Lake Illawarra High School

Dear Parents and Carers,

Following the confirmation of the extension to the lockdown for a further 4 weeks, I write again to offer support where possible and acknowledge the work that is being done at home during this period of ‘Remote Learning’. The pressures and stress of completing lessons on a ‘kitchen table’, which is so far away from the classroom, particularly for our year 12 students, is something we all need to work together to achieve. I can assure you that the staff here at Lake are doing their utmost in preparing their online delivery, making it as engaging as possible with as much online support that we can provide.

We have previously asked that students follow their regular timetable but with the new times of:

Period 1 - 9.00am – 9.30am
Period 2 – 9.45am – 10.15am
Period 3 – 11.00am – 11.30am
Period 4 – 11.45am – 12.15pm
Period 5 - 1.15pm – 1.45pm
Period 6 - 2.00pm – 2.30pm

Now that the lockdown has been extended, we are mindful of the increased anxiety and stress that this may cause for our students, staff and community and so in support we are introducing ‘Wellbeing Wednesday’. This will be an opportunity for our school community to take a break from traditional learning and spend some time looking after ourselves and each other. Each Wednesday there will be no new work set for Years 7-10. Instead we are asking our students to join our Wellbeing Google Classroom to complete activities to support their own wellbeing and mental health. Here you will find a range of activities promoting physical activity, creative thinking, self-care and connections with families and peers. There is also an information section for parents providing various supports for the entire family during these unsettling times. Students will have the opportunity to share what they are doing, with prizes and other rewards being distributed among our students.

The code to the classroom will be sent out via email, published on all students’ current classrooms and through our social media. If you cannot find this code or there is a problem with access, please contact the school. ‘Wellbeing Wednesday’ will start next Wednesday, 4th August -Week 4. (Week B on the students’ timetable). Year 11 and 12 will continue to have their normal timetabled lessons, but are encouraged to utilise the activities in the Wellbeing classroom during their free time.

As always if you have any concerns or need any support of any kind please contact us on 4296 3844.

Yours faithfully,

Tony Hicks
Principal
Lake Illawarra High