6 PLC in Pri nt | D e c e m be r 2 0 2 1
Junior School
Creative Ways to Keep Connected
It is clear that connections are vitally important as we continue to live in a world of uncertainty. Research shows that interacting with people significantly helps our wellbeing. We feel better and do better when we are part of a community. Staff across the Junior School focused on creating opportunities for linking the PLC Junior School community as we once again entered prolonged periods of lockdown during Term 3. Our annual Parent Literacy Course was held online this year. Over a five-week period Mrs Charmaine Kenner delivered sessions via Zoom with the more than 60 parents who had signed up to develop a greater understanding of how reading and writing is taught at PLC, particularly in the junior primary years. A number of families also engaged in a weekly program, Tuning in to Kids, coordinated by our school counsellor, Mrs Melissa Harvey. This evidence-based program focuses on the emotional connection between parents/carers and children and has proven success in improving parenting skills, parent-child relationships and children’s emotional competence and behaviour. The feedback provided after the program indicated many parents found the information that was addressed was most helpful during the extended periods of lockdown. We also held Parent Connection Sessions this term to provide all parents in the Junior School a chance to meet with each other online. After hearing from Department Coordinators on the success of remote learning, as well as from our Head of Student Wellbeing, Mrs Prue Petsinis, on tips to cope with lockdown and suggested holiday ideas and activities, parents were able to chat in small groups in breakout rooms to connect with each other and share how they were addressing some of the challenges of the lockdown. It was wonderful to have so many parents join these sessions and engage with the school community, albeit remotely. Mr Paul Smith, our Junior School ICT Coordinator, arranged workshops for staff, parents and students on cyber-safety during the term. This was a most timely theme, given the increase in screen time and online learning. Topics addressed included: social networking trends and safety, managing cyber bullying, help-seeking strategies and resources, parental controls and app privacy settings and establishing and maintaining a safe digital environment in the home. Students also engaged in a variety of other online activities throughout the term to connect with each other and with their teachers. Specialist lessons went live this term, enabling specialist teachers to interact with the girls and to re-connect. In addition, Mrs Melissa Voce, our Deputy Head of Junior School, arranged a number of activities for students to develop their creative skills through a series of online incursions. African Drumming was most popular with the girls from Prep to Year 6! Our online French Day, organised by Madame Titley, was a great success and an enjoyable way of bringing the girls together. Congratulations to Pippa, our Junior School Captain, and members of the School Representative Council who launched their first podcast, providing opportunities for the students in the Junior School to stay connected with each other. Thanks to Mrs Suzanne Phillips and Ms Nerilee Parkin who supported the SRC girls to bring this creative idea to fruition. Dr Michelle Cafini Head of Junior School
