This week I notified families regarding a positive COVID case at YPS. I am pleased to inform you that at the time of writing the case is doing well and there have been no reports of transmission at the school.

The case is a reminder that as we all return to school that COVIDSafe measures are mandated by the Victorian government to keep us all safe. I will continue to communicate the protocols:

• Stay home when unwell
• Practise good hygiene
• Wearing of face masks whilst indoors (strongly recommended from Prep to Year 2 and compulsory from years 3 and up)
• Ventilation

This brings me to the requirement that all parents and family members that come into the school building must check-in using the QR code or sign-in sheet at front office.

In addition, all parent and family members volunteering at the school must provide a copy of their vaccination status. More specifically, the Chief Health Officer’s COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination (Specified Facilities) Directions (No 10) (‘Directions’) imposes obligations on schools to collect, record and hold vaccination information about staff in addition to all contractors and volunteers, working in close proximity to students or staff at school. We reassure families your vaccination information, will be collected, recorded, stored and used in accordance with the Health Records Act 2001 (Vic) and the Public Records Act 1973 (Vic) and for the purpose of complying with these mandatory vaccination directions.

Please do not hesitate to contact me should you seek further clarification on this issue.

Exciting News- All students Back to School on Wednesday 3^rd November.

All students are back onsite from Wednesday 3^rd November at Yarra Primary School! Yay no more remote learning! While the students, teachers and parents have made a phenomenal effort with Yarra@Home, I am sure most will be relieved we are back together ‘full time’ from next week. The priority will be the students’ wellbeing and focussing on belonging, connection, and re-engagement at school. As a sense of belonging at school is an essential precursor to academic learning, we view your child re-establishing a sense of security and healthy social connections at school as paramount. If you have any concerns specific to your child (always and especially) during the transition, please communicate with your child’s teacher.

Upcoming School Review

In last fortnight’s newsletter I informed the school community of our upcoming review to reflect on the school’s performance over the past four years as well as determine the future directions. Our Curriculum Day on Monday will focus on teacher’s assessing Yarra’s progress. We will also undertake a series of whole school moderations of student work to identify student achievement levels for instruction as well as build assessment consistency. There will be opportunities for parents to participate in the review and I look forward to collaborating with you in the continuous improvement cycle.

Make A Difference Fund

Many families (that have the means) financially donate to the school’s ‘Make a Difference’ fund as part of the parent payments contributions. This fund provides Yarra Primary students in need, resources to support their learning and wellbeing. In ‘normal times’ this fund pays for camps and excursions as well as uniform and other resources. This year we have accessed the fund to also provide some families with groceries and vouchers during quarantining as well as clothing and other items. I thank parents for their donations that help support our students with the necessary resources and experiences to get the most from their education.

Upgrades to School Grounds

In consultation with School Council, we are undertaking improvements to the buildings and grounds at Yarra Primary. During remote learning we expanded on our play area adjacent to the playground and kitchen garden. The students are already gravitating to this space for quiet play and relaxation.  We are also landscaping the front of the school with new signage to be installed. Painting will be completed over the January holidays. We know the physical environment impacts morale and we hope these improvements make our school an even better place to feel a sense of belonging and joy.

Looking forward,

Saraid