6th April 2020 Term 1 Week 11

Mr Burkitt’s Message

Being connected and together over the past few weeks has been one of the main goals for our Bonville Public School in this time of "Social Distancing". Throughout last week we tried to connect by email, telephone and SMS with as many of our parents as possible. We will continue to do so whilst this period of social distancing continues. Our teachers have created, in the space of a week, an entirely new way of reaching the students in their classes, Providing them with learning tasks and, where possible, feedback on learning. Our parents have shown commitment and determination to assist in the 'learning at home' with a significant number feeling that they aren't good enough and that they aren't successful. If you are feeling this way - PLEASE STOP! As long as you are doing your best, then that is good enough. We don't expect you to teach your children like our teachers would under normal classroom circumstances. You all deserve to be congratulated for assisting your children’s learning despite the difficult circumstances in which you were placed. Given the lack of control you had and the little to no time preparation, you all

done an incredible job.

Assistance with computer hardware: Last week we asked many parents whether they had enough computer hardware to support their children at home. Whilst many parents were managing with the devices they had, the circumstances meant that additional laptops would be of benefit. We had one family who were doing their absolute best to provide screen time, to both of their children, to complete class activities set by teachers all using a handheld mobile. That's dedication to your kids. The school has purchased more laptops and we have now loaned 46 laptop computers. If you require assistance with hardware please contact the school as soon as possible. We would be more than happy to help. For families who have difficulty accessing the internet we are working on a solution. If internet connection is a problem, please contact me at school so that I have an idea of the numbers of families that this

affects.

I was very pleased that we received a visit from the Easter Bunny during the week: He led me on an interesting chase through the school playground. Fortunately I was able to convince him to draw the Easter Raffle before he strolled off out the front gate. Thank you to all of the families who contributed prizes for the Easter Raffle and to those of you who purchased tickets. The lucky winners were drawn in the following order:

• Olivia Arnesen

• Kemp family

• Abby Hunter

• Macy Gibbs

• Ashleigh Geytenbeek

• Charlise Darke

Your prizes can be collected from school. Please call ahead so

that we can bring them out.

Term One will conclude on Thursday the 9th April and Term Two will commence on 28th April: At this point in time, Bonville Public School will resume under the present conditions as the country and state continue with social isolation arrange-ments. If there are any changes to this I will email all families as well as sending an SMS text. At the present time, my under-standing is that the present learning from home will continue well into next Term. Our school will remain open for students whose parents are essential workers and those families who are able to keep their children at home are asked to do so. I believe that changes to either tighten or lesson the current re-strictions will be based upon how well all Australians adhere to 'social isolation' so that we do not follow down the sad path of other countries around the world where death rates are nothing short of horrific. This is certainly a horrible situation for every-one and we can only personally focus on what we can do to

help "stop the spread."

Thank you for all the support you are showing to our great little school and the kind words you have been forwarding about our teachers and staff. Keep them coming. If you have anything positive to share please do. Keep watching the "Bonville Learning Hub" for new video and picture uploads. This week there will be more 'story time', a join in choir lesson with Miss Tanis, the 'virtual' Easter Hat parade, a visit from the Easter Bunny and much, much more. The web address again is : ht tps: / /s i tes.google.com/educat ion.nsw.gov.au/

bonvillepslearninghub/home

Miss Tanis Choir clip for you to join into is: https://youtu.be/Kj48_bGhaC0 Please stay safe and if you have any questions or need clarifi-

cation please don't hesitate to contact me.

Thank you for your continued support and

promotion of Bonville Public School.

Dean Burkitt

(Principal)

Bonville Public School creating Respectful, Responsible and Resilient Learners in a safe, caring and inclusive environment.

Happy Easter!!

Hope you have a great holiday!

Coffs Harbour High School Enrichment Class 2021: If you have expressed interest for your

child to attend the Coffs Harbour High School Enrichment Class for 2021, we have an information

pack for your child to fill out and return. Please see the office for this information pack. Please

see attached note. Our beautiful school garden is coming along nicely