Jock Garven - Principal1240 Ocean Drive, Lake Cathie NSW 2445PO Box 279 Lake Cathie NSW 2445 T (02) 6584 8060 F (02) 6584 8070E lakecathie-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au W lakecathie-p.schools.nsw.edu.au

Lake Cathie Public School Term 1 Week 11 Issue # 6 Page 1

Build Update

If you have been learning at home for a few weeks, this is where we are up to with the building works. The Basketball court is now completely down and being packed ready to send to the engineering company to modify and bring back next year for our new BIG hall.

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Learning From Home

Thank you for the great feedback of our Education Continuity Plan and Blended Learning environment. Can I say from the outset that the Department of Education is committed to the provision of education continuity during these unprecedented times. LCPS staff are carefully crafting learning experiences for all of our students in relation to their needs. Adjusted learning material is being provisioned to those who require it and the open nature of the afternoon grids allows for great flexibility and creativity.

Just as important to this continuity of learning is sensitivity to the emotional needs of both students and their families. I welcome all parents to consider the big picture of what is going on in our world and adjust or modify expectations for learning during this time. There is no huge comparative learning disadvantage to students as they are all in this situation together. If you have time, motivation, strength and a bit of courage, try your best with the learning material and suggestions we are sending out.

Some common thoughts from our staff:

What students need now is to feel comforted and loved. To feel like everything is going to be okay. Get your child into the garden and go on walks together. Let them draw and paint pictures. Play board games and watch movies. Do science experiments in the kitchen and go on virtual excursions. Start a book and read together as a family.

Don’t worry about your child possibly regressing in their learning. When we are all back in the classroom, teachers will meet each child’s needs. They are experts at doing this. Please don’t get into arguments about getting all learning tasks done. Your child’s mental welling and health is more important than academic knowledge right now. How they felt throughout this time will stay with them long after the memory of what they did during these weeks has gone.

Looking Forward

Let’s see what comes from the Prime Minister and the Premier. It is their lead that we as a community will follow. They are provided with the most accurate and current information to make the big decisions on our behalf, for our health and safety. We will keep families up to date with any changes in the provision of learning and school updates.

We understand that many families are really struggling financially and will fully support you all through this year and beyond. Any money held by the school for cancelled or future activities will be kept safe until the time we may be all back together. Some refunds are already being processed. Please call the office if you require any assistance at all.

Remember if you are in need of technology support, including device loans, we have a small but available pool. Just call the office.

At this point in time, schools are open for essential workers and their children. We will inform families of any changes in arrangements as they are presented to us by the Government.

It’s Different, But Stick With It

Learning from home Online options are very new for everyone. Students, parents and staff. We wholeheartedly encourage you to remain supportive of this learning environment as this is part of our school and student learning plan after this life changing time moves on.

Our new classrooms and buildings, that include flexible learning spaces, will enhance our gradual move into more blended learning experiences that include some use of Google Classroom organisation

and delivery. It will be carefully considered and what we have witnessed from visiting some classrooms in a few Sydney public schools, is that the inclusion of this online learning delivery for small parts of the day, really enhances the learning engagement of students and affords teachers the capability to think creatively and innovatively about how to transform learning for the benefit of all students.

So please realise that we are just starting our journey using a digital online platform and we need time to familiarise, learn, improve and embed this in our learning into the future. Yes, it is certainly different from how we as adults were taught, but this is a new time, a new generation who will really need to be exposed to this type of learning, communicating, failing, succeeding and this is awesome resilience building.

Term 2 Organisation

1. We will post out 2 new exercise books for each student if needed to complete learning tasks.

2. Delivery of Google Classroom learning will develop from week to week next term. Students are getting to know how to engage in this platform. Yes it is hard for some families. Please stick with it. Purchase of commercially produced books, eg. NAPLAN practice materials is very narrow in scope and doesn’t allow for the “learning talk/thinking” that is, what learning looks like. Our Google Classroom tasks are designed with our Lake Cathie students in mind and how they have been learning before this change in learning occurred.

3. A carefully modified option has already started for those students who require it and will continue.

4. A hard copy version is being delivered each week for those who don’t have any digital connection.

5. We will move to a postal option for hard copy material to abide by social distancing measures and non-essential travel for our staff.

6. Afternoon Grids for wellbeing and Aboriginal Cultural Activities (these are for all students) will continue to balance literacy and numeracy tasks. They include many key learning areas and emphasise Wellbeing and Positive Mindsets. Again, use your discretion as to how much learning during any day is right for your children.

7. Library books will be available. Details in our Week 1 Newsletter next term. Hygiene practices will be in operation.

8. Staff – office, aides and teachers – will be on roster of at school and at home work.

9. We strongly encourage students to be learning from home in line with government requirements however, the school is open. We are implementing enhanced cleaning practices throughout the day. Signage next term will advise parents dropping off, picking up and visiting the office to stay clear of communal student and staff areas to minimise the risk. Thanks for your understanding here.

10. We are working really hard and acknowledge how different this is for parents. Please call or email us for a chat or for help when required. Please remember to stick with it. Time is our friend and resilience is one of the most important skills to develop for us all.

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Information Versus Opinion

We are certainly thinking of our students, families, staff and their own families and indeed all of the members of our local and wider community. The large majority of information available online is opinion based and not based on facts. There is the concern that spreading alarmist opinions rather than facts, significantly increases the negative messages that flow through parents and onto children. Stay safe, follow health instructions and remember to source your information from reputable sources. Of course, keep informed but stay balanced and positive as much as possible.

Very warm regards,

Jock Garven

Borrowing from the School Library

We are looking at how we make Library access available to our students. Mrs Ainsworth and Mrs Haleblian are working on access, selection, pickup and drop off arrangements to maximise hygiene requirements when handling books – students and staff. We will provide details in week 1 next term.

Stay Up To Date with COVID-19 Department of Education Information

https://education.nsw.gov.au/covid-19

Support for Parents

Parents struggling with routine –

• Departmental website https://education.nsw.gov.au/teaching-and-learning/curriculum/learning-from-home/teaching-from-home or https://education.nsw.gov.au/parents-and-carers/learning-from-home

Parents struggling to support their students’ academic progress:

• Get in touch with classroom teacher about subject specific support

• Use the internet /textbooks to research content

General COVID 19 Stress

• Beyond Blue (https://www.beyondblue.org.au, https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/looking-after-your-mental-health-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak ) , 1300 22 46 36

• Lifeline 13 11 14 (https://www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/topics/mental-health-and-wellbeing-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak)

• How to talk about COVID 19 to my kids https://www.redcross.org.au/news-and-media/news/talking-to-kids-about-covid-19

• Parenting Help http://www.parentline.org.au

• Practice Mindfullness (e.g. https://www.smilingmind.com.au/thrive-inside ,

• Centerlink (https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/subjects/affected-coronavirus-covid-19 )

Virtual Easter Hat Parade and Eggshibition MovieLink to the movie created from Easter hat and Eggshibition photos sent in by students. It will take a little time to load. Thanks to Miss Wakefield, Mrs Forster and Mrs Harris.

https://schoolsnsw-my.sharepoint.com/:v:/g/personal/adelai-derose_wakefield_det_nsw_edu_au/EScRg7spIrJGgOLsdu2liMkBn-h51U2F7kLOHxdCIkmLvcw?e=FVoYCd

QR code for Easter @ LCPS

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Dates to Remember

Thursday 9 April Last day of term

Tuesday 28 April School resumes for children of essential workers

Easter Raffle WinnersIris Lee Imogen Bussell Butler family

Aria Knight Isabella James Megan AdamsNathan Azerberzin Justin Brauer Ruby Bailey

Jake Hudson Mel KG Annette TinkerNate James A Withers

A huge thank you to all of the families that have once again supported the Easter raffle at our school, especially during these new and uncertain times.We raised $1040.00 and raffled off 14 prizes to families before the holidays.Once again thank you for your support, whether you donated goodies for the raffles or purchased tickets. The money raised will be used to purchase essential resources for our classrooms.Have a happy and safe Easter break with your families.

Katy Haste

Year 6 are looking great in their new shirts!

Year 6 2020

Child’s Name: _________________________________

Class: ______________ Date: ____________________

Parent Name: _________________________________

Phone: ____________________________________

LCPS Winter Jumper 2020 – Special Order Only Special order only - our winter options include a warm and soft, embroidered v-neck jumper. This item has been selected as it is ideal for layering under our school jacket for extra warmth, yet easy to take off during the day as the temperature rises. This item is not kept in stock, a bulk advance order needs to be placed.

Our V-neck jumper is now available for pre-order and purchase. WE WILL NOT BE HOLDING STOCK OF THIS ITEM so if you would like to order the school jumper please come and try on our size samples so that we can do a BULK SPECIAL ORDER.

If you are unable to come to the uniform shop on a Tuesday morning or Thursday afternoon, ask your child to attend with this form and the uniform volunteer will help with trying on and writing down the right size.

Orders placed by Monday 6 April 2020 will be available from Monday 4 May 2020. Orders placed after the BULK ORDER CUT-OFF DATE will be $58 to cover shipping.

Details from our supplier: 100% Acrylic Jumper Features & Benefits: • Durable and holds shape well • Low Pill Acrylic which is perfect for temperate

climates

• Machine washable • Superior colour retention • Reinforced elbows for added longevity • V-Neck with a raglan sleeve for comfort

Delivery

o I will collect this item from school when ready o Please send home in my child’s school bag

Child’s name Sizes/s Child’s class

o Collect o Send home

DESCRIPTION PRICE QTY SIZE TOTAL

Dark navy V neck jumper with embroidered logo (girls & boys) Sizes: 6, 8 $46.00

Sizes: 10, 12, 14, 16 (Please enquire at the uniform shop for sizes above 16) $48.00

Payment made (date/method)

Jumper Order

We have decided not to order any jumpers at this stage of the year with the uncertainty of school operations in the current mode. If and when we are advised that students return face-to-face onsite, we will initiate a new jumper order if the temperatures require it. Refunds for those orders already at the office are being processed.

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Learning @ LCPS

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schoolinfrastructure.nsw.gov.au

NSW Department of Education – School Infrastructure

Lake Cathie Public School Term 1 holiday works April 2020

Artist impression of the Lake Cathie School upgrade

Investing in our schools

The NSW Government is investing $6.7 billion over four years to deliver more than 190 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW. In addition, a record $1.3 billion is being spent on school maintenance over five years. This is the largest investment in public education infrastructure in the history of NSW.

The NSW Department of Education is committed to delivering new and upgraded schools for communities across NSW. The delivery of these important projects is essential to the future learning needs of our students and supports growth in the local economy.

Lake Cathie Public School

A project is underway at Lake Cathie Public School. This project will deliver 17 new flexible learning spaces, including two specialist learning spaces, a new school hall, refurbishment of the existing school hall into a new library and special programmes unit, a new bus bay and landscaping works.

Progress summary

Planning approval was granted by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment in January 2020. Site establishment was completed by the builder AW Edwards in March 2020 to prepare for main construction works. Demolition of the existing COLA was completed during Term 1.

Concept and schematic designs have been finalised and discussions are ongoing with the school to confirm the detailed designs.

Term 1 school holiday works

Construction works will continue at Lake Cathie Public School over the Term 1 school holidays. These works will focus on progressing Blocks E, F and G to provide new flexible, learning spaces to students.

Works, including in ground trenching and service installation, are due to be undertaken to prepare the foundations for Blocks E and F.

Detailed excavations works will be undertaken in preparation for pouring the Block F ground floor slab and installation of the building's footing beams. Works will continue to prepare for pouring the ground floor slab for Block G.

We are here to make sure this work is carried out safely and efficiently. During this time we will be working collaboratively with the school community and neighbours to ensure disruptions are minimised to the wider community.

For more information contact:

School Infrastructure NSW Email: schoolinfrastructure@det.nsw.edu.au Phone: 1300 482 651 www.schoolinfrastructure.nsw.gov.au

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schoolinfrastructure.nsw.gov.au

NSW Department of Education – School Infrastructure

Frequently asked questions

What are the construction working hours?

In line with the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment (COVID-19 Development – Construction Work Days) Order 2020, School Infrastructure NSW construction sites can now operate on weekends and public holidays during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is to allow workers to abide by social distancing rules while on construction sites by distributing building work across the week.

Each school project will determine whether there is a need to adopt the new rule on its site depending on the stage of the project, the type of work being performed, and the number of workers required on site to complete that work. School Infrastructure NSW will notify the local community of any changes to standard construction hours for each project and will ensure work is considerate of neighbours with noise kept to a minimum.

The NSW Department of Education is committed to delivering new and upgraded schools for communities across New South Wales. The delivery of these important projects is essential to the future learning needs of our students and supports growth in the local economy.

What safety measures will be in place?

The health and safety of the community is our highest priority. Temporary fencing has been installed around the construction site to secure the area and prevent public access.

What steps will be taken to control noise and dust impacts?

In line with the Construction Management Plan, the contractor will continue to implement dust and noise control measures.

Dust is minimised with hoarding and ensuring all vehicles exiting the site are clean. Dust is also controlled by spraying water during earth works whenever permissible under water-use restrictions.

How will traffic be managed?

Traffic management will be in place where required for the safety of students, staff, the local community and workers. Traffic controllers will be used where required to manage entry and exit of vehicles to and from the construction site. Vehicles will give way to pedestrians at all times.

Leaders in Out of School Hours Care for over 10 years.

Providing quality and affordable Before School, After School and Vacation Care programs from as little as $3.08 a session.

Get the most innovative, caring and fun out of school hours care for your family contact us today.

School FundraiserIdlewide donate $1.50 to the school from every dozen eggs sold through the school. Help support this generous family business and the school by purchasing your eggs through the school office. $6.00 per dozen.