Newsletter 31 March 2021 - Week 10

Message from the Principal

Dear Parents/Caregivers,

As per the message sent out on Monday, we are half way through a three day Lockdown to 5pm Thursday 1 April, to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

Those living in the local government areas of Brisbane, Moreton Bay, Ipswich, Redlands and Logan will be required to stay at home except for the following reasons:

• shopping for essentials, food and necessary supplies
• medical or healthcare needs, including compassionate requirements
• exercise with no more than one other person, unless all from the same household
• providing care or assistance to an immediate family member
• work, or volunteering, or study if it is not reasonably practicable to work or learn remotely
• child custody arrangements
• legal obligations
• visit for end of life
• attend funeral or wedding in line with restrictions
• emergency situations, to escape harm
• exemption from the Chief Health Officer.

Masks must be worn when leaving home, including using ride share, public transport and at indoor venues, including the workplace.

Schools are closed except for the children of essential workers. Schools are open only for students of essential workers and vulnerable students. Please keep students home unless you are essential workers or care for vulnerable students. There will be supervision, not regular classes. 

Importantly, anyone who was in Greater Brisbane on, or since Saturday 20 March, but has since left must follow the same lockdown rules as for Greater Brisbane.

https://qed.qld.gov.au/about-us/news-and-media/novel-coronavirus/frequently-asked-questions-for-parents

Get tested

If you have any symptoms at all, get tested immediately and quarantine at home until you receive a negative result.

Please keep your eye out for further  updates from the QLD Government/ Department of Education over the coming days. School will return on Monday 19 April, after the Easter Break.

As always, decisions about the operation of kindergarten and schools will be guided by health advice and informed by the status of Queensland’s response to COVID-19 situation at the time. I will provide updated information on this as soon as I am able leading up to the start of next term.

3rd Party Consent Agreement 

Please be reminded to complete the 3^rd Party Consent Agreement sent to you from the school recently. This will enable children to access a number of websites/services that support their learning.

Buranda State School refurbishment project Delivering new learning facilities to support enrolment growth

As you may be aware, the Department of Education (department) recently purchased 19 Martin Street, located above Buranda State School. Later this year, works will begin on it's refurbishment to create additional accommodation for Buranda SS. 

The refurbishment project will include:

• Four prep learning areas
• One specialist space
• Outdoor learning area
• Outdoor play area
• Staff spaces
• Amenities; and
• Additional parking. 

The refurbishment works will create an early years learning area for Prep and year 1 students of Buranda SS which will link to the existing school site via stairs and a lift. 

An architect was recently appointed for the refurbishment works, an exciting milestone for the project. The next stages of the project will include, finalised designs, contractor award and construction commencement.

Works are forecast to commence in mid-2021. More information on the refurbishment project will be shared with the school community as the project progresses and works commence. If you have any enquiries regarding the upcoming works, you can contact the school via principal@burandass.eq.edu.au. 

Thank you for your continued cooperation and stay safe.

Best wishes

Simon Vaseo

Principal

Message from the Head of Curriculum

Practice NAPLAN Tests

The practice NAPLAN tests for Years 3 and 5 that were scheduled for this week will be moved to week 1 of term 2, all going well. I want to reiterate last week’s message that, the purpose of this exercise is to (re)familiarise the students with the test papers, how to fill out the front page, how to do practice questions, and the process and timing for sitting each NAPLAN test. The best thing students can do to enhance their performance is to have a good sleep and a healthy breakfast on the morning of each test.

NAPLAN is not high stakes testing as there are no positive or negative consequences for students from sitting the tests. We encourage the students to have a go and try their best, as we do with all their schoolwork.

Naturally some students get excited and/or anxious about doing a test that is not a regular part of their school activity. This link will take you to some test taking tips that might help you prepare your child for the tests

https://andrewfuller.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/preparingfortests.pdf

The E Safety Commissioner

During the shutdown and holidays students are likely to be spending time online.

The eSafety commission is an independent statutory office supported by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). They provide information and training for parents, kids, educators, and the broader community about staying safe online. Please take the time to peruse the information and resources made available for parents and kids via the esafety commission’s website.

esafety commission – information for parents

https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents

esafety commission – information for kids

https://www.esafety.gov.au/kids

esafety commission – information for young people

https://www.esafety.gov.au/young-people

From the Inclusion Team

Parent Tip 1: 

As we head into holidays a little earlier than expected…

Keep up that lovely routine of reading with your children. Take turns reading aloud at bedtime. Kids enjoy this special time with their parents even when they are in high school.

Prep Vision Screening - Thursday 22 April

Just a reminder to complete the online consent form if you wish to have your child's vision screened. The online consent link closure has been extended for a week and will close on Wednesday 7 April. Paper copies of the consent form are available at the office if needed. This is a free service offered to all Prep children enrolled in Queensland

BSSSC - In-catchment Enrolments Open 29 March 2021

Helping Hands - OSHC

P&C Update

Hi all, as COVID - 19 again challenges us all, we are working to ensure that ongoing P&C Meetings will be available via online technology. In the next newsletter, we will update you regarding how you can connect online with us. 

Reminder, upcoming important dates - COVID dependent. 

Please, we hope you all stay safe and well during this challenging time.   

Wash your hands!  Wear a mask! 

Zoe Gill - P & C President

Community Notices

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