In these times of online learning and social distancing, the JSPA, like our fellow Carey Parent Associations, faces a significant challenge in maintaining a strong, vibrant and connected community. And, while building community is the primary role of the JSPA, we have an equally valuable role in representing our community.
One of the important objectives of the JSPA is to ‘discuss matters which affect the interests of students and families as required or initiated and, when considered desirable, to make recommendations to the Principal’. In recent weeks the JSPA Committee has been working together to identify what is working well with the online learning program and opportunities for improvement, together with general feedback about the School’s response to COVID-19. The feedback has been documented and presented to our Head of School, Libby Russell, and Principal, Jonathan Walter. Pleasingly, the School has been responsive to the feedback and we are seeing significant improvements with the online learning program this term. The JSPA would like to thank the school for being receptive to the feedback and for continuing to refine the program as the term progresses.
On Tuesday 21 April the JSPA Committee met for the first time since early February and we ventured into the space of online conferencing with Microsoft Teams. The School provided significant support to setup our group and to ensure that our first meeting was a great success. The meeting itself was very informative and the Committee had the opportunity to hear directly from Libby Russell, Steven Archibald (Information, Communication and Technology Manager), Julianne Brandon (Director of Community Engagement) and Jaci Newman (Classroom Teacher) amongst others. Additionally, the Committee discussed the JSPA Mothers Day Breakfast, scheduled for Thursday 7 May, which will still be going ahead but in a socially-distanced format. We look forward to celebrating Mothers Day with our Junior School community. More details will follow soon by email.
Community is at the heart of the JSPA and the Committee continues to work together looking for innovative ways to connect and represent our families. We always welcome feedback and suggestions by email at jspa@carey.com.au
JSPA Team
jspa@carey.com.au