I understand that it is with a sense of anticipation that we prepare to commence our gradual return to classes over the next week and, hopefully, the return to our regular lessons and routines in the not too distant future. The past 6 weeks have provided many challenges for parents, staff and students as we have each adapted to a new mode of online education. I once again thank all members of our community for their support in dealing with these challenges and for your ongoing support in the weeks and months ahead. 

As has been outlined by Mr Lo Cascio, while the online delivery of lesson activities will continue for the immediate future, it is hoped that the invitation for students to return to the College on specific days from next week will serve as a gradual and important reintroduction to school routine, the classroom environment and, of course, the social interactions that many students have missed in recent weeks. Notwithstanding this, I also take the opportunity to stress the importance of following current government advice with regards to keeping students at home if they are experiencing even the slightest evidence of flu-like symptoms. As I mentioned in last week’s newsletter, the College will be adopting a range of protocols to continue supporting the health and wellbeing of all members of our community, however, keeping students who may be unwell from attending is one very practical way that families can support these efforts. 

Given the time that has passed since most students were onsite at the College, I take the opportunity to reinforce the messages that have been communicated to students over the past week by Mr Huntly and the respective Year Coordinators. While we understand that some families have had difficulties obtaining aspects of the winter uniform over the past few weeks, College expectations with regards to haircuts, shaving, jewellery, mobile phones and all behavioural expectations will recommence from Monday. Given the time that we have had away in recent weeks, it is everyone's preference that our energy is directed towards teaching and learning as opposed to these other issues that can detract from our core purpose. I ask all parents and students to be familiar with our expectations as outlined in the College diary and support the College in adhering to them. 

Finally, I ask all parents and carers to be aware that while we have often encouraged students and families to refer to the College diary as a reference point for significant College events such as excursions, assemblies and liturgical celebrations, as we commence our return to onsite learning, it is important to note that restrictions still exist in relation to large gatherings and non-essential travel. To this end, a large number of events that have previously been published have now been cancelled or postponed. For this reason, I would ask students and parents to refer to the College calendar on Compass as a more reliable source of information regarding College events. 

Wishing all the mothers in our community a happy Mother's Day and I look forward to having students return to the College from Monday.

Best wishes,

David Cloran
Assistant Principal