Dear Parents, Guardians and Caregivers

I hope everyone had a restful and rejuvenating break over the holidays.

The term did start well with students settling smoothly back into school routines.  As you know, when the lockdown was suspected, we sent home the Remote Learning Packs. The teachers explained to the students why we were doing this - just in case of a lockdown. The students responded very well. It speaks to their resilience and acceptance of the situation. I hope they are all doing well with their Remote Learning. The packs have two weeks worth of work in them (which hopefully won’t all be needed) - mostly in hard copies, with some online options. The teachers will direct the students to the work each school day through the videos and timetables on Seesaw. Please help your children look after their packs. The packs are expected to be brought back to school when we return. Thanks to all of you for supporting your children through these challenging times! We are most grateful to be working with such understanding parents!

Last weekend many Grade 6 students were to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation with Bishop Gregory Bennet officiating at the ceremony. Unfortunately this event has been postponed. Thanks to the parents, parish and school staff who have helped prepare the students for this event.

This coming weekend the Presentation Masses for the children who will receive First Holy Communion on the 24th or 25th of July, were supposed to occur. We will have to wait and see whether this Sacrament will also be postponed.  At the Presentation Masses, the children are asked to stand before the parish with a named Prayer Card. Parishioners are invited to select a child's card and pray for that child especially, as they prepare to receive this special Sacrament. I think this is a lovely tradition and I still recall the children I have been fortunate enough to pray for over the years. (One of whom encouraged me to keep praying for him over a whole year!)

Senior school staff have been working hard over the last few weeks in preparation for school camps. We did have intentions for the Grade 5 and 6 groups to attend a camp in Melbourne, on two separate dates. Staff spend a lot of time on these preparations in anticipation of the benefits the camp has for the students and we are disappointed that we will not be able to hold the Grade 5 camp as intended due to the current COVID situation and restrictions. The Grade 6 camp location is also still uncertain. Staff have found an alternative location for the Grade 5 camp and have been busy completing the substantial amount of paperwork involved. Information will be sent to parents once we have approval. We have not included these dates on the school calendar as yet, knowing that things could change. We apologise that therefore there is not much notice for these school events. However many other dates are on the calendar and I encourage parents to refer to the calendar to view upcoming events.    

We will inform you as soon as we have official notification of any changes to schooling through Operoo. Please be aware that we find out about lockdowns, restrictions etc. at the same time you do- through the press conferences. Then we have to wait to be informed through the official channels of the details.

Please stay safe and positive everyone!

Joanne Coldebella

Acting Principal