FAQ’s
What if my children don’t have the full winter uniform?
That is ok! We can’t wait to see the students; their summer uniform will be fine. At this point in time comfort is what is important – you choose which uniform your child is most comfortable in.
If I still want to purchase items from the uniform shop, how do I go about this?
Attached is the full uniform list. Simply fill out and email to reception admin@olg.wa.edu.au. The order can go home with your eldest child, or if not attending school, can be arranged to be picked up in the kiss and drive lane. Please request this in your email. Uniform Shop open times are still Tuesday and Friday.
If I say ‘no’ to my child/ren returning in the survey, can I change my mind and send them in week 2 or 3?
It would be preferable to send your children at the beginning of the Term, on Wednesday 29 April when school commences. For continuity, minimised disruption and less exposure to a changing group it is preferable for children to attend full time. Where possible individual circumstances will be met. If you choose to send your children back to school in Week 2, 3 or 4 we will accommodate this, however you need to inform the school via admin@olg.wa.edu.au at least 24 hours before returning.
Will my child have their teacher and be in the same classroom?
Depending on the number of children attending there may be multi aged grouped classes. Early years children will be educated in the Early Years classrooms. Your child is guaranteed to have a bright, airy, safe classroom to work in where they can observe social distancing and have a teacher and Education Assistants work with them.
What rotation is Kindy Blue and Kindy Gold on?
It is the same rotation, commencing with Kindy Blue on Wednesday 29th April.
I want to plan my week ahead. When will the weekly timetable and activities be available for my child?
On the home learning page on our website, each year level will have their weekly timetable, grid and daily activities posted on Sunday before the school week commences. Academic information will also be made available on SeeSaw for Kindergarten - Year 3, and on Teams/OneNote for Year 4-6.
What is an ACE model and where do I find one for my child’s year level?
The Ace Your Day the OLG Way has been designed specifically for our school to ensure that children have equal amounts of academic, creative and exercise time in their day. To find an ACE model for your child's year level, visit the home learning page on our website. This will live from at the beginning of the school week.
Will the children be able to interact with each other? Or will they need to be 1.5 metres apart from each other?
Children will naturally interact with each other during play and this is an important part of their social and emotional wellbeing. Where possible we will observe social distancing in the classroom however this may look difficult in the playground. We will provide lots of different activities and spaces for play and encourage social distancing as much as possible. Play will be supervised with appropriate ratios of adults to children.
Is there a discount for Term 2 because there is no teaching?
No there will not be a discount for Term 2 as suggested by the Premier of WA in response to Catholic Education’s position on keeping their schools open. Teachers have prepared quality learning activities for all OLG children for Weeks 1 – 4 of Term 2. Teachers will be available to children throughout this time in classrooms and through Seesaw posts, providing feedback online, check-ins on Teams and OneNote. Teachers are working and continuing to ‘teach’ and connect with your children albeit in unusual circumstances.
The WA Premier’s comments regarding asking for fees back for Term 2 are unfortunate as they have not taken into account the continued provision of quality learning to all students Weeks 1 – 4 in Term 2. Funding for Catholic Schools is different to the funding and staffing currently being
provided to Government schools. Extra cleaners and teachers mentioned by the Premier and Minister are not available to OLG or other Catholic Schools.
Our Lady of Grace School has consistently offered fee assistance to any parents experiencing financial difficulties. We are not an Independent or Private school that charges significant fees. We operate on a tight budget and rely on the 25% parent contribution to the running of our school. All consideration to the efficient running of the school (including significantly increased cleaning costs to meet government regulations) and redeployment of staff is being undertaken. The School Board meets regularly to provide feedback and advice to the Principal in the financial management of the school. The voice of parents is important and listened to. We will work to support all families who are
experiencing financial hardship as we have always offered at OLG.
What will my child’s return to the Early Years classrooms look like?
All Children in the early years grades, particularly Kindergarten and Pre Primary will be learning in their purpose built learning areas and in their safe and familiar nature based playground. Depending on numbers of children returning some multi aged groups may be formed. The learning in Early Years will maintain our adherence to NQS ratios and our Early Year’s Charter. This means there will be time for learning with teachers (Teaching Assistants in the room answering questions and assisting as a parent would at home), exercise opportunities, play and creative activities exactly like those provided for children learning from home. The Teachers and Education Assistants that are familiar to the early years children will be working in the Early Years classes.
What does online remote learning look like in the Early
Years?
The OLG Early Years Charter and OLG IT Strategy outline the philosophy of learning as well as the appropriate use of technology in the Early Years learning. We will continue this philosophy and best practice through the current changes to schooling.
The delivery of the activity options (matrix) to parents and students is online, through Seesaw and the OLG Home Learning Page. Daily videos of teachers greeting children and outlining the day’s work are online through Seesaw. Activities that are completed by children are photographed and uploaded to Seesaw so the teacher can provide feedback and assess children’s learning.
Early Years students will not be using ‘one to one’ devices for their learning. They will not be required to be on screens for any length of time. Any online activity has an offline alternative that a parent can choose to use.
Do I need to purchase a device for my child in Kindy to Year 3, so they can access the work?
No. If you have access to Flexibuzz on your device (phone etc) or you are able to access our school website that is all you need to access the learning activities, upload any work and read the home learning page on the website.
Will my child have their teacher at school?
We will make every effort for this to happen but it depends purely on numbers of children returning. Early Years Teachers & Teaching Assistants (K, PP, Y1, Y2) will assist children in those year levels.
What is the school doing for my child’s mental health and wellbeing?
Our staff are very aware of the importance and impact of emotional and psychological safety for our students. The “ACE Your Day the OLG Way” remote home learning timetable has been designed to ensure parents have flexibility in the timing of children’s learning and that creativity, rest and exercise are a significant part of the day. If you child/ren attend school in Weeks 1 – 4 they will participate in 15 minutes of play per learning session on top of their recess and lunchtime breaks. These will be outside in the sunshine (weather permitting) with safe play equipment.
Teachers and Education Assistants will be vigilant in making sure that our children feel safe when they arrive at school;
· To be met by their teachers and
teaching assistant
· To follow a hygiene routine (hand wash & sanitizer)
· Move to their classrooms for a discussion about what the day will look like and to have some input into the planning of their day
· SHARER Model for wellbeing drawing on “You Can Do It” program currently in school
· Prayer and quiet reflection times
· Frequent play & fresh air
· Daily teacher contact with children at home through Seesaw K-3, Teams check in and small group meetings, Year 4 – 6
· Surveys for children at school and at home regarding the learning and how they are feeling
· Access to Virtual Chaplain and eSafe Officers for online issues
· Providing a safe and familiar environment as we did for children in weeks 9 – 10 last term.
The emotional, physical and psychological wellbeing of our children will be the focus of their return to school.
Can my child still walk or ride to school?
Yes, please have your child walk or ride to the Kiss and Ride gate or the ramp. They will be met by staff and after securing their bikes follow the hand washing routine and move to class.
Will play equipment be cleaned?
All play and sport equipment will be cleaned prior to children attending school and on regular times throughout the day.