“I am with you always, to the very end of the time”.

Matthew 28:20

The Gospel from this weekend’s mass is sometimes referred to as the great commission. It is one of the points where we recognise Jesus’ authority and that it was given to the apostles to go out and preach His message. This authority has been directly carried down through the ages through the church but there is also an authority, or responsibility, for each of us to go out and spread the message of Jesus. The best way that we can spread this message is by our actions and our care for others. In our day to day activities, do we think and speak and act in the way Jesus would want? Do we look after the less fortunate and care for the sick? In our current times, we might ask the contemporary question to others “are you OK?”. These are living the message of Jesus and ensuring that He is with us to the end of time. 

Over the first three days of this week I emailed out a number of letters informing parents and students of our return to full time face to face teaching from Monday (May 25). In implementing this return, our intention is to encourage the students to build back into their normal routines as quickly as possible. Our timetable will revert to that used prior to the COVID crisis and staff will be aiming to provide all the benefits of face to face teaching as soon as possible. As previously stated in numerous media, teachers are only to provide lessons in one mode. This means that for students who are absent from school, our normal processes for providing work will resume. These students will be provided access to the work completed in class however, there will be no option for remote learning as occurred over the past few weeks. Students who are absent are expected to contact their teachers to ensure they are aware of the work completed in class. We will continue to provide all possible assistance to these students.

We have had a number of meetings and sought specific advice regarding sport, PDHPE practicals and playground expectations. At this stage, we have decided to continue the ban on playground games that require equipment (eg basketball and touch football) and all contact sports. These decisions will be reviewed as further health advice becomes available however, I ask students and parents to understand that your health is our priority and we are constantly working within the limits and resources we have. We will be encouraging students to be outside in fresh air and moving in these open spaces wherever possible.

Once again, a reminder that there have been some changes to our sick bay practices. Whilst the care and health of our students will always be paramount, we have been advised to remove the beds in sick bay as they pose a possible health threat. These beds have been replaced by vinyl wipeable chairs. I ask parents to be aware that whilst the College support staff are trained in first aid, they are not health care workers. Students who present to sick bay will be assessed as either needing to go home or able to return to class. Parents are asked to assist by collecting sick students when notified.

Amidst all this crisis, we have had some of our staff who will be beginning parental leave over the next few weeks. As a result of these, we have made three new appointments. I congratulate Ms Sarah Bowen who has been appointed Acting Sport Coordinator to replace Ms Tara Pontin, Mr Andre Daniels who will be our Transition and Pathways Specialist (TAPS, this used to be referred to as Careers) replacing Ms Kelly James and Mr Greg Lozelle Yr 11 Assistant Coordinator who replaces Mr Andrew Rees (the new Acting Year 8 Coordinator).

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 each weekend and join Bishop Brian online for the celebration of the Eucharist.

Mr Steve Lo Cascio