Dear parents and guardians,

As you have heard today, the Premier has given the directive that students should remain learning online and remotely until Friday 30 July (Weeks 2 and 3 of Term 3). As this is a longer period than first indicated, we will need to change the timetable to ensure we are meeting all areas of the curriculum.

Can I please ask that from Monday students dress in their PE uniform each day as it is important to continue routines. Where possible, online learning should take place in common areas, not bedrooms. I realise that this may be difficult with multiple people working and learning from home.

We have left three breaks in the day to ensure students have time to eat, play, exercise and more importantly, time away from their screens. It is important to note that while we aim for your daughter to remain engaged in her learning, she should not feel overwhelmed. If activities do not get completed, please do not be concerned. The teacher will contact you if they are concerned about the amount of work your daughter is presenting.

Junior school online timetable Week 2 and beyond

8.30am – 10am              Roll call/ English

10am – 10.30am            Break

10.30am – 11.30am        Maths

11.30am -12.00am         Break

12pm – 1pm                 Class time

1pm – 1.30pm               Break

1.30pm – 2.15pm           Specialist 1

2.15pm – 3pm               Specialist 2

On Wednesday at 12.40pm-1pm we will hold an online Chapel service and on Friday 12.40pm-1pm we will hold an online assembly.

The timetable for K-4 students will be posted on Seesaw each day by the classroom teacher. Classroom teachers will let the students know which specialist areas they will be engaging in each day as it will be confusing to put up the timetable in its entirety.

Year 5 and 6 timetables will be posted on Google classroom by the class teacher.

Parent teacher interviews

It has been decided that we will go ahead with parent teacher interviews next week. The interviews will be with the classroom teacher only at this time. Later in the term we will look at the possibility of having interviews for maths and specialist subjects.

These interviews are a chance for you to talk about your daughter’s progress and Semester 1 report, but also an opportunity to catch-up with the teacher and discuss online learning. Further details about days, times and the booking system process will be sent to you this afternoon.

School Interviews will send a confirmation email with a Zoom code when you book.

Children of essential workers

The school will remain open for the children of essential workers during this lockdown period. There will be no before school care running during this time, so please use the Leichhardt Street car line to drop your daughter to school from 8am-8.20am.

Any student who will be learning from school will be supervised for their online learning by various staff members. Teachers will remain offsite.

All regular after school bookings have been suspended at this time and if you require after school care, please contact Maggie Hill directly via email afterhourscare@stcaths.nsw.edu.au.

As the classroom teacher will be busy teaching your daughter online, please feel free to contact me via the junior school email juniorschool@stcaths.nsw.edu.au or phone 83056295. I will be happy to answer your questions and address your concerns.

I know this is a difficult time and we are here to help.

Stay safe and well.

Elizabeth Worsley
Acting Headmistress