Dear Year 3-6 Parents,

I hope that the school holidays were a wonderful break for you and your children. We are looking forward to starting a new term with the students returning to us on 11 May (Year 3-6). There a just a few points that we wanted to raise with you.

TEAMS

As we look to use Microsoft Teams to offer a greater connection between the teachers and students, please do make sure you have downloaded and/or access Teams as per the instructions previously sent out. While we understand that the use of this platform might only be for a short time, it will certainly enhance the engagement and learning over this time, as well as prepare us for its potential future use.

As a starting point for its use, we will be asking that all students log in to Teams at the times below every school day, as an opportunity for the teacher to check ‘attendance’ as well as briefly catch up with students and answer quick questions.

• Year 3 and 4 – 9:00-9:30am
• Year 5 and 6 – 9:30-10:00am

Please know that the students don’t need to be online for that entire time, but the teacher will be available. It would be best if the students could read through the day’s blog before logging on, just in case they need clarification on any tasks.

LEARNING PACKS

As you know, next Wednesday (6 May) we are having a device-free day so the teachers have put together learning packs that the students can use on that day. These packs can be collected on Friday 1 May from 8:00-9:00am or 2:30-3:30pm. Please drive through the Kiss and Drive area, where staff will be on hand to pass the packs to you in your car. If you are unable to come to collect the work, please contact your child’s teacher as they may be able, although not preferred due to the intent of the day, to send a digital copy of the task. However, please know that some packs contain other physical resources that obviously cannot be sent digitally.

KISS AND DRIVE

This is just a quick reminder that we are asking that, when your children to return to school, they will need to walk to their classroom on their own. The staff on duty in the morning will be keeping an eye out for students who might need a bit of assistance.

UNIFORM SHOP

With the change of season, please remember that there is also a change in uniform. The Duncraig uniform shop is open from this term as follows:

Tuesday 8.00 am to 11.30 am  and 

Thursday 1.00 pm to 4.00 pm

Order forms are available under the Uniform Shop tab on the Parent Portal.

Please also remember that, as of Term 3 this year all Year 3-6 students will be required to wear standard ‘leather’ lace-up school shoes.

Kind regards,

Jarrod Heglund

Deputy Head of Primary

The Duncraig ID Books are now available to view and purchase on the schools Web Gallery.

To access the gallery, follow the below procedure:

1.        Go to www.photohendriksgalleries.com

2.        Click on the St Stephen’s School – Duncraig logo

3.        Enter password :  powa11

Please note: all orders made in the next 4 weeks will be delivered to the school and distributed to the relevant people. Any orders after that will be posted and a fee will be incurred.

If the you have any queries, please contact Customer Service at customerservice@photohendriks.com.au

Prayer Groups Across St Stephen’s School

Dear Parents,

What an incredible week we just had. It was a week full of firsts and learning curves for all. As a staff, we grew a lot through the week and learned so much about how to deliver lessons on line. Also, thank you so much for taking the time to complete the online survey that went out last week. Your feedback, both positive and constructive, is greatly appreciated.

As you know, tomorrow is a ‘pupil free day’, in the sense that there won’t be any online lessons delivered. Please know that if you are an essential worker, you may certainly still bring your children in. For tomorrow, our staff will be spending time being upskilled in their use of online platforms to enhance the delivery of lessons and connections with students in Term 2. While we haven’t had official decisions from the government, it is only wise that we at least plan for this new style of education to continue for at least part of next term. As we continue to learn more, I’m sure there will be adjustments to how we are delivering and experiencing school.

I thought I should also take this opportunity to briefly discuss the amount of work that your children are expected to do each day. As you are well aware, each child is different, as is each home circumstance. With the work being sent home, we are not looking to fill a full six and a half hour school day for the children at home. This would be an unreasonable expectation on them and on you as parents. We are also aware that the amount of work that students get through in a set time, in a home environment, will often be more than in a classroom. Physical activity, break times, creative sessions etc. are all valuable parts of the day that may not specifically come through the blogs.

I want to thank you all for your support to the teachers and learning assistants who are showing their sincere dedication to your children’s education and care.

Kind regards,

Hannah Lockwood-Jones and Jarrod Heglund

The Duncraig ID Books are now available to view and purchase on the schools Web Gallery.

To access the gallery, follow the below procedure:

1.        Go to www.photohendriksgalleries.com

2.        Click on the St Stephen’s School – Duncraig logo

3.        Enter password :  powa11

Please note: all orders made in the next 4 weeks will be delivered to the school and distributed to the relevant people. Any orders after that will be posted and a fee will be incurred.

If the you have any queries, please contact Customer Service at customerservice@photohendriks.com.au

FIRETECH HOLIDAY COURSES

Firetech are taking their courses online these school holidays. Visit the Firetech website to explore the course options available:
– Live Tutor-led sessions
– Secure and moderated online classroom
– Rolling start times
– Small groups (maximum eight students per group)

Firetech are offering 50% off for this inaugural run. Join them at www.firetechcamp.com.au

Notice from CommBank School Banking

Prayer Groups Across St Stephen’s School