Weekly Wrap

Dear all,

 

Welcome to Term 4. This week we have some news to be excited about! Year 7 students return to onsite learning 12 October and Year 8-10 students return on 26 October.

 

This is the news so many of us have been looking forward to hearing.

 

On behalf of our school, I want to say a big thank you to all our students, parents and carers for your continued resilience and support throughout this year. I know remote and flexible learning has not always been easy, but through your collective efforts, our students have continued to make valuable progress in their learning. You can be confident that FHC will support any student who has fallen behind to catch up.

 

Term 4 is important for every Victorian student, and our teachers will strive to deliver high-quality learning for everyone. Whether we are teaching remotely or face-to-face, our focus for Term 4 is on making sure that every student is supported in their wellbeing, learning and transition needs. In relation to learning, some students have been able to more quickly progress in their learning in the remote and flexible learning environment, others have maintained their rate of progress, and some have, despite their best efforts and those of their families and teachers, fallen behind. We are working hard to ensure those who have fallen behind can catch up and those who have progressed significantly can continue to be extended and stretched in their learning.

 

Our highest priority is the mental health, safety and wellbeing of every student and member of staff. Remaining Covid safe is very important to the College. We urge all members of the community to remain vigilant around mask wearing, maintaining physical distance and hand hygiene. We know the most important action we can take as a school community to reduce the risk of transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19), is to ensure that any unwell staff and students remain at home, even with the mildest of symptoms. All staff, students and visitors to schools should undertake regular hand hygiene, particularly on arrival to school, before and after eating, after blowing their nose, coughing, sneezing or using the toilet.

 

Students should bring their own water bottle for use at school, as students should not drink directly from drinking fountains at this time. Taps may be used to refill water bottles.

 

Students should practise physical distancing where possible. Maintaining a physical distance of 1.5 meters will not always be practical in the school environment.

 

Secondary school students aged 12 years and over must wear a face mask while at school and while travelling to and from school. Some students and staff are exempt from these requirements. Face mask breaks are allowed for staff and students during the day, but they should be kept brief, when seated outdoors having lunch and physically distanced, and ideally used in conjunction with lunch breaks.

 

Since the commencement of the initial period of remote and flexible learning, the College has protocols for accessing the General Office. The signage at the front of the office clearly states these. In essence, onsite attendance is restricted to those who are essential for the delivery of the curriculum. If you do need to speak with someone, please send an email or make a phone call as your initial point of contact.

 

During the two weeks between 12th and 26th October, vulnerable students in years 8 to 10 are able to apply for onsite supervision. These students will work on their remote and flexible learning from the Library.

 

Next week we have our Virtual Parent Forums, and you will be able to help us understand the needs of your child following this extended period of remote and flexible learning.

 

For now, stay safe, stay strong and for Year 7, 11 and 12 Welcome Back!!!