Dear Parents and Caregivers,

I hope this newsletter finds you well.

Today, Monday 27 April, staff have resumed duty for Term 2. Our staff will now be available for contact on Class Dojo during school hours, and all school staff can be contacted through normal phone avenues via the school office.

I have no doubt you are aware of the Premier and Education Minister's media briefing last week regarding learning in NSW Public Schools in Term 2. The Premier announced the transition back to the classroom model for Term 2.  NSW Public School students will gradually transition back to school, one day per week, beginning in Week 3 (Monday 11 May). The days at school will grow for each child throughout the term.

The beginning of this term sees today remain as a pupil-free School Development Day. Tomorrow, Tuesday 28 April has now also been announced as an additional pupil-free School Development Day to allow for additional planning and professional learning for teachers and staff. As such, there will be no teaching staff or supervision on site at school.

The Remote Learning model will re-commence from Wednesday 29 April similar to the end of last term. Families who are able to keep their children home to learn remotely are asked to please do so to assist us with social distancing. Those students who are unable to learn from home owing to essential service are able to attend school right throughout Term 2. Our first pickup and return of work packs will be available between 9-12 on Wednesday morning outside the school office. Please observe social distancing when attending school.

On Monday 11 May, we will move into Phase One of the managed return to school for students.  In this phase, all NSW students will be able to attend school one day per week if desired, and learn remotely 4 days per week. It is anticipated that NSW students will be able to increase the number of days at school before the end of the term, under the advice of NSW Health. There will be additional cleaning during the day at school and social distancing measures in place.

This week, I will work with the executive team and staff to organise and structure Lake Heights Public School's Phase One managed return for our students. Our school will communicate the structure as early as possible to give families enough time to make necessary arrangements.  

This term will certainly bring challenges but I am confident we can work through them together as a community. The website https://education.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/advice-for-families has been updated and may have information that interests you. We look forward to working together again this term.

Kind regards,

Kieren Corbyn