Term 2 Commencement- Curriculum and Fee Information

Monday April 6, 2020
 
Re: Curriculum and Fee Information for the Commencement of Term 2, 2020
 
To our Kindergarten families and staff,
 
The Diamond Creek Memorial Kindergarten Committee of Management (COM) and Service Director would like to provide an update to families and staff on the rapidly changing situation in relation to COVID-19.
 
The COM are working through the ‘Free Sessional Kindergarten Funding for Victorian Kids’ funding announced by the State Government over the weekend.  While we are still confirming specifics as they relate to 3 year old funding which is not covered at this time, we can confirm that we will not be charging 4 year old families fees from the week starting Monday April 13 until the end of Term 2. Extended hours for preschool will run as per usual with a flat rate of $25 (for pre-booked and casual for Term 2).There is no funding from government for extended hours so we are trying to keep the session viable and cost effective for families so we can continue this service.  
 
We will also be reflecting on how we can reduce fees for families whose children attend 3 year old kindergarten so we can ensure this is affordable for families. This is still an ongoing discussion point for Government. 
 
When and if there are updates to this from the Australian or State Government, we will share them with families. We are permitted to open for term 2 with priority being for children of essential workers (being anyone with a job) and carers. State and Federal Governments are still guiding us to stay home to reduce the spread.
 
We understand that there will be families who choose to keep their children at home as part of social distancing.  Our intention is to maintain their 4 year old enrolment so these children can return to their normal days when possible. We hope to distribute more information shortly in regards to 3 year old kindergarten.
 
To manage the requirements of both families and staff, we request families advise us of their intention to attend their enrolled sessions in Term 2 be it one day up to the three days (including which days) or if your child will be at home.  Please be assured any decision not to attend will in no way affect your children’s enrolment and learning at Diamond Creek Memorial Kindergarten.
 
Teachers have worked hard to ensure they can deliver a mix of face to face and remote learning. Remote learning being focused on being fun and easy on families with the overall objective being to keep children connected to each other, teachers and the kinder and local communities. Teachers have many ways to assess and monitor progress.  
 
We ask that all families advise Bron by email on diamond.creek.memorial.kin@kindergarten.vic.gov.au  by COB Wednesday April 8 of their intentions to attend and which days or if your child will remain home.  We hope to have more information shortly for 3 year old families so you can make a more informed decision financially.  
 
We would also like to take this opportunity to thank all our educating team who have and will be working under very challenging circumstances.  They have displayed commitment, dedication, enthusiasm combined with enormous amounts of innovation and patience.
 
For children who will be at home, we will ensure they are connected, learning and developing. This may come with other little challenges so educators will be available to support and work through these with families.  For families in attendance, there will be more health, hygiene and safety measures in place in Term 2 following the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) practice guidelines. Educators are focused on ensuring your children can attend kinder with excitement, to learn, having fun with peers and enjoying their childhood despite this hiccup.  
 
Warm regards
 
Shane Pike                                                     Bronwyn Joslyn
President                                                        Service Director/ Teacher
Committee of Management