Remote Learning

On Monday 31st May we returned to remote learning. This lockdown was first scheduled to end on Thursday 3^rd June and was extended to Thursday 10^th of June. We are currently working creatively, responsively and responsibly to ensure students and families feel supported as a learning community and to celebrate their resilience, persistence and dedication. We will be frequently updating you as soon as the information and directions are provided to us by the government. This can change very quickly, so please ensure you are regularly logging on to Compass.

I acknowledge the incredible work of our staff- teachers and education support staff. I have been so impressed by the preparedness of staff to support the differentiated learning needs of our students (as complex and challenging as this is, especially online and in times of stress and uncertainty). 

To our students and their families, we know it wasn’t easy. You are so impressive as you showed such positivity and grit (courage and strength of character) during ‘Lockdown 4.0’.

Reports and Parent/Teacher Meetings

Next week ‘Parent/Teacher’ meetings begin. Please see Compass for booking details. While we must deliver these meetings online, they are intended to provide another opportunity for you to connect with your child’s teachers and focus on celebrating all your child/ren have achieved this semester.

 In keeping with the strengths- based approach at YPS, we aim for our students to feel positive about their learning experiences. This does not mean we are not ignoring ‘weaknesses’; Instead, we are reframing ‘weakness’ into an opportunity for growth. Most educational psychologists understand that children ‘do well if they can’ and we share this belief that every child can achieve with targeted and responsive support. So, I trust you will experience the meeting as motivating and incentive to help your child ‘do even better’.

Respectful Relationships

Respectful Relationships is a nationwide initiative designed to support schools and early childhood settings to promote and model respect, positive attitudes and behaviours.  It supports learning how to build healthy relationships, resilience and confidence. As a background, the Royal Commission into Family Violence, completed in 2015, identified the critical role that schools, and early childhood education have in creating a culture of respect to change the story of family violence for future generations.

In 2016, respectful relationships education became a core component of the Victorian Curriculum from foundation to year 12 and is being taught in all government and Catholic schools and many independent schools.

Students across the year levels are engaging in Respectful Relationships learning. At YPS we take a responsive and contextualised approach. We select lessons and inquiries based on student questions as well as identified social and emotional learning needs. The learning is always age and developmentally appropriate and supports student agency in feeling safe and supported.

I encourage you to find out more at: https://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/Pages/respectfulrelationships.aspx

Bee Day

In the rush to finish the last newsletter I did not properly acknowledge the contribution made by Sadie S. & Amy C. (5/6B). These entrepreneurial students sold honey to YPS teachers and students The honey was donated by Geelong beekeeper, Edmonds Honey and Sadie’s family. The honey is available locally at Chimmy’s Bakery on Church Street, Richmond. Thank you to all who purchased from the recent sale as this raised an additional $152 for the Kitchen Garden bee hotel.

Thank you

During the lockdown the admin team, education support and volunteer teachers were onsite to support children of authorised workers. These families expressed their thanks with kind words and food! A special shoutout to the Iozzi family for their generous donation of barbeque lunches for staff and students onsite. For the carnivores in our community, this is a link to the business: https://brentameats.com/

Looking forward,

Saraid

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Dear Parents/Guardians,

The downhill events are during the week of Aug 23-29th. Generally a child only competes on 1 day - see the events schedule attached here. I have also attached the event ticket info.  Each Child can also have one "Team Manager" for the day of competition, so if you ski you get a discounted day ticket.  
 
If interested you need to register your child for a Snow Racer ID here. https://www.snowracer.com.au/registration/.   That ID stays with your child even if they compete later with another school.
 
Please register before Sunday 20 June
 
Once you have registered, please email me (colin.prasad@gmail.com) their ID number and event and I can attach them to the YPS school team.  
 
I will then contact you for payment for registration and competition day lift tickets. I'll collect bibs and hand them out before we go.  You will need to arrange your own accomodation, transport and any lift tickets either side of competition day (when we know the start list).  
 
So far we have 2 grade 6 girls (Sof and Gab) in Division 4 (school year grade 5&6) Alpine Giant Slalom (it's not really giant...).
 
Ask around other parents too, as it is more fun if there is a buddy in the same division Boy / Girl. Last time there was a "Participants Ceremony" with all kids walking through the Mt Buller town square "Olympics style" at night under their school banner.  Pretty much organised chaos but a fun photo op. We also organised team hoodies!
The main info on the event is here: https://www.interschools.com.au/home-victoria/2021-vic-champs-event-info/ 
 
Any questions, please contact me.
 
Thanks Col

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