As we launch home-based learning next week, we venture into a mode of teaching and learning very new to us all. This may present teachers and families with new challenges that at this stage are unforeseeable. From the outset, I ask for your patience and understanding as teachers and students adapt to this new format of education.

If there were one message to give to everyone, it would be that when it comes to home-based learning, do not worry about whether it is being done properly! Every family situation is different and every child learns differently. The most important thing to remember at this point is to look after our wellbeing and remain positive.

To address some possible challenges, we have put together some Q&A’s that teachers and parents have been asking. These are:

Q. Are we moving to video learning for the students? A. Not at this stage, but teachers are familiarising themselves with Zoom as a communication tool.

Q. What if my child is not getting all their work completed? A. Don’t worry! Let them do what they are can with encouragement and support.

Q. Will school still be open? A. Yes, but only for the children of essential workers (as advised by the state and federal governments).

Q. How do I deal with technical issues with HBL? A. Firstly, ensure that your home has the capacity to deal with the data needs. Secondly, when students need to log in to Google Classroom, they log in using their own profile. Any other issues can be directed to the school. 

We are expecting fewer children at school next week. Only send your child if you need to. Those at school will be doing their HBL in the classroom. Regular updates from school may become less frequent as we settle into a new routine but we will continue to keep you informed of important details as they come to hand.

As we move towards Holy Week, starting with Palm Sunday in nine days, we will not be celebrating gathered together as a Catholic community. We will be challenged to remember the suffering of Jesus on His way to the Cross in new ways. I encourage you to spend time during Holy Week and the Easter Season acknowledging the events in some way. It may be an opportunity to spend some time in prayer or meditation and to re-discover our relationship with God.

Once again, on behalf of all the school staff, I thank you for your support and flexibility during this transition period. I hope you all remain safe and healthy over the coming weeks and very much look forward to the time when we gather again as a faith-filled, loving community.

God bless you all and keep you safe.

   Michael Gallagher
   Principal