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Update from the Principal - Friday 11 February 2022

 
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I want to thank each of you for your efforts and support to make this first week a success for our children. It has been a pleasure to welcome the 142 new Prep students and families into our school. I know this has been a challenge to navigate the new world of big school, with so many new faces and procedures. You have done an amazing job and each day we can see our little ones settling and rapidly learning how to do things in Prep. 

Credit to our amazing Prep team for their efforts to establish new partnerships with families and take on the education for our children. Our Prep teachers have been meeting with families to learn more about each other, and building routines for our learning. Mr Mark Craswell has sent home communications about how drop off and pick up will be different next week.  While we will be moving to all Kijini students being dropped off and collected from the under croft, I ask that parents quickly say their goodbyes once teachers arrive. When in this space with so many people, please keep social distancing and where this is not possible, please wear a mask. 

This year we have welcomed many new families across our school. A special welcome to you. Our teachers have sent home their individual welcomes to each family and have worked to quickly build new relationships and expectations for learning. 

Remember to stay up to date through our School Website which is linked to the QSchools App. Our event calendar on the QSchools App allows you to save events and reminders on your mobile device. 

At this time there are no new COVID updates or changes. Our current processes and restrictions remain in place until Friday 4 March. We know as adults that in these difficult times it can be a challenge, we also know this does impact on our children. As parents/carers it is important to pay extra attention to your child's emotional needs. 

This has been a challenging time for many people in our community. As uncertainty and worry related to COVID-19 continues, you may notice changes in your child's behaviour, sleep, mood, interactions with others or eating habits. These are all normal expressions of worry and by noticing and responding with care and support, you will help your child to feel better. 

As parents, it is important to be able to: 

  • Recognise signs of increased anxiety, stress or worry
  • Know that it is a normal reaction
  • Help children feel safe and supported
  • Be aware of your own behaviour

It is important to understand the effect your own behaviour can have on your child. If you react in ways that suggest you are worried, your child may worry too! Try to remain calm and positive when talking to your child about COVID-19 and issues affecting your family. 

Reassure your child it is safe to go to school or childcare. Many families have chosen to send their child with masks for when they are unable to socially distance. This has been very well accepted by all. Whilst visiting classes, I see students accepting and supporting each other. If you require a mask our teachers have them available. 

To help your child feel safe and less worried about being at school or childcare, have clear and calm conversations and tell them the facts, including that: 

  • Everyone is making sure they are safe and there is plenty of soap and hand sanitiser available so that everyone can wash their hands many times a day
  • The government is keeping an eye on COVID-19 – if it starts to spread again, decisions about what we need to do to keep everyone safe will be made quickly
  • If anyone feels sick, they will stay at home until they feel better. If they get sick at school they will be sent home and a RAT is provided for parents to use. You can also visit a QLD Health testing centre at any time.

If your child tests positive to COVID can you please ensure you inform the school office. Positive notifications in our school will be reported to our community. No personal information or individuals will be identified. 

Establishing a routine with your child before and after school will help make being at school a positive experience. 

Before the School Day -

  • Establish a routine of waking up, having breakfast and going to bed at regular times.
  • Discuss any issues or fears your child might have about school or anything else.
  • Talk to your child about what they like about school.
  • At the start of a new term, talk through the routine of what it's like being at school.
  • For example, 'When I get to school I go and see {teacher's name}; and then we hang our bags on our hooks; we say hi to our friends; we find our seat and so forth'.
  • Involve your child in:
  • laying out their uniform so it is ready for the morning
  • packing their bag – you might make a game out of this with younger children. A visual checklist can help your child remember what they need to take.
  • planning and packing their lunches and snacks.
  • Try to have calm evenings and allow extra time to settle before bedtime if your child is feeling worried.
  • Allow extra time to get ready for school in the morning so that you are not rushing.

After the School Day -

  • Talk to your child about their day, including what they enjoyed, what may have worried them and what they found difficult. Asking what did you learn today? or tell me about one thing new you did today? is a great way of engaging with your child.
  • Include some family time. Children miss being at home with you during the day, so it is important for them to feel close and connected with their family.

For those starting school, it is important that they know you will look forward to having time together each day after school. Build routines. 

Thank you for your support and for a smooth start to 2022.​​

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Last reviewed 11 February 2022
Last updated 11 February 2022