As we come to the end of Week 4 of remote learning, I take the opportunity this week to thank the parents (and students) who have taken the opportunity over the last couple of weeks to offer feedback, both affirming and constructive, regarding our online learning processes. In the same way that students appreciate feedback on their progress, we appreciate the feedback in terms of the lessons and activities that are being left each day. 

One valuable tool for lesson delivery during remote learning is Zoom. Like any online platform, we have set a number of safety parameters in place to ensure Zoom remains an effective tool for worthwhile learning. Students are aware that we require them to have their name displayed on entry to a Zoom conversation, and to be conscious of their clothing, background and manners as they would in any learning environment. While copies of each zoom are recorded and stored under CEO safety guidelines, I would ask parents to remind their children that it is an offense to record or screenshot images or audio from Zoom lessons as consent cannot be obtained from student participants. This applies especially to any ongoing distribution of such recordings. 

As debate continues in the media regarding the impending return to class for Year 12 students, I have been in touch with both our bus companies (Busabout and Interline) in recent days in order to ascertain when they intend on recommencing regular bus services to and from the College (you may recall that these services were recently suspended). Unfortunately they have both explained that such decisions are made at Transport NSW level and they don’t have a return date as yet. Rest assured that we will inform you once we know ourselves. I must remind Year 12 students, especially those who may be onsite for major work preparations, that it is also a breach of the current health order to carpool with anyone beyond your immediate household members. 

Finally, another reminder that despite the overwhelming majority of students now working remotely for the time being, I would ask families to please continue following our COVID recording procedures, which include: 

• Informing the school immediately if your child is self-isolating or undergoing testing, and informing us of the result as soon as possible.

• Following sickness with flu-like symptoms, ensuring your child is free of symptoms and can present a negative COVID-19 test, before attending the College site for any reason.

All the best for the week ahead.

David Cloran
Assistant Principal