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| Dear Parents and Guardians At the risk of information overload, I will attempt to cover those points pertinent to school opening that may not have been sent or need to be emphasised in this newsletter. To put things in context, Mrs Frayne sent out her newsletter, Principal’s Perspective on Tuesday. This was followed up by a BlueSky information letter from me detailing preparatory School information. Most teachers have sent further individual class information to parents about class specific detail. Today you will also receive two further documents from me via BlueSky: class protocol for IP girls, (sent to the girls as well) and Parent information for FP drop off and pick up. The former document will form the basis of student training in classes and will be accompanied by a power point presentation. The FP girls will have already seen their child friendly video of morning procedures in which the teachers have role played the drop off. To date, certain Grades have been able to join Mrs Frayne, Dr Siegfried and me for a Q and A session. There are more meetings arranged for later today. I have also met all the CLP parents and answered questions posed by the class. No doubt there are more, so please do not hesitate to contact me next week. As we prepare for the staggered opening of schools, we are all understandably anxious. The School has worked hard and efficiently to ensure that the necessary protocols are in place, communication is clear and the campus and classrooms ready in line with health and safety requirements. This is the “hardware”. What I consider equally, if not more important, is the “software”- our attitude to the girls when they return ensuring that we provide a secure atmosphere where they feel safe and held. We do not worry about the academic progress we have made. It is phenomenal. We do worry about their mental health and how they will react to the new measures in place and wearing masks. There is at present no successful model to which we can aspire. We are setting the bar and I have no doubt that we will be able to hold your girls both mentally and physically during this time. Mrs Anne Cawood, well known author of a series of books on children, child counsellor and former school counsellor, has prepared a talk for St Cyprian’s parents about returning to school. Please click on the link to access her ten-minute presentation. I do hope it will be helpful to you as you prepare your girls at home.  A few final reminders:
On a lighter note, life goes on during a crisis. Last night we welcomed Mrs Phillips’ four-kilogram baby daughter, Charlie, into the world. We congratulate the family and wish them much joy. As Mrs Phillips pressed her “send” button on her computer for the pupil comments, her waters broke! Well done on planning your class work so well. Mrs Evans is the new class teacher and has been with the girls for the last two weeks.  In the cycle of life we also send our deep condolences to Ms Lynne Reagan in the Sports Department who lost her precious mother earlier this week. Finally, the teachers cannot wait to see those girls returning to school. Many have warned that it will be an emotional experience that may include a few tears. We are equally aware of those girls who are staying at home, some to protect vulnerable family members. We will nurture them and not forget their mixed emotions as they join us. Please do not forget to join our nation as we prepare for a National Day of Prayer on Sunday. If any school has the resources and capability to open successfully on Monday, it is St Cyprian’s, and for that we need to give thanks. Warm regards, Carol te Water |
