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Update on Remote Learning

25 Mar 2020

I just wanted to give you a quick update on where we are at with moving to remote learning. The teachers have been working on this over the past couple of days and will continue to do so for the rest of this week.

Our plan is to trial remote learning as of next Monday. We will start with one session beginning at 9am (roll and check ins) followed by a lesson. We will learn from that experience and will be seeking feedback from both parents and students. More information will come from the class teachers in the next couple of days.

Meanwhile, the students can keep working through their take home learning packs, using Mathletics and Reading Eggs / Read Express, Sora and reading their library books. Don't forget to send in photos for the newsletter, of the learning that is happening at home.

Ursula Jamieson
Principal

Letter to St Thomas Apostle School Community

25 Mar 2020

Dear Parents and Carers

I am aware there is confusion in the Australian community around messages from the various levels of government. I write to provide clarification for you in relation to Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn.

Current Health Advice

The current health advice does not recommend or require school closures at this time. The Minister for Education in the ACT has stated that schools are safe places for students and staff and that schools are open for all students that need to attend school. We will continue to closely monitor health advice to ensure both student and staff safety.

You may wish to access the national health advice as follows:

https://www.health.gov.au/news/australian-health-protection-principal-committee-ahppc-coronavirus-covid-19-statement-on-22-march-2020

Catholic Education, Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn

Our position is as follows:

• In line with the NSW and ACT Governments, Catholic Education encourages parents to keep their children home if they are able. If you do decide to keep your child/children at home, please notify the school in writing.
• Our Catholic schools will remain open to students until the end of Term 1, Thursday, 9 April. This is to support parents and carers, particularly those providing essential services at this time, who are unable to provide care for their children. Students will be supervised at school and participate in various learning activities.
• At this time, low or minimal attendance of students at schools will support teachers to prepare for remote learning for all students. We are committed to providing students with quality learning opportunities as we prepare to offer a single program of learning that may be accessed in school (for those that need to be here) or remotely. This will develop with time. No student will be disadvantaged by the current changes.
• Catholic Education in Canberra and Goulburn is prioritising the safety and wellbeing of students, staff and families.

I encourage you to visit the COVID-19 Information and Updates resource page on our website which contains current information, resources and useful links. This page is updated regularly.

I understand the concerns in our school community during this challenging time. I hope this letter clarifies some of the confusion for you. I ask and thank you for your continued patience and cooperation as we work through the current issues.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. It is important at this time that we have clear, regular and ongoing communication.

Kind regards

Ursula Jamieson

Principal