COVID-19 – 12 November UPDATE 1

Dear Parents and Carers,

I write to thank you for your continued support and encouragement as we complete our first full week back onsite for our students and staff.

It has been a very busy week, as both staff and students come to terms with the new ‘normal’ and all the associated and ever-changing COVID-19 protocols and restrictions. Hand sanitising has become a standard practice. Daily mask wearing has its complications. Our College staff have ongoing conversations with the students about the expectation that they physically distance. While challenging in a school environment, it is heartening to know that, as parents/carers, you are echoing these same sentiments. Your support with these simple measures helps in the protection of the entire community.

It is pleasing to note that our students are engaging with their teachers, catching up with their peers and reconnecting with their learning. Classes are settled and there is a productive energy about the College as our students make the most of this opportunity to be learning face-to-face again. As a College we are working tirelessly to ensure that our Year 12 Celebration and Reflection Day is as meaningful and positive as it can be. This is particularly challenging as COVID-19 restrictions continue to change and evolve.

It is important to note that, as a College, we are subject to the restrictions put in place by the State Government and Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS). As a result, we are not always able to pivot as quickly as we would like to modify events, even though community expectations change. As you would appreciate, we live in challenging times and so your ongoing understanding is greatly appreciated.

As we move towards the end of 2021, it is important to remember that, although we are out of lockdown and our world is opening up, the pandemic is not yet over.

As a College, we have arrived at this point by staying united. We have all worked hard to be kind to one another. It is one of the things that makes us such a strong community. At our heart, we look after one another. As Mary MacKillop said in 1873, ‘Bear with one another, help one another.’

God bless.

Kind Regards,
Rory Kennedy
Principal