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26th

RETURN to SCHOOL F-2 It has been a very smooth transition back to school for the Foundation to Year 2 students. It was wonderful to see the children enjoying each other’s company and to hear the corridors at the top end of the school abuzz with student activity. Some of the conditions of the return to school have changed but the fundamentals of strong teaching and learning remains the same. Parents please note:

1. All children must have labelled drink bottles- bubble taps will be restricted to re-fills.

2. According to the Victorian Stage 2 restrictions adults, other than staff, should not enter the school ground unless previously arranged with a staff member. This includes drop off and collection. If you are required to enter the school you must enter via the main office and sign in/out.

REMOTE LEARNING PARENT FEEDBACK The remote learning experience has created many challenges for students, parents and educators. It has also created opportunity. Classroom teachers phoned all families seeking feedback on their experience.

Principal: Peter Lee SC President: Sarah Walsh P: 5595 1087 E: cobden.ps@education.vic.gov.au W: https://www.cobdenps.vic.edu.au/

Term 2 - Newsletter 16 28th May 2020

Principal Peter Lee

2020 TERM 2

JUNE

Wed 5th Book Club Orders Due

Mon 8th Queens B’day Holiday

Tues 9th Yr 3-6 Students Return

Mon 15th School Council

Fri 26th End of Term 2 – 2.20pm

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The data was analysed by the leadership team and collated into the following common themes found during comment synthesis: Strengths:

Parents felt the support from the school was excellent.

The communication in regard to explaining the learning and assisting parents and students with the

navigation of the ClassDoJo platform was exceptional. Parents appreciated the regularity of “touching

base”, particularly phone calls.

Parents felt their children had acquired skills, particularly technological skills that previously were not

there or were developed at a much more rapid pace than would have occurred.

Parents and students alike appreciated the flexibility in being able to complete tasks at their own rate

and at a time understanding of their personal circumstances.

The ClassDoJo platform was simple to use and easy to communicate and upload work.

Parents appreciated the offer of device loan from the school. Over 20 families were able to access

this support provided by the school.

Parents and students appreciated the regular feedback from teachers.

Concerns:

One of the main concerns was the lack of socialisation with peers. Students often commented that

they were looking forward to seeing their friends.

Motivation was another area that came up regularly. Parents reported having difficulty getting their

children, particularly younger, to complete the work required.

Some issues with resourcing and internet connectivity were reported, particularly in the early stages

of transition to remote/flexible learning.

Staff at Cobden Primary School are united in congratulating all students and families for your great persistence and perseverance.

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This week we gladly welcomed back the Prep-2 students back into our classrooms! It has been wonderful to see how students have grown and progressed over the last two months; academically and with their independence and resilience. Students and teachers have seemed to make a smooth transition back into their classrooms and into their normal daily routines. Students have returned eager to learn and to socialise with their friends, which has been pleasing to see. Once again, well done and thank you for your efforts with remote learning this term. Reports Upon returning to school this week, students have been busy completing assessments to help teachers gain an understanding of what students have learnt and retained during their time learning from home. This information, as well as the work seen during Term 1 and the remote learning period, will assist us in writing our mid-year reports. These reports will follow a similar process to usual, however we anticipate that these won’t be as lengthy as normal. If you have any questions about this, please contact your classroom teacher. Year 2 Sleepover For obvious reasons, the annual Year Two Sleepover which was scheduled for next Thursday the 4th June has been postponed. We will be guided by the DET and government regulations and if possible, we hope for this to be rearranged for a date later in the year. We appreciate your understanding. Learning Programs All Prep-2 students jumped straight back into their daily Sounds Write classes on Monday and it has been as if we had never left! Students at Cobden Primary School know this program well and enjoy the structure and consistency of the lessons. In Mathematics we have been learning about Money and the Australian Currency, while in Writing students have been busy writing recipes and procedures.

Maths work completed by Amelia and Harrison M. They have been making ‘Money Caterpillars’ to help with counting coins!

Prep - 2 Mr Lewis

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Year 2 Sounds Write class.

Penny Marlow – Prep.

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Days are passing rapidly as we edge ever so close to a full school return of students on June 9th. Whilst sounding like a ‘broken record’, once again we are ever so grateful for the efforts you have placed towards your child’s education as well as supporting the Cobden Primary School staff. Upon returning to school students will notice some changes that are required in terms of direction from D.E.T. We suggest maybe having a chat with your child/children about what may be different upon their return to school. Library Book returns Students borrowed five books prior to the Term One holiday break. If these could be returned when school recommences Ms Plozza would be very thankful. Connectedness Throughout the feedback attained from parents it was evident that students are largely missing the social interaction at school. It has been pleasing to see the creativity of teachers using various tasks on ClassDoJo and having scavenger hunts on Webex meetings to keep students connected.

Celebration Day To celebrate the end of remote learning for the Years 3-6 we will be having a ‘Celebration Day’ next Friday. The day will consist of art, Lego and cooking activities. This is to congratulate the students for all their efforts over the remote learning period.

Room 8 Isolation Questions with Marley Howard and Hannah Robertson Name: Marley Howard – Grade 5 Favourite food: Mexican corn Does pineapple belong on pizza? Yes Favourite book: Awful Aunty Favourite movie: Descendants If you had 3 wishes what would you wish for? 1. Horse, 2. A sausage dog, 3. A pool What are you missing most about school at the moment? Seeing friends and teachers. Favourite subject at school: PE If you could meet any 3 people in the world who would you choose? The Queen, Santa, Ella Eyre. What’s a new skill you’ve learnt from remote learning? Feeding calves. Best piece of advice you have been given or a favourite quote: If you ever feel poor, count the things money can’t buy.

Year 3 - 6 Mr Murphy

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Name: Hannah Robertson – Grade 5 Favourite food: Hot chips Does pineapple belong on pizza? Yes Favourite book: Any David Walliams Book Favourite movie: Garfield

If you had 3 wishes what would you wish for?

To have “grown- ups 3” come out.

Covid-19 to go away.

A Mansion.

What are you missing most about school at the moment? Friends. Favourite subject at school: P.E If you could meet any 3 people in the world who would you choose? Adam Sandler, Katy Perry, Great Grandparents. What’s a new skill you’ve learnt from remote learning? Working online. Best piece of advice you have been given or a favourite quote: Every days a new day.

Highlights of the Week

Alyvia McLean’s Art ‘Plump it Up’ activity. Jess Paton’s Acrostic poem.

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Book Club Book Club is a great fundraiser for our school library and many new books are purchased using the funds raised. Issue #4 is now available. Please ensure orders are in by Wednesday 5th June. Preferred payment method is via LOOP order on the website. Students who have returned to school have received a paper copy. Those families who are yet to return can access the catalogue via the following link: https://www.scholastic.com.au/book-club/book-club-home/ Library Books Students were issued with up to 5 books prior to the school holidays to ensure they had reading material during the COVID-19 lockdown. These books now need to be returned with your child/ren when they return to school. Thank you, Ms Plozza

Community News

Library

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Year 7 enrolments for 2021

are now open. Whilst we are unable to conduct campus tours or an information night,

we warmly welcome enquiries and invite you to

phone us on 55931617

for further information or to request a Senior Campus Handbook.

Confirmation of enrolment is requested by June 26th.