This week has seen a further easing of COVID-19 restrictions with the first of our year group gatherings taking place since we entered into remote learning towards the end of Term One. Furthermore, despite what has been a rather cold and wet week, it has been pleasing to see the courts and ovals at the College once again becoming a hive of activity as an increasing number of students take advantage of the reintroduction of activities that involve the use of sporting equipment at recess and lunch times.

While the threat of a COVID-19 infection has certainly eased since the beginning of the pandemic, it has become necessary for schools to develop procedures for responding to a positive case in the unlikely event that this may occur. Earlier this week, the College circulated a Compass alert that invited parents to give pre-approval for their child/ren to be dismissed from the College to make their own way home prior to our normal finishing time should we be informed of a positive case. If this were to occur, students who have been given this pre-approval would be invited to leave the College grounds at the earliest possible opportunity. For those without pre-approval, parents would still be able to collect them in person, or of course they would be permitted to remain supervised on site until the end of the scheduled conclusion of the school day. For parents who are yet to give their pre-approval and would like to, please visit your Compass Events page to give your consent. 

This coming Thursday is our annual College Photo Day. Photo envelopes were distributed during the week and I remind families that should you wish to purchase the images taken on the day, you are required to bring the envelopes in on Thursday and hand them directly to the photographer. Please do not hand them in at the front office or to your Pastoral Adviser. Siblings who would like their photo taken together may do so at recess, however, you are required to collect a ‘Sibling Envelope’ from the front office prior to Thursday so that these can be ordered in advance. 

Earlier this week, the Catholic Education Office further clarified their stance on the requirement of students to seek medical clearance after being away from school due to being unwell. Please note that this expectation for medical clearance applies if a student is absent following an illness that includes flu-like symptoms including fever, cough, sore/scratchy throat and shortness of breath. Again, if a student is tested for COVID-19, we ask that you inform the College as a matter of priority once the test is requested, and again once the result is returned. I thank all members of our community for their attention to this important process.