25 Apr 2020
Dear Parents, Caregivers and Students,
Welcome to Term 2. I hope my correspondence finds you all well and you had a relaxing and safe school break.
As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, it is clear the need to support one another, to bring kindness where there is pain, generosity where there is a need, vulnerability where there is hardness, and the loving kindness of interconnection. We are all in this together and together we will find our way out.
Many of you would be aware that the Premier made a number of announcements on Tuesday regarding attendance at school for Term 2. NSW Public School students will gradually transition back to school, one day per week, beginning in Week 3 (Monday 11 May).
The beginning of next term sees Monday 27 April remain as a pupil-free School Development Day. Tuesday 28 April has now also been announced as an additional pupil-free School Development Day to allow for additional planning and professional learning for teachers and staff.
The Remote Learning model will re-commence from Wednesday 29 April similar to the end of the last term. Families who are able to keep their children at home to learn remotely are asked to please do so to assist us with social distancing. Those students who are unable to learn from home are welcome to attend school.
On Monday 11 May, we will move into Phase One of the managed return to school for students. In this phase, all NSW students will attend school one day per week and learn remotely 4 days per week. It is anticipated that all NSW students will increase the number of days at school before the end of the term, under the advice of NSW Health. There will be additional cleaning during the day at school and social distancing measures in place.
Next week, I will work with the executive team and staff to organise and structure Asquith Girls High School's Phase One managed return for our students. I will communicate the structure as early as possible to give families enough time to make arrangements.
This term will certainly bring challenges but I am confident we can work through them together as a community.
The website https://education.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/advice-for-families has been updated and may have information that interests you.
Organisation for Week 1 and 2 Term 2
- Monday 27 and Tuesday 28 April are devoted to School Development Days. There will be no online learning during School Development Days. Students will commence their learning for Term 2 on Wednesday 29 April.
- Weeks 1 and 2 will continue following the same arrangement as the end of Term 1. Based on teacher, student and parent/caregiver feedback from Term 1, we have refined our processes to further support our students through these challenging circumstances.
- Asquith Girls High School will be in operation every day in Term 2 to accommodate those families who work for essential services. However, parents/caregivers are encouraged to keep students at home wherever possible to engage in online learning. No student who attends school will be turned away.
- The school will be using a model of synchronous learning, where students will be encouraged to follow their normal school timetable wherever possible. The most current version of students’ timetables are available on the Sentral Student and Parent Portal https://web2.asquithgir-h.schools.nsw.edu.au/portal/login
- Week 1 Term 2 will follow the Week B timetable
Organisation for Week 3 Term 2
- From Monday 11 May (Week 3), every student will have the opportunity to attend school one day per week. The details of the day that each student will be rostered to attend will be communicated to you as soon as possible.
- There will be one unit of work provided by teachers for each class so that students at school and those at home will be completing the same tasks.
- It is important that we maintain social distancing across the school. Classrooms will be limited to approximately 10 students and 15 students for bigger areas. Adjustments will be made to the use of play-ground during recess and lunch.
- A priority will be placed on Year 12 with a particular focus on supporting students with major works or who need access to specialist equipment, however, the majority of learning will continue to be delivered online.
- The Department of Education will provide additional hand sanitisers and soap, and extra cleaning will be distributed to schools during COVID-19 restrictions.
- Communication about the implementation of each new phase in this process will be provided you and your child as the information is finalised.
You can appreciate the implementation of this plan will require substantial reorganisation of our operational model. It is essential to recognise that this will also require flexibility if the situation in the community regarding COVID-19 changes. I thank you for your ongoing acknowledgement and support through these challenging times.
I also take this opportunity to thank all of my staff for their tremendous efforts and commitment towards our students and our school.
As the information on COVID-19 is continuously being updated, please regularly check your email for any updates and advice regarding COVID-19 and school operational matters in Term 2.
I wish you all a wonderful and safe Term 2, and I am looking forward to welcoming our students back on campus at the start of Week 3.
Yours sincerely
Elizabeth Amvrazis
Principal