The first part of this week’s Gospel (Mark 7: 1-8, 14-15, 21-23), has the pharisees asking Jesus about why the disciples do not follow the regulations regarding the washing of their hands. Whilst this specific regulation is quite topical at the moment, in the context of Jesus’ times it was more a question around why regulations were or were not important. Jesus’ answer was that what was in a person’s heart determined whether they were good people or not. Our beliefs and actions should be based on the values of love and community that is held basic to our Christian faith. Our actions of caring for one another spring from what is in our heart and how this might be translated into action. How we act to those around us, particularly in times of need should reflect these values of care and concern that come from our hearts.  

As many of you would be aware, today the Premier announced a number of new directives with regard to schools and school attendance during the pandemic. These announcements gave specific dates of return to school but were also somewhat dependant on health advice. Every parent/caregiver will receive a letter outlining our understanding of the new directives and the implications of these as far as we can determine. I hope that these letters will go out either today or Monday. As always, I thank all members of our community for the understanding you have shown to the unpredictable nature of our current situation and the way that we are trying to negotiate the best options for the students, staff and all our families. Please know that we will give information as we are able to get sufficient details.

Last Friday, the College held a ‘breathe day’ to enable students and staff to stop for a short moment and catch their breath in regards to school work. This was a recognition of the difficult situation that all are in with remote learning and the challenges in this to keep up to date. I have canvassed a number of our stakeholders to get feedback on how this was used and the potential benefits or disadvantages. The feedback was very strongly in favour of the day and how it gave students an opportunity to catch up on work or take a small moment to de-stress if they were already up to date. Given the latest announcements, it has been decided that a second ‘breathe day’ will occur in week 9 on Monday September 6. On this day, no zooms will occur, no new work will be set and students will not be required to check in at all with their teachers. Given the stress for Year 11 and 12 students, the exception for them will be that their teachers will again be available to be contacted on the day during their normal timetabled lessons for them to ask questions or seek assistance. I ask all members of the community to note this day and again to use it as an opportunity to catch up or ‘breathe’ and possibly allow for silence to be able to hear the message of our God.

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