Issue : Term 1, Week 11

Excellence Innovation Respect Responsibility

DECD

Newsletter

April 2020

Term 2

27 April - 3 July

Pupil Free Days

5 June

T 08 8297 0488

F 08 8297 8430

dl.0907.info@schools.sa.edu.au

www.plymptoncollege.sa.edu.au

From the Principal

It is difficult to believe the changes that have taken place since the last newsletter. The COVID-19 virus has meant that all of us are working, learning and living in very uncertain times at present. Staff and students have been adapting to new ways of behaviour including social distancing and new ways of teaching and learning. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our teachers, leaders and SSOs, who, throughout this term have worked tirelessly through some very challenging times. I am so proud to see everyone pull together to support other colleagues and their students. In their own time, teachers have quickly learnt how to deliver engaging learning tasks through a range of online platforms. This learning has continued during this week’s Pupil Free Days, in addition to year level planning for a consistency of practice across classes. Thank you for completing the ICT survey in relation to your technology needs at home and we will be in touch with you shortly if you are requiring support in this area. Last Friday, we sent out our Online Teaching and Learning Program in preparation for Term 2. We have included some important information for parents and students that will assist, as well as providing some useful contact details if you need help. Families are also encouraged to view new resources at Our Learning SA: www.education.sa.gov.au/our-learning-sa and Distance learning with Office 365 - Guidance for parents and guardians: https://support.office.com/en-us/article/distance-learning-with-office-365-guidance-for-parents-and-guardians-89d514f9-bf5e-4374-a731-a75d38ddd588?ui=en-US&rs=en-US&ad=US We are living in a time where information changes daily and we will continue to adjust and refine our planning to suit the needs of the community. What we recognise today, may change tomorrow! On behalf of all the staff, I thank families for their support, patience and genuine care I would like to assure everyone that we will continue to provide high quality teaching and learning, whether it be online or onsite. I hope all everyone keeps happy and healthy over the Easter break.

Linda Richardson

Principal

Issue : Term 1, Week 11

Excellence Innovation Respect Responsibility

Wellbeing Family Connections

During this challenging and ever-changing time, Plympton International College would like to help support and work with parents/caregivers in relation to their child’s wellbeing. Change, particularly when a result of an unprecedented event, may result in children feeling overwhelmed by their emotions and their behaviour may be out of character. Listed below are some recommended resources: Many parents and carers may be wondering how to talk with their child or children about COVID-19 and what information to share. This resource is designed to help you to prepare for these conversations. https://emergingminds.com.au/resources/communicating-with-your-child-about-covid-19/ Parents will find some practical advice for talking to their children about COVID-19. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/coronavirus-how-talk-child.html At times children may need to learn from home, parents and carers can find some great tips in this online safety kit from the eSafety Commissioner. https://esafety.gov.au/about-us/blog/covid-19-online-safety-kit-parents-and-carers Dr Michael Carr-Gregg is one of Australia's highest profile psychologists, author of 14 books, broadcaster and a specialist in corporate mental health, families, parenting, children, adolescents and the use of technology for mental health. https://schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-coronavirus As you know the College is being updated with relevant information about COVID-19 protocols each day and we will do our utmost to provide a safe and supportive environment for each student working with you to take care of your child’s wellbeing. If you have any concerns about your child’s wellbeing please contact the college for support.

Cheryl Peat

Wellbeing Leader Secondary

Student Voice To Dear Staff, I have only attended Plympton International College since last year, but I have loved my time here. This school has given me so much happiness and a great education, and for that I am grateful. Thank you for providing me and many other students with education and for working so hard. Your effort is appreciated! Continue to try your best. I understand that currently is a really stressful time with organising online school. I am proud to say I attend this wonderful school and I am proud of all staff. Wishing you all a beautiful year ahead with the best of luck and joy. Thank you for making Year 8 amazing, as it was my first year, and Year 9 is going well too. It is incredible how hard working you all are. Jessi Rae Student, Year 9

Issue : Term 1, Week 11

Excellence Innovation Respect Responsibility

Secondary Sport Western Zone Beach Volleyball Carnival Year 8-10 Earlier this term we went to Glenelg beach for a great day of beach volleyball against other schools from the Western Zone. We entered 3 boys teams and 1 girls team and all played well, with good spirit and we had a great time. There were 2 trophies on offer and we made the final for each. Both games followed a similar theme by being tight early before we kicked away for strong wins in both the boys and girls. Congratulations to Nalani Kulbaba, Ava Spillane, Harmony Widdison, Lizzy Probyn-Shingles and Mathelda Butson for winning the girls competition. Congratulations to Anton Camilleri, Natthorn Sodang, Ryan Colmer, Tarik Aljic and Kevin Lo for winning the boys competition. Richard Gabb Secondary Sports Teacher

Issue : Term 1, Week 11

Excellence Innovation Respect Responsibility

Photo Album

Photos taken by Annabella Lord (Year 10) and Essa Irfan (Year 8).