When schools returned earlier this term, teachers all around the region rejoiced and that was the case for Wallerawang Public School.
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"The smile on the faces of students said it all as they walked through a happy 'sea' of welcoming staff," principal Jenny Lamborn said.
Ms Lamborn said they had been on a significant journey over the past two months.
"What has certainly been reiterated to me daily is the resilience, adaptability, professionalism, dedication and cohesion of the staff across the school regardless of their role," she said.
"I have seen staff step up without question to ensure that regardless of the learning environment that every student in known, valued and cared for."
Ms Lamborn said that teachers have supported each other in developing online learning, using their knowledge and expertise.
"It has been a very rewarding and certainly proud time for me as a principal to watch the collaboration and consistency of practice," she said.
According to Ms Lamborn the school has continued to use the co-teaching model in planning nad modelling lessons.
"As teachers planned the unit together in stages they worked through the mini lesson recording observing lessons, modelling and mentoring," she said.
"We used this opportunity to build staff capacity in teaching and learning and technology skills, as we planned days and weeks successively using google classroom and through creating a YouTube channel."
Ms Lamborn said they have developed many skills that have and will continue to build their capacity as teachers and leaders.
"The school culture has certainly enhanced the way the transition occurred seamlessly," she said.
Support staff in classrooms and the office continued their roles to ensure the smooth running of the school and to prepare resources for lessons.
"The cleaning staff kept standards high and continue to do so, with regular cleaning of surfaces and equipment," she said.
On return to the school they have a rotations roster of cleaning staff and break times for classroom and playground cleaning.
"Outside cleaning includes all balls and equipment the students use including the play equipment," she said.
This is certainly a team effort.
- Jenny Lamborn
The NSW Government has announced a staged resumption of public school activities, including a return to school sports from Term 3.
Whilst Wallerawang Public School provided the learning from home opportunities the staff made sure to have regular communication with students and their families to support their well-being.
"At the end of last term the staff headed out in different directions delivering Easter eggs to our students and saying hello before the school holidays," she said.
"We have kept the school and wider updated with our social media posts including presenting our newsletter digitally."
Ms Lamborn said that as a staff cohort they were always thinking about how they could work with the school community to provide a safe and equitable learning environment.
"I value the way the staff have come together and thought about ways to support the smooth transition back to school reinforcing our school vision as a safe, respectful and responsible setting," she said.
"These all had a sense of fun and care as we demonstrated through our actions that the students are the centre of all that we do."
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