Dear St John the Apostle Primary School Community,

Well it has been an interesting week!

Last Sunday everything changed for our school community and all schools across the ACT and we have, like everyone, had to work hard and fast to adapt to the current situation.

I would like to thank our staff for their outstanding professionalism, commitment and positive spirit in changing how they deliver a quality teaching & learning program to our students. They are incredible! We are actually having a lot of fun learning how to make videos for our students.

Thank you to all those parents who have kept their children at home and have begun accessing the remote learning program. We have been more than happy to have a handful of students here as they undertake the same remote learning program. We know that their parents need them to be here because they work in areas that are needed. They are very welcome and I make sure to say hello to them every day.

If students haven't accessed the remote learning program this week we will be touching base with their families early next week to see if they need some assistance and how we can help. Please email or Seesaw message your class teacher if you are having any issues.

Now that we have the basic structure and platform for remote learning up, we are looking at how we can cater for the diverse range of needs of our students. Some will require assistance and extra support and we are currently building our capacity to do this. 

Remote Learning in Reality

Many of you will be discovering the extent of your child's capacity to engage for any length of time in some of the 'school' learning tasks. We are committed to providing a quality remote learning program every day for our students.

We also recognise the reality that many of you are working from home as well and that the home environment doesn't always follow a timetable and can be full of distractions.

So please just follow the remote learning program in a way that suits you and your family. Please remember that learning happens all day, everywhere. Going for a walk, exploring insects in the garden, planting and looking after vegetables, building with lego and recycled materials, drawing, painting, playing card and board games are all learning experiences too! Keep including these wonderful activities in your day.

What's most important is making sure that the day has structure, challenge, fun and connection. Children's mental health is most important in these anxious times and having these elements in place will assist them in navigating it well.

Financial Challenges

We know that many of you are beginning to experience the financial pressure that has occurred as a result of the strategies in place to curb the spread of COVID-19. Yesterday I wrote to everyone to outline some of our initial strategies for removing some of the burden for families in regards to school fees.

Please understand that it is Catholic Education policy that “no child is to be denied Catholic schooling simply because of an inability (as opposed to an unwillingness) of a parent/guardian, to meet financial requirements”. We will work with every family impacted to ensure that their child continues their educational journey at St John the Apostle Primary School.

Have a safe, quiet and healthy weekend everyone.

Kind regards,

Matthew Garton, Principal