7 April 2020

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

PRINCIPALS REPORT

Hello Swan Reach,

SRAS is highly appreciative to ALL families for your strong support in schooling children, at home or school during the later parts of this term. A reminder for all families that normal Pupil Free Day processes are in place for this week, and there is no expectation for teachers to provide learning or you to support learning at home. Take the well-deserved break to spend more quality time doing non-school work and as much fun activities as possible. The department encourages students and families to use these free days to look at Our Learning SA online resource. Secondary learners are encouraged, and need to, meet all pre-organised deadlines in specific subjects.

This week, staff are busy collaborating and planning for the concurrent delivery of, at home and at school learning. SRAS will provide you with an outline of how this will look and occur by the end of the week. Some staff will contact and encourage students during the week to trial online platforms, testing their skills and capabilities and ensure they work for ALL. The department has sourced thousands of sim cards and dongles that are intended for families who do not have internet capability. There probably won’t be enough to cover ALL families in ALL schools and we’ll know more about how this will assist SRAS families soon. Many students already have access to their school laptop or I Pad. For those needing this ICT resource for learning at home – this is relevant for ALL year levels - you can pick them up from SRAS on:

Monday 27th April between 8:30am and 12:30pm

The computers will be in a NAMED bag outside the front of the office, so you can collect without unnecessary contact. A home computer agreement form will also be in the bag – thank you for signing and posting to SRAS via email or SMS.

Staff will be following up that ALL students know and can access their education email – these are also being developed for Reception to year 2 students. This is important as it will be one of the key tools for reliable ongoing communication, delivering learning home and returning it to school.

SRAS appreciates your responses so far in relation to keeping children at home or attending school next term. We understand that for many, this choice remains undecided, as much seems to change from week-to-week and day-to-day, that will impact your final decision. As a guide we suggest the following:

If the current COVID-19 situation remains the same at the start of term 2, and you’ve chosen to keep children home in term 1, it is best for children’s safety to continue this pattern. For families who don’t have this option, continuing with learning at school will be necessary. SRAS understands that all families’ situations are unique and we’ll work hard to support you to support your children’s learning. In term 2, the department advises that the curriculum will be the same for ALL students, whether learning at home or at school. To further assist you in making this decision, refer to the medical expert’s advice below.

MOST RECENT MEDICAL ADVICE

The Department for Education, in line with the best Australian Medical Advice, STRONGLY ENCOURAGES families who are able, to keep their children at home – now, next term, and for the duration of this unprecedented event. This significantly increases their safety and reduces possible infection rates. If this advice changes your decision for term 2, thank you for contacting and informing us ASAP.

KEY SAFETY MEASURES continue to be:

• Social distancing
• regular and thorough washing of hands
• covering coughs and sneezes
• stay home unless essential to leave

GOVERNMENT ADVICE FOR PARENTS AND SCHOOLS

Visit the link below for the most up to date information from South Australian government agencies about COVID-19.

Parents seeking more information should be encouraged to call the SA COVID-19 Information Line on 1800 253 787. This offers local information and advice on general COVID-19 information for South Australians, 8am to 8pm 7 days per week.

Parents and Carers can call the Corona Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080 for the most updated and reliable information.

OTHER WAYS TO STAY INFORMED

sa.gov.au has the latest South Australian information on COVID-19.

For health information for South Australians visit the SA Health website.

SA COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line 1800 632 753 – provides mental health support for people struggling with the impacts of COVID-19. It's available to people to maintain their mental health and wellbeing.

Communicable Disease Branch line 1300 232 272 – provides information on immunisations and from medical officers.

National Coronavirus Information Helpline 1800 020 080 – provides information and advice on coronavirus (COVID-19) from an Australia wide perspective. Open 24/7.

COVID-19 Relief Call Centre 1300 705 336 – provides information and assistance with such things as personal hardship support, accommodation support for people unable to achieve self-quarantining and accommodation for emergency services personnel that are required to quarantine but unable to do so at home. People can also email housingrelief@sa.gov.au.

Australian Government – publishes a daily alert with the latest medical advice and official reports.

55+ CREATIVE THINGS TO DO WHEN YOU'RE BORED TO PASS THE TIME

Stuck inside and getting antsy? Try one of these fun activities.

BY SELENA BARRIENTOS AND LIZZ SCHUMER

Mar 19, 2020

There's no shame in being bored. Whenever you find yourself with not so much to do — or not so many places to go — it's natural to get a bit antsy. The first day or so is gold: you sleep in, enjoy a luxurious breakfast, and, of course, watch your favourite TV shows. But then, it happens. You run through all the best movies on Netflix, find yourself pacing between the fridge and the couch, and the walls start to feel a little closer than they were before. You've started feeling bored. Instead of sitting around on your phone getting lost in the news and social media (and slowly losing your mind), pivot to some fun things you can do at home or in your own backyard. We’ve rounded up the best things to when you’re bored, depending on your mood. From board games and self -care to indoor gardening and organising, these exciting activities will keep you entertained no matter how long you're stuck inside.

To access their 55+ ideas and activities go to the website @

Mr John Robertson
Principal

SWAN REACH COMMUNITY LIBRARY AND COVID-19

WE are so SORRY, the library will now be CLOSED until further notice.

Unfortunately, the online (click and collect) service has also been suspended. Please do not hesitate to phone me on 8570 2298 if you have any concerns. Don’t forget you can access to our digital services at the link below which includes eBooks, eAudiobooks, digital newspapers and magazines. Ancestry.com is also available from home at the moment. If you have any trouble accessing these, please give us a call.

Mrs Leanne Griffiths
Library Manager

SRAS WEBSITE

The Swan Reach Area School website is where you can find all the school information including the newsletter, forms and polices. Please visit the link below.

NEWSLETTER INFORMATION

Due Date for the next Newsletter is 10:00am, Tuesday 28 April, 2020 The newsletter is distributed via the SZApp and school website. Printed copies are still available upon request.

Articles can be emailed to dl.0423.info@schools.sa.edu.au clearly marked in the subject box as Newsletter, faxed to 8570 2325 or delivered to the library/front office. Due to the way the Newsletter is now being set up, not all photos are included in the print copy, however there are several photo galleries included online and via the SZApp.

PLAYGROUP

These sessions have been suspended due to COVID-19 restrictions.

P-CMG/Playgroup

Please note that all Parent Mother Goose and Playgroup sessions have been suspended due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Coming Events 2020

Community Notice Board

Kids Club

Unfortunately this event has been cancelled.

Easter Fair

Cancelled

River Run to the Reach and Street Party

Cancelled

Purnong Trash and Treasure

Cancelled