As this extended time of Lockdown continues I hope this newsletter finds you and your family as well as can be expected. I know that there are many challenges however I encourage you to stay positive, this time will pass. Class teachers are in the process of making phone contact with all families, please let them know when they call if there is anything else the school is able to do to support your child/ren. The following has already been communicated however the information is important and I have added some additional points:

• Establish a routine for your child/ren and where ever possible set aside a work space
• Do not replicate the duration of a school day
• Don’t get into battles with your child/ren about the school work. If they are struggling or you are struggling or they are having trouble with a concept, put that aside and do something else. Where required, communicate with your child’s teacher and indicate any difficulties
• Give your child/ren lots of breaks and have snacks on hand ready as needed
• Supplement the remote learning with other fun activities eg: Lego challenges, drawing activities, puzzles, games and or appropriate shows of an educational nature
• Ensure you and your child/ren are very familiar with the expected protocols when online particularly when checking in with class Zoom meetings.
• Name it to tame it. Acknowledge any difficulties your child may be facing, eg: "I can see you're angry or upset right now and don't want to do your work. I can see this is hard for you. I think what is happening is you're really missing your friends/sport/school/family". Ask them out of curiosity "Is that what's going on for you?" Ask how to help- "What can I do to help you?".
• Remember the importance of connection, play and humour. Outside of school work ensure you have fun and laugh
• Help others. Research shows that when people act with kindness, they feel better about themselves. Improve the sense of community spirit, eg: bear hunt/where’s wally hunt, write letters, cook or leave a gift for neighbours.

I remind all families that during this time of Lockdown Nazareth remains categorized as a Level 4 school and NSW Health directives currently state that children should be at home engaged with remote learning. I stress to all parents / carers, if there is no other option, the school is providing supervision. The supervision is not ‘normal face to face teaching’ and is being provided by a minimal group of staff members.

During the week ahead, ensure you care for yourself, you will then be well placed to support your child/ren.

Take care.
Peter Dempsey
Principal