Dear Parents
I begin this newsletter by thanking our school community for the enormous effort that everyone is making amidst the difficult circumstances we find ourselves in. The challenges of Home-Based Learning are very real, more so for our younger students, not to mention those who are sitting the HSC this year. The duration of this lockdown is unknown and this creates further anxiety. I have attached an article, which was shared earlier this week, that outlines ways to “ride the waves of COVID-19", keeping a sense of calm in the family home. It is worth reading if you haven't done so yet.
HBL
To assist in making HBL sustainable, possibly for the next few weeks, I encourage you to make some choices for what is best for your family. Our teachers are providing a daily work schedule for all students. It ranges from 2-3 hours per day. Do not feel that it all needs to be completed. Prioritise the tasks for the day, or if needed, say no to work for that day. Do what is reasonable and look after your own wellbeing and that of your family. Remember, last year when we returned to school after lockdown, our students were back learning quite quickly without having missed much, except for their friends!
Our teachers are working around the clock with HBL, contacting families via phone calls, Zoom calls and marking work. This increased workload brings with it some added pressure, so I ask for your patience in waiting to hear back from the class teachers.
Supervision and Attendance
From Monday, our teachers will be spending more time working from home. This is in line with the government directive of reducing the need to travel. School will remain open for students that need to attend but also consider your need to travel. We will discontinue with the Google Form to indicate attendance for now however if you send your child(ren) to school, please arrive before 8.45am.
Some teachers may need to reschedule a Zoom call depending on their work arrangements. You will be informed this weekend of any change for next week.
Fee Relief
I remind you that fee relief is available to families affected by the latest COVID-19 lockdown. Details were sent home this week on how to apply for this. Please ring the school office if you need further advice.
This morning I was in a Zoom meeting with my colleagues, the Director of Schools and Bishop Anthony Randazzo. He conveyed his thoughts and prayers to all of us present and asked us to tell you that he is doing the same for our school communities. Again, I pray that the Lord watches over us and keeps us safe.
God bless,
Michael Gallagher
Principal
