Students have now had two weeks back on site undertaking face to face learning again and we have been very impressed with how well they have transitioned back to learning and re-engaging with their teachers and peers and upholding our high expectations with behaviour and conduct. As I have said previously, we know that our students have been very well supported with their learning despite the pandemic, due to our online Canvas courses and regular live sessions that students were able to undertake whilst learning from home. We continue to be impressed with the level of resilience and self-directed learning that our students have been able to demonstrate, and they have spent time reflecting on themselves as learners during Home Groups.

Since returning, teachers have been able to evaluate where students are at with their learning and provide various opportunities for them to be supported to catch up if they are behind in classes. One of these extra opportunities has been during Enrichment Course time and I have been so impressed with how many students have voluntarily taken up these extra sessions in order to catch up particularly in core areas, English and Maths. These extra sessions will be provided until the end of term and then case by case as needed into next term. Junior students already have an extra lesson of English and Maths (Toolbox lesson) with extra staff available to support and they will be utilising these lessons for intervention and support.

Families will receive a report at the end of term outlining where students are in their learning and wellbeing. Whilst this will not be as detailed as our normal mid-year report it will still give parents an understanding of where they are at; described as working towards, working at or working above the standard. The work habits rubric will be important to gauge students wellbeing and next steps in learning required.

Parent Feedback Invited

Students have spent time reflecting on their own learning and progress during this last term and this will be valuable data for us as we continue to look at ways of harnessing many of the positive learnings from this unique time.

We would also like your feedback around the learning at home period and celebrate the many stories of innovation and collaboration and invite families to complete the short online survey and thank you in advance for taking the time to assist us collecting this valuable data. Please see the link further in this Newsletter.

Schools continue to remain safe places to be and as the restrictions are continually lifting here in Tasmania, I would like to reassure families that we will continue to have our safety and hygiene guidelines in place including hand hygiene routines and cleaning protocols. All schools have a very detailed Safety Plan in place as per Government requirements. We will continue to provide information to families about the implications on the restrictions on educational activities as they arise, and we are hoping that we will be able to undertake activities such as winter sport soon.

I would like to remind families that students are welcome to arrive on campus from 8.20am onwards as this is when we have staff on duty. As the weather is now very cold on some mornings it is concerning to see students on sit out in the cold even before 8.00am.

I would also like to remind and thank students and families for their continued adherence to our clear uniform policy and guidelines. I understand that with cold weather it is important to remain warm and dry but I remind all families that we have a clear uniform standard that allows for a variety of choices to items in order for students to layer and remain warm. Puffer jackets, hoodies and track suit pants are NOT part of our uniform, nor have been ratified by the School Association who approve our uniform standards and policy. This policy has been in existence for many years and clearly outlined for students and families when they enrol with us with an understanding that parents and students support this policy. Changes to the policy can only be made through the School Association and proper process. We are very proud of our school and of our students and believe that high standards of uniform, behaviour, being properly equipped and attending regularly give each and every one of our students the very best chance of learning well and achieving their very best. Thank you all very much in advance of your anticipated support and understanding.

We continue to make improvements to our school and currently have builders on site undertaking the redevelopment to our Year 11/12 & wellbeing space in D Block. This will provide a space for any Year 11/12 students who remain on site along with a small break out study nook and offices to allow for our wellbeing team to also utilise this space. We are anticipating that the area will be completed towards the end of next term and thank staff and students for their accommodations whilst this redevelopment is taking place.

Transition both to and from Kings Meadows High School is a very important to us and we have begun both transition for students coming in to KMHS in 2021 and those leaving us to college. The College Transition Team (from Launceston and Newstead Colleges) have begun to disseminate information, and this will definitely increase next term.

Families of students beginning Grade 7 in 2021 have access to a wide variety of detailed information through our internet and also through our feeder primary schools. All students in Grade 6 have been invited to our Transition Canvas Course which also houses all the information regarding transition.

We will be conducting a Parent Information Evening via Microsoft Teams Live on Tuesday 30^th June at 5.30. Please refer to the section on Grade 6 Transition further in this newsletter.

As Mrs Kate Gibbons has now taken maternity leave awaiting the arrival of their baby, we have welcomed Mrs Lisa Blackwell to the Admin Team for the remainder of this year.

I wish everyone a lovely holiday and time for everyone in our school community to take a well deserved “ brain break” . Stay safe everyone.

Warm regards

Maree