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1WEEK

OF 11

Term 1

Gilson Gazette - 20 April 2020

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2020

Weekly Newsletter for Parents, Students and Friends of Gilson College

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Contents

general newsCOVID-19 UPDATES ...................................................................4GILSON COLLEGE COMMUNITY CHURCH ..................................4

primary newsONLINE LEARNING .....................................................................5CHILD SAFE PRACTICES ONLINE ...............................................6

seCondary newsONLINE LEARNING GUIDELINES ................................................8

photosZOOM DRAMA CLASS ..............................................................10

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As a young lad I recall fondly those French comic books that featured Asterix and his many adventures. The adventures are located in Gaul and set in the year 50 BC. Gaul was the ancient name for a region that covered France, Luxembourg, Belgium and parts of the Netherlands and Switzerland.

In 2017 the then-latest in the series was released in English entitled ‘Asterix and the Chariot Race’ and the story begins with criticism of the ancient Roman roads. Senator Lactus Bifidus suggested that a race across Italy will show to the world what great roads the Romans have built. Julius Caesar is delighted with this idea, providing a Roman wins, otherwise Senator Bifidus will be re-deployed to Cyrenaica (present-day Libya).

Asterix and Obelix are in Gaul taking Geriatrix to a dentist when they join the race with their canine friend Dogmatix. The race favourite was Coronavirus (!) who was racing for Julius Caesar, however when he discovers that his co-driver Bacillus has cheated Coranavirus abandons the race and Julius Caesar secretly joins the team. They almost win the race but due to a pot-hole (remember the comments about the road conditions) they are unable to finish and retire from the race.

We too are in a race and although Coronavirus is no one’s favourite, if you simply listen to the headlines it appears to be winning. However, the truth is somewhat different. I am confident that as a community we will get through this by supporting each other, particularly in the difficult times.

In the meantime we can be kind to each other and look after our immune systems. How? It has been demonstrated that Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) will boost your immune system and conversely, sugar will supress your immune system. (Note to self – go easy on the Easter eggs!)

Finally, have there been any good things from this Coronavirus?

Well I’ve seen more people than usual out walking / running / pushing the pram / little kids on bikes with parents, gardening, cooking, people with their pets and people using humour and creativity to use the time – all of this is positive. It appears that there has been increased family time. Also this has been a reminder of how fragile life is - for us all. A reminder that in Australia while some elderly people have died from the virus – all of us given enough time will pass away. This gives us all a chance to reflect on the big questions in life (Who am I? Why am I here? Where am I going?) and at the same time we can, just like Asterix, beat Coronavirus.

It’s worth a thought Mark B Vodéll Principal

Editorial: Coronavirus and Asterix

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general news

COVID-19 UPDATESPlease note that the

College will continue to keep you informed of any updates in relation to school processes regarding the above via SEQTA.

If you have any queries regarding these please contact the College Office.

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GILSON COLLEGE COMMUNITY CHURCH

Verse of the Week“For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”

Hebrews 12: 11

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primary news

ONLINE LEARNINGThank you primary

parents for your patience as we set up our routines online and at school. We will be adjusting our programs as we want to ensure we create the best possible learning options for students. As we update our changes we will notify you via the class teacher or whole school email/direqt message. Our staff are so appreciative of the supportive comments and prayers - thank you as they sustain us and mean so much. We continue to ask for your patience during this time. Uniform:

Primary students are to please wear their sports uniforms, however if sports uniform requires washing student can alternate between wearing their winter uniform or sports uniform just no mixing and matching. Please note that Hats are only required in Terms 1 and 4.

Students do not require Hats for Term 2.Protocols for online learning:

Year F - 2: a parent is required to be next to or close by to support with getting on line.

Year 3 - 6: a parent/guardian is required to be in the area their children are learning.

Please be on time for 9.00 am online learning please be ready 10-15 minutes prior unless your teacher tells you otherwise. Even if the teacher is not online yet please note just wait in the waiting room until you are admitted online. Noting teachers have meetings prior to learning time starting. Your child’s timeliness will be greatly appreciated by staff.

Please be aware of Privacy issues - Parents and students are not permitted to record the online learning or other students.

See the attached posters (page 9) that you

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can hang at home for your children to remind them of the guidelines on zoom interactions.

CHILD SAFE PRACTICES ONLINE

We are committed to child safe practices at all times, including online. Please refer to the following documents:

• Child Safe Statement of Commitment see this on SEQTA documents

• Child Safe Code of Conduct see this on SEQTA documents

• IT acceptable use agreement see this on SEQTA documents with home learning updates.

The VALUE for Week 2 of Term 2 will be:

Self-discipline is training and control of oneself and one’s conduct, usually for personal improvement.

“By constant self-discipline and self-control you can develop greatness of character.” Grenville Kleiser “Happiness is dependent on self-discipline. We are the biggest obstacles to our own happiness. It is much easier to do battle with society and with others than to fight our own nature.” Dennis Prager

“For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”

Hebrews 12: 11

self-discipline

Resources advice and guidance on staying safe online can be found at: https://www.esafety.gov.au/ We highly recommend that parents review this website, particularly the COVID-19 tab for tips on how to ensure your child is safe online when learning from home.

Please report any concerns immediately if they should arise.

COMMUNICATION: 1. Please email or direqt

message your child’s class teacher first for any issues. If they can’t assist ,they will refer your email to someone who can.2. Please refrain from calling

primary staff via the phone where possible. If you do call the College,

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they will take a message and email the relevant staff member, please advise if you require a call back. We are more than happy to return calls. At the moment some staff are working off campus and some on campus therefore phone calls will not go through. Staff also may be in zoom learning times or meeting on zoom and phone calls cannot always be put through because it will disrupt the learning or meeting, so we thank you for your understanding at this time.

3. Help Desk for technology

In first instances please email your child’s teacher with your questions. If they cannot help you they will direct you to:

IT helpdesk: helpdesk@gilson.vic.edu.au

Please note that given the ’new’ and changing nature of what we do please understand that we will respond to your questions as soon as we are able noting this may take a little longer at times.

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secondary news

ONLINE LEARNING GUIDELINES

Student Expectations • Students will use the

lessons and timing of their school timetable as a guide.

• All students to be dressed in school uniform attire for Video Conferences.

• Students will be responsible, motivated learners who adhere to the Gilson College Online Learning Protocols Document at all times

• Students will identify a suitable learning space at home using a table or desk and chair and where learning activities can be undertaken with minimal disruption.

• Students will follow online etiquette: Video Conferences are just like a normal classroom so the same expectations apply. Students are not to have their phones in their work space, they are to maintain respectful language and

respect the learning of others. Students will be dressed in school sports uniform for all Video Conferences. Video conferences are monitored.

• Students will complete all learning activities with diligence and sustained effort, whilst maintaining the highest standards of academic integrity.

• If students fail to complete tasks to the best of their ability, parent’s will be notified. This will also be reflected in their Semester One Report.

• If students require further clarification or assistance with tasks allocated, the first point of contact is your class teacher.

• Should a student be unable to complete their assigned online working due to sickness or approved leave, the following procedures apply:

Junior School• Leave of any kind: Notify

Gilson College Reception Office

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Senior School• Leave up to four days:

Talk to your Year Level Leader

• Leave of five or more days: These need to be directed to the Deputy Principal (Student Wellbeing - peter.egyed@gilson.vic.edu.au)

Parent RecommendationsParents you can provide

support for your children by:

• Establishing regular daily routines and ensuring that where possible, their regular timetable is followed.

• Reinforcing College expectations regarding completion of all learning activities.

• Monitor College communication through all digital platforms (Seqta Direct Message, Google Suite, Zoom, Email)

• Reinforce the importance of accessing online support from their teachers.

• Encourage regular

technology-free brain-breaks throughout the day.

• Contact the classroom teacher, Year Level Leader or HOD if students are unable to meet course requirements.

photos

ZOOM DRAMA CLASS

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Zoom Ground RulesNo chat while teacher

is talkingZoom from kitchen

or living roomBe on time

Mute yourself Turn on video Be prepared

Adult needs to bepresent

Raise your hand to talk Be respectful

Lucky Little Learners

Google Meet Ground RulesNo chat while teacher

is talkingZoom from kitchen

or living roomBe on time

Mute yourself Turn on video Be prepared

Adult needs to bepresent

Raise your hand to talk Be respectful

Lucky Little Learners

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CALENDAR 2020

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