Whilst we never could have imagined starting a school term in these circumstances, I want to applaud the efforts of our students, parents and staff in adapting so quickly to new ways of teaching and learning. I have ‘sat’ with our students in a number of face to face and online classes, and have been excited by the student engagement that has been taking place. I had great pleasure in presenting the work of Penguin students and staff in a recent state-wide online meeting and I couldn’t be more proud of how our community have embraced these changes with respect and understanding.   Effective communication between home and school has been pivotal in ensuring that clear and timely information has been getting to our families, through the most appropriate channels. We have been very aware of not ‘bombarding’ families with too many surveys, phone calls, letters, texts, social media posts, videos and updates – thank you for your patience and understanding with this.

The state government and education department have provided us with a transition plan back to full time face to face schooling, but there are a number of steps that we must all adhere to. As the Premier has said ‘if we follow the rules’ the easing of restrictions should continue according to the plan.

Key points for us to be aware of include:

• Kinder to Year 6 and Year 11/12 students return to school on Monday 25 May
• Grade 7-10 students return to school on Tuesday 9 June (Monday 8 June Public Holiday)

The following steps will be in place for the remainder of the term:

• Hygiene practices will continue to be vigilant as per national and education department guidelines
• If students or staff are appearing or reporting to be unwell, they are required to remain at home until their health improves
• Parents will need to remain outside of the school building at school pick up and drop off
• Kinder-6 teachers will continue to use Seesaw and Kinder-Year 12 teachers are available via email for parent communication
• Our school office can also arrange phone appointments for families by calling 6434 2222

We want to make school as safe as possible for everyone and the gradual introduction of primary and secondary students is part of the government’s response. It is important that if you can supervise your child’s learning at home, then you should do so until they are due to return to school. Feel free to ask questions if you require any further information. These things won’t be forever, but we all have a shared responsibility to act in a way that ensures the safety of everyone in our school and community.

Mat Grining

Principal