This topsy-turvy term has ended, and we have all endured so much. From learning at school, to online, back to school and online once again for the last six weeks- phew!

Through these disruptions we have learned a lot about self-motivation and persistence. We have adapted and dealt with frustration and disappointment (camps and events cancelled-again). So, while this may appear counter-intuitive, I acknowledge and celebrate the struggle. As it is through struggle, we learn so much. When we struggle, we learn new coping mechanisms, we find solutions to what seem like impossible problems, and we become better learners. This is not to disregard or invalidate the emotions we feel, and it is certainly ‘okay not to be okay’. Rather, no emotion is permanent, and we are reminded of what really matters when we experience challenging life experiences. So here are my ‘shout-outs to our community:

I express my gratitude to students for their optimism and creativity. It is inspiring to see their work on display on the Yarra@Home website and I have been so impressed by their creativity and humour.

I thank the teachers and administration staff for their tireless efforts and willingness to ‘go that extra mile’ including the online 1/2 sleepover, Friday Fun days and whole school community nights.

I am in awe of parents supporting their children’s learning at home, often while having to maintain their daily work commitments.

Smile Squad

Leanne has sent out paperwork for your child to receive free dental care. This government initiative will provide Victorian public primary and secondary school students with a free, high quality annual dental health examination and free follow up treatment as needed. Please ensure you don’t miss out on this important health service and send your forms in as per Leanne’s communications via Compass.

Premier’s Announcement – Victoria’s ‘Roadmap’

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews will announce a roadmap out of lockdown on Sunday. We will then know more about the timeline for the return to school. Following this announcement and advice from the Department of Education, Yarra Primary staff will meet during the break to plan in more detail our term 4 program. I will communicate relevant information to the school community via Compass. 

While these holidays will be very different than any before, I do hope you take some time to ‘disconnect’ from technology during the school break and enjoy the local natural environment we have in our 10-kilometre radius. I have already started planning picnics at Yarra Park, Botanic Gardens and Yarra River. I encourage you take a photo of your outdoor activities during the school holidays, and we can share them when we return. I do hope you enjoy a moment.

Looking forward,

Saraid

Last Tuesday for the Art online classes, students were asked to make a 3D sculpture or maquette of an animal to coincide with Threatened Species Day. They were to use materials found at home, paper and tin foil. The students were also encouraged to enter their sculptures in the Heide At Home Challenge by submitting a photo of their work to the Museum. A huge congratulations to Benji (Prep), Quinn (Yr3/4) and Xavier (Yr3/4) for submitting their Art Sculptures, their artwork is currently featured on the website! What a fantastic achievement during lockdown. Well done  :)

https://www.heide.com.au/heide-home-maquette-challenge-submissions

Justine Moore

Visual Arts Teacher

Smile Squad is on the way to our school!

All children deserve a healthy smile and the Smile Squad are coming to Yarra Primary School to help make sure this happens.

Smile Squad is a $321.9 million Victorian Government program that provides free dental care to all Victorian public primary and secondary school students.

The friendly Smile Squad dental team will visit Yarra Primary School soon to conduct a free annual dental health examination for every student and provide free follow up treatment as needed.

What do parents need to do?

We just need you to provide consent. Please read and sign the consent forms that came home with your child and return them to the classroom teacher.

The Smile Squad team will then check your child’s teeth and mouth and show them how to keep their teeth healthy and strong. They will also provide any preventive services you have consented for. If your child needs more treatment, the Smile Squad will contact you.

Who is Smile Squad?

The bright orange Smile Squad vans are staffed by experienced oral health therapists, dental therapists, dental assistants and dentists. They all have lots of experience treating children and a passion for improving their oral health – for life.

Learn more about the Smile Squad by visiting www.smilesquad.vic.gov.au or contact the team at smilesquad@dhsv.org.au.