Wyalong Public School “Future Focused, Resilient & Innovative”
Newsletter 11th May 2020
George Bland Avenue, Wyalong NSW 2671
Phone: 0269 722 140 email. [email protected]
This week saw the implementation of Phase 1 of the managed return to school for our
students. We are all excited to welcome our students back to school at least one day a
week. Parent and Carers are reminded to stay in the car for drop off and pick ups. We
will be implementing social distancing procedures and increased hygiene practices to
keep our students and staff safe where possible.
If you need to speak to your classroom teacher, please book an appointment by
phoning the office.
In this ever changing situation, we will endeavour to provide you with the most up to
date information regarding your child/ren’s return to school.
Just a reminder weeks 3 & 4 learning packs are available for pick up for the front of the
school students are required to bring these packs on their allocated day at school
Last Wednesday was Mrs Low’s last day as a teacher at Wyalong Public School. She is
the longest serving teacher on staff and her expertise and knowledge will be greatly
missed. Mrs Low, THANK YOU for your years of unstinting service and your
contributions to our small school and community. We look forward to ceremoniously
farewelling you when circumstances allow.
As a result of Mrs Low’s farewell, we would like to welcome Mrs Anne Dixon to our
school as our new Librarian. I am sure everyone will make her feel very welcome.
Over the last 6 weeks, we have been fortunate to have new reverse cycle air
conditioners fitted to all classrooms and the library as part of the cooler classrooms
project; and a new sports shed erected.
Thank you for your continued patience and support of our school, when we work
together as a team, we can get through any challenge.
We would like to extend our gratitude to Evolution Mining for kindly providing all staff
with a coffee voucher from a local business.
Have a great week!
Mrs Lacey Pettit
Acting Principal
Back to School Basics:
10 Top Tips for Helping Student’s
Returning to School
This has really been a crazy year. We all have had to make changes and our way of life at the mo-
ment has been different. Learning has moved to home for most children. Now we are being asked
to start changing back again.
Here are 10 top tips that you may find help you and your child do this.
1. Routines: regular bedtimes, wake times and breakfast times. Even on the days your child
won’t be at school—if you can. This will help your child change back to school life quicker.
Plan with your child how they will be getting to school and home again.
2. Sleep: very important—try for the recommended 10-12 hours for children. If this is too
hard—start slowly-and get as close as possible.
3. Diet: good food, packed lunches and plenty of water will help energy levels for learning,
play and changing back to normal school life.
4. Take time: it might take some time for your child to settle back into school life. Give them
time, but talk to school staff if you have any concerns.
5. Emotions: be careful of your own feelings. It’s ok to let your child know if you’re feeling
worried or anxious BUT—be careful not to pass on these feelings to your child. Instead
share your feelings in a calm way and model good coping skills. The more you try to stay
calm—and make going back to school a good thing—the better.
6. Saying goodbye: If you think your child may have trouble separating from you on drop off—
brainstorm with your child a fun little hint to say good bye. It might be a high five, a bear
hug or a secret handshake.
7. Safety: Tell your child that we are working really hard to make sure that schools are safe.
Remind your child about rules around social distancing and not touching others. Extra clean-
ing is happening every day.
8. Check-in: try to find at least 5 minutes with your child at the end of the day—make a snack
together, play a game, or even just chat with them. Ask them how their day was. When you
do avoid questions like— “Were you sad that….” or “did it worry you when….”. Ask general
questions like “tell me what you did at school today?” “What did you do about that?”
9. Reward: reward your child when they have taken a risk or used helpful coping skills. Remind
them that we are all in this together and this means we are not alone. Remind them of their
support people such as family, extended family, friends and teachers.
10. Most Importantly: Let your child know that school will feel a bit different for a while but
most importantly all the staff at school are ready and can’t wait to see your child again.
This slow return to school is the first step back to normal and this is a positive sign.
Week Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri
3
Implement
Phase 1
11 May
Year1
Mrs Stoke’s Yr 4
12
Kindergarten
Mrs Pettit’s Yr 4
Year 5
13
Year 2
Year 3
14
Year 6
15
4
18
Year 1
Mrs Stoke’s Yr 4
19
Kindergarten
Mrs Pettit’s Yr 4
Year 5
20
Year 2
Year 3
21
Year 6
22
5
25 26 27 28 29
6
1 June
Queen’s
Birthday
2 3 4 5
7
8 9 10 11 12
8
15 16 17 18 19
9
22 23 24 25 26
10 29 30 1 July 2 3
WYALONG PUBLIC SCHOOL TERM 2 2020
Staff
Mrs Lacey Pettit
Acting Teacher/Principal
Mrs Michelle Nunn
Instructional Leader
Mr Pat Mason
Teacher/GA
Mrs Anne Dixon
Teacher/Librarian
Mrs Emma Stokes
2/3/4 Teacher
Mrs Melissa Blackwood
K/1 Teacher
Miss Melissa Stanton
School Learning &
Support Officer
Mrs Regina Ray
School Administration
Manager
Mrs Lyn Anderson
School Administration
Officer
Mrs Erin Catlin
School Learning &
Support Officer
Mr Gerard Payne
School Learning &
Support Officer
Mrs Amanda Cooper
Learning & Support Teacher