 are grade captains!

Library news

2020 Lionel Bowen Young Writers’ Award 2020

Despite the disruption of Covid-19, Randwick City Library have announced that the Young Writers’ Award will continue as planned this year. During library borrowing classes I have been promoting this competition and several students have expressed an interest in entering.

There are two categories, short stories and poetry, with four age divisions covering Years 3 to 4, Years 5 to 6, Years 7 to 9, and Years 10 to 12. There are plenty of prizes including prepaid gift cards, vouchers and books.

All entrants are encouraged to use the online form if possible available from the website: www.randwick.nsw.gov.au/librar...   

For further information and instructions please see from the library’s website LionelBowenYoungWriters@randwick.nsw.gov.au or call 9093- 6400. Entries close 1 July 2020.

New Titles to the Non-Fiction Collection

Due to requests from some boys in Year 5 the library has added the following titles all about birds. These books have arrived at an ideal time, when everyone is spending more quiet time at home in the garden, perfect for bird spotting. Who knows they may inspire some future ornithologists!

The Big Book of Birds is the latest book in the popular ‘Big Book’ series from Yuval Zommer. This is a beautiful book with stunning illustrations and full of plenty of information about a big variety of birds, including peacocks, flamingos, bald eagles and hummingbirds.

Do You Know about Birds?  Is a book that explores a variety of questions

What do birds use to fly?

What do a penguin, a pigeon, and a peacock have in common?

Have you seen birds in the city?

From National Geographic Kids series of books is Little Kids First Big Book of Birds this information packed book introduces the reader to birds of all kinds including backyard favourites to more unique species that inhabit rainforests and deserts.

Mrs Susan Kesur
Library Assistant

Term 2 Sport at Claremont is looking very different from the anticipated term full of gala days, extra-curricular sport skills, Wednesday sports of water polo and lifesaving, and of course, the Claremont Athletics carnival. Obviously, this has all changed with COVID-19. The return to Sport guidelines from the Department of Education prohibit gala days, school carnivals and the use of external providers (venues/personnel). Consequently, Term 2 Sport will look quite different to normal. 

Wednesday Sport

Wednesday Sport will resume next week in Week 5. Students will be travelling to Grant Reserve at different times throughout the day in Stage groups to participate in tabloid style activities. Once at Grant Reserve, students will be broken up into smaller groups and rotate through the different activities. In lieu of the Athletics Carnival, each week there will be a number of competitive Athletics themed events e.g. 100m races, turbo Javelin etc as well as other fun and novelty events.

IPSHA Athletics Carnival 

IPSHA is obviously still unsure whether the planned carnival will go ahead in Term 3, however, they are hoping that it will and planning toward this. IPSHA has anticipated the challenge of holding carnivals for selection of students to progress to the IPSHA Athletics Carnival and as a result there will be some flexibility around entries. 

If the IPSHA Athletics Carnival does go ahead, selection to represent Claremont will look a little different and will also have a degree of flexibility. We will use the results from the Tabloid Sports Sessions on Wednesdays for basic events, for example 100m sprint. Selection for more specialised track and field events will be opened up to students with a background in competitive Athletics who may be able to submit results from previous Athletic meets or students who are able to demonstrate they can meet the IPSHA qualifying standards nominating for specific events. More information about this will follow in due course.

Daily Physical Activity

With most community Sport still on hold due to COVID-19 it means that there’s less opportunity for children to have planned physical activity outside of School. However, especially in this climate, it is just as important as ever for children to accumulate 60 minutes or more of moderate to vigorous physical activity a day. The benefits of this include:

• Boosts Mood
• Improves cognitive functioning 
• Improves sleep
• Helps to feel calmer
• Increases fitness
• Increases self-esteem

Every day since we started OCL, students have had Daily Physical Activities posted on SeeSaw as a way of helping stay physically active. Students (and parents) are encouraged to continue using these resources and having fun and being active at home. As well as the activities on SeeSaw, here are some other easily accessible physical activity resources: 

Cosmic Kids is yoga and stories for infants.

GoNoodle movement and mindfulness videos created by child development experts for everyone.

Just Dance A collection of songs each with their own dance choreographies which students can mirror. 

Les Mills On Demand provides 20 or 40 minute dance, martial arts and yoga classes for primary and secondary students. 

PE with Joe provides daily workouts for students in upper primary. 

Power Up Kids TV provides online workout sessions for primary school students.

Joel Geering
Sports & PDHPE Coordinator

Thank you to the students who registered for the InterSchool Chess Competition. We have been advised that this year’s competition has been postponed until Term 3. Once we receive any further information in relation to a commencement date, we will let you know.

Jake Smith and Karen Wiggins
Chess Coordinators

This meeting will be taking place via ZOOM.  If you are interested in participating in the meeting, please contact your Class Representative for more details.

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

If you are intending to use TeamKids at any stage during the week, please make sure that you have confirmed your booking.

At present TeamKids are adhering to strict teacher:student ratios and have a maximum number of 29 students per session.

The school band will recommence rehearsals from next Tuesday, 26 May commencing at 7:45-8:45am in the school hall.

Band members are reminded to bring their sheet music.

Sam Golding
Band Coordinator

Senior String Ensemble will recommence rehearsals from next Monday, 25 May commencing at 7:45-8:45am in the school hall. 

Ensemble members are reminded to bring their sheet music.

Margaret Machamer
Senior String Ensemble Coordinator

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