Easter has traditionally been a time of great sorrow and great joy for Christians over the past two millennia. Following the sadness and pain of the torture and death of Jesus Christ on Good Friday, we experience a time of mourning and ‘nothingness’ on Easter Saturday followed by the exhilaration of the Resurrection on Easter Sunday. It is this rollercoaster of emotions that often reflects the normal experiences that occur in our everyday lives. Christians are often referred to as an “Easter peoples” which reflects on our basic belief in the value of hope. This hope is based in the knowledge that following Jesus Christ will lead to certain salvation and a better future. In our current time of uncertainty and difficulty, let us always be comforted by our faith in the Easter miracle and the hope that accompanies it. 

Over the last week or so, I have emailed out a number of letters from myself and the Director of Education in Wollongong, Mr Peter Hill. These letters have been designed to provide clear communication and share as much information as we have, regarding the ongoing education of your children. 

For the start of Term 2 we will be continuing remote learning for all students. This means that whilst students will be provided supervision if they need to attend school, all lessons will continue to be delivered online. 

We will also be recording attendance in a specific way following the latest advice from the Catholic Education Office. Students who physically attend the College, will be recorded as ‘present’ on our roles. Students who are working remotely will be required to ‘check in’ with their Pastoral Advisor each day. These students will be recorded as ‘flexible’. ‘Flexible’ attendance students will still be considered as attending school each day and so will not require any further explanation from parents. Students who are sick and cannot complete work or do not check in with their Pastoral Advisor, will be recorded as absent and will need a parental explanation. This process will be included again later in this newsletter. As we become aware of any new information or changes to advice from the government, NESA or Catholic Schools NSW, we will inform you as soon as possible. 

As a result of Coronavirus restrictions, public masses have been cancelled around the country Bishop Brian Mascord has launched a YouTube channel where the faithful can watch him celebrate mass with us, and on our behalf. The link to this mass is here. Please log into this site over the Easter weekend and join Bishop Brian online for the celebration of the Eucharist. 

Parents of all year groups, except for Year 11, will have received a notification that reports have been electronically released today via the Compass portall. I encourage parents to log on and access these reports and discuss them with your child in order to support improvements.

Once again, as we approach the Term 1 holidays, I would like to remind students and parents of the importance of taking a break and spending fruitful time together. Where the opportunity arises, take time to read together, play and pray together and just spend quality time talking. Our staff will also be encouraged to take their normal breaks over the term 1 holiday. 

Thank you all for your understanding and support particularly over the past few weeks. I wish you all a happy, holy and relaxing Easter.

Mr Steve Lo Cascio