Often when we hear the readings or the Gospel from Mass, there is something in them that is specifically pertinent for our lives at that moment in time. As churches and many workplaces (and schools) are locked down at the moment, there is a notion in both the second reading and Gospel this weekend that gives us hope. The Second Reading (Ephesians 2:13-18) begins with the phrase “In Christ Jesus, you that used to be so far apart from us have been brought very close”. The Gospel (Mark 6: 30-35) has the phrase “Then He said to them, ‘You must come away to some lonely place all by yourselves and rest for a while’.”

Both of these passages highlight the need sometimes for us to be away from others. At this moment in time, that need is for the safety and protection of those most medically vulnerable in our community and has been imposed upon us. Whilst in this isolation however, we should not assume that we are alone or that this is a lost opportunity. Over the last few assemblies and newsletters, I have spoken about the need for harmony in our lives but stressed the fact that harmony does not mean we give equal time to all aspects of our needs every day. Sometimes, we need to take more time in work and that should be balanced with more time in leisure at some other point in our week. We should also take time in prayer and silence to allow us to connect with God. As we endeavour to work during lockdown, it is essential that we use these principles to keep focussed. There will be opportunity and need for work and leisure as much now as at any other time. In reflecting back to the weekend’s readings however, we can take solace in the idea that as a people of Christ, we may be isolated but are never alone.

Today is the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. We would normally have celebrated this with a whole College Mass and distributed student awards. This would also have been shared with the OLMC Parish with their celebrations on the weekend. Unfortunately, we are not able to do this this year, but I ask us all to reflect on the way Mary lived her life and how we might replicate this in our lives. Happy Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

During the current remote learning phase, please be aware that students are expected to check in each morning with their Pastoral Advisors. These check-ins are a roll marking requirement but also an opportunity for teachers to keep a welfare check on how the students are managing. Students should check-in during the morning Pastoral period and then be available during normal lesson times. Further in this newsletter, Mr Huntly (the Pastoral and Well-being Coordinator) will include a guide of what things to watch for that may help parents support your children. Please feel free to contact the College if there is anything that you think we may need to be aware of or any advice we might be able to give to assist you. Students have access to google classrooms and are undertaking zooms and being notified through Compass regarding ongoing work. I ask that you speak with your child about how they are going and encourage them to contribute their best effort toward their work.

As you would be aware, there are a number of Zoom sessions that are occurring in different lessons to assist the students’ learning. These Zooms may not be every lesson and may only be for a portion of the lesson, however students have been informed of a number of expectations around these. Students will not be admitted to Zoom lessons if they do not identify themselves with their name. Students who attempt to log on using nicknames or false names will not be admitted to the lessons. Likewise, as in any face-to face lesson, any student who is deemed to be disrupting the learning of others due to inappropriate behaviour, will be evicted from the zoom. I ask parents to please discuss this with your child as they have already been given these instructions.

Once again, a very big thank you to the staff, students and parents for your flexibility and ongoing support during remote learning.