There has been a genuine sense of excitement and relief around the College this week following our successful return to face to face learning after a 17 week absence. Despite the great deal of work that had been invested over the past few weeks by many people in preparation for this return, the success of these efforts was always going to be dependent on the support we received from students and their parents, and for this, we are most grateful.

In speaking to a number of students throughout the course of the week, it is clear that the greatest COVID-safe adjustment has been with regards to the mandatory wearing of masks while indoors. I thank the students who have taken this adjustment in their stride by complying with this public health order mandate. As I mentioned to all students earlier in the week, their support of this, and other measures, has ensured that our collective focus can remain on supporting their transition back to school. 

Early this week, we received confirmation that there was to be a slight relaxing of the restrictions that are placed on sports. Fortunately, this means that for students in Years 7-10, a modified Tuesday sports program will be running again and Miss Bowen will be communicated specific details to all students in due course. This also means that we will be reverting to our normal Tuesday bell times as of this coming week. Secondly, the relaxing of this directive will also allow ball sports to recommence in each year group's respective outdoor grassed area from Monday. 

A reminder that in order to support the staggered departure of students in the afternoon, those who have class Period 6 in an odd numbered classroom in Week A of our College timetable, will leave their rooms at 3:05pm (and vice versa for Week B). As we are now entering Week A of the timetable, parents who pick up their children of an afternoon are encouraged to ask their child what classroom they are in during Period 6 each day in order to determine their dismissal time.  Students being picked up are asked to move directly to their waiting car, while students who are walking home will be asked to leave the College grounds as efficiently as possible. For those catching a bus, the separate waiting areas that were introduced this week for each year group will continue until further notice. 

Finally, I once again take the opportunity to remind families to please continue following our COVID recording procedures that have been in place for most of the pandemic, 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.

With thanks for your continued support,

David Cloran
Assistant Principal