Dear Parents

We welcome back our Year 3-6 children and are very excited to see them again. Yesterday when I welcomed back one of our Year 3/4 students at ‘Kiss and Go’, they said that they thought this was going to be the “best day of their whole life”. I responded with, “That’s wonderful. Have a great day”. To which he replied, “Oh I will!” It reassured me that, while there is understandable stress around the wearing of masks, it is the return to school life that is the focus for so many of our students. They excitedly greeted their teachers and friends, and while wearing masks was a new experience for them, they took it in their stride as they have done with so many challenges and changes that they have to face in this COVID time. I am sure you will all agree with me that we have so many reasons to be proud of all of our children as they negotiate life in this unique time.

Thank you for your support with the mandate that came out on Friday regarding grade 3 - 6 children being required to wear masks. They are only needed for the time they are in the classroom and not required when the children are outside at recess and lunchtime and during sport sessions. It is strongly recommended that students in Foundation to Grade 2 also wear a face mask indoors at school, although this is not mandatory. There are several reasons for students to receive an exemption from wearing masks. If this is the case, please let me know so that I can ensure we are supporting your child. The staff have spoken with all students, informing them that some children are exempt from wearing masks and that this is not their concern, nor should they be asking why they are not wearing a mask. Feedback so far has indicated that students have been well supported in all aspects of mask wearing. We are aware that COVID is active within our local area and we are doing everything we can to reassure your children and provide whatever support is needed to enable them to enjoy school life in a safe and secure environment. The lovely, energetic buzz throughout the school reassures us that being at school is a great place for your children and for our staff too. We really appreciate the way you are monitoring your children and keeping them home if they have any symptoms.

I try to find little sayings that I can use to keep myself and those around me uplifted. This one resonated particularly strongly with me as doing our best is all we can ever hope to do. We can look to the blessings we have, whether it is a healthy family, a smile and friendly greeting each morning at ‘Kiss and Go’, or simply sharing a kind word or look over the top of a mask that says we get it, we know what each other are going through. The kindness and understanding shown to both myself and our staff, when you tell us that you know we are doing the best we can, can be a game changer. You may not realise what a difference that makes to the well-being of each one of us. We dedicate ourselves to your children and your family in all we do and we thank you for the trust you place in us and the continued support you give to us. We feel very blessed to be part of this wonderful community.

Kind regards
Lisa Broeren