Head of Preparatory School
Resilient and Courageous Learners
Each morning this week I have enjoyed the smiles and greetings from those students who have come to school as their parents are essential workers. The one thing that has struck me is the resilience and courage they demonstrate in their approach to learning. I watched with a smile as they sat down, unpacked their bags, organised their learning space and demonstrated their readiness for the day. Under the watchful eye of teachers and support staff, these young learners log on to the platform, find their Daily Plan and are off and running with their tasks. Their willingness to problem solve a situation before asking for help was impressive. I couldn’t stop smiling as our Kindergarten learners said to me, ‘Mrs Breckenridge, what about if we try this…’ as I attempted to solve an IT issue for them. This made me reflect upon the skills that students will be gaining from the Remote Learning experience. It certainly proves to me that our young learners can do anything! They may not get it right the first time or even the tenth time, but the resilience to keep trying is a skill they will have for life. Needless to say, I am eager to see all our students return during the week so I can learn more about them.
Pictures from Kindergarten’s Crazy Hair Day online.
Week 3 Welbeing Space
Before our students return to On Campus Learning next week on their allocated day, our teachers will prepare them for some of the changes to normal routines. The drop-off procedures and temperature checking process, amongst other things, will be explained so that students will be aware and comfortable with what to expect when they arrive at school. The photo below was shared with the students in Prep Chapel/Assembly this week. The picture is a good visual to share with your child to help explain what they will see at morning drop off. We recognise that there may be some excitement, as well as some anxiety amongst the children, and this will also be acknowledged and addressed. Returning to school may also trigger renewed questioning about COVID-19 at home. A parent resource can be found on Redlands Pulse containing lots of helpful tips to reassure children and support conversations about Coronavirus, using child-friendly language and correcting any misunderstandings. In addition, our learning at home weekly wellbeing sessions across each Year Group have focused on developing personal and social capabilities, in particular supporting our children’s emotional awareness and resilience. If you have particular concerns about your child’s wellbeing, our Dean of Students, Mrs Sam Kourakis, and our Chaplain, Miss Fiona McKenzie, are available for you.
Week 3 Further Information
Further to the email outlining arrangement for Weeks 3 and 4, we would like to clarify the pick-up and drop off arrangements for Prep School.
We are encouraging all families to use the underground car park for both drop off and pick up, however all options for both morning and afternoon are listed below. Please note that there will be NO parking on the School side of Allister Street, as it will be reserved for a moving car line.
Morning car drop off: We ask that all students have their bags ready on their knees to assist in speeding up the drop off process. Parents are to remain in the car, while your child/ren are assisted to disembark, before having their temperatures taken.
Morning walk-in through Prep Reception: This will be managed one at a time to enable temperatures to be taken at the door. Markers to help with the 1.5m distancing will be placed along Allister Street.
Afternoon collection by car: Please join the car line along Allister Street, turning into the underground car park. There will be staff members to assist at the car park entrance and at the bottom of Allister Street. If the line stretches to the end of the street you may be asked to drive around the block to prevent cars from queueing on Rangers Road.
Afternoon collection on foot. Please enter through the Murdoch Street entrance only, going to your child’s usual meeting place. Please maintain distancing at all times and leave the school grounds immediately after collecting your child, through the Murdoch Street gate.
Children of essential workers who are coming to School on days not allocated to their Year Group should enter through Prep Reception in the morning. Temperatures will be checked and the children signed in.
Mrs Ainslie Breckenridge
Head of Preparatory School
abreckenridge@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9848