Dear Parents and Caregivers,
Last week we were really tested by the weather and it was fantastic to see how resourceful everyone was. Our students are definitely growing in independence with every week that passes. This week the weather promises to be nice – so that is a positive.
Content, Teaching and Feedback
Printed copies of HELP packages, for student continuing ‘Distance Learning’ for weeks three and four were distributed on Friday 8 May and are still available from the office, should you need these copies. Please just phone the office. 9407 1100.
In relation to feedback, teacher will only be providing feedback to students in relation to the task they have requested be uploaded to ‘Seesaw’ for teacher feedback. Please note that in relation to other tasks, parents, siblings or other family members can provide feedback.
Given, as you will see from the numbers below, that teacher have almost full classes, tomorrow will be the last Seesaw message from teachers. If you need any assistance in relation to Distance Learning, please either email or phone your child’s teacher and they will get back to you as soon as they are able to.
Student numbers
Currently we have 669 students at school. This represents an attendance rate of 90%.
| K | PP | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
| 88% | 91% | 92% | 86% | 95% | 89% | 83% | 93% |
The above graph shows the attendance distribution accross the whole of Mindarie Primary School. Year 5 has the lowest and Year 3 the highest.
It is also important to note that generally our school has an attendance rate between 94% to 95% on any given day so we are fairly close to being back to normal. Again, we stress, that as of this point in time, student attendance is governed by parental choice.
This may change after the Premier’s statement next Friday May 15 and we will, of course, provide this update when it is made available to us all.
Communication
In information provided by the Department of Education Western Australia, there is a strong statement around parents and teachers communicating electronically. All discussions about student learning and progress should be undertaken via phone or email.
Bikes and Scooters
Please reinforce with your children that at this time, they are not to ride bikes or scooters to school.
Assembly
This week we will be hosting our first virtual assembly. This is being hosted by the students in TA26 and TA28. We will be giving our Achievement Certificates and following the general assembly format. We know that it will be very memorable. Unfortunately, due to privacy and safety concerns, this will only be available for students who are at school and will not be made available for students at home.
Attendance
Teachers must be provided with evidence that a student is engaging with distance learning for them to mark a student as an E (this indicates that they are learning off site). This evidence can be either via uploaded work or, if you dont have access to Seesaw, completed HELP Pack and activities to teachers. If teachers do not have this evidence and have no note or explanation as to why, students will be marked with a U (an unexplained absence). These absences will be followed up as they normally are. Parents, if your child is sick or at an appointment, please advise the school of this fact.
Once again, to all members of our community, thank you for the support you show to our staff and our school. We know that times are changing and we look forward to hearing the future directions regarding education from Mr McGowan on Friday.
Kind regards,
Barbara Bromley
Principal
11 May 2020