I received word this morning from the Acting Director of Schools, Dr Tony Bracken, that from next Tuesday, the last three days of Term 1 will be classed as Pupil Free Days. This decision was agreed to by the NSW Government and Catholic Schools NSW. This means that Monday will be the last day for HBL. Teachers will be preparing for Term 2 on the remaining days. Children may continue to work on any tasks that have yet to be completed but the teachers will not be reviewing submitted work until next term.
 
As we get to the end of our first full week of home-based learning, we are hopefully getting into new routines that are making the experience as positive as can be for our children. It is not easy for parents to be working in this manner and not ideal for the children either. I read this article Focus on maths and literacy, and don't beat yourself up in Wednesday’s Sydney Morning Herald that discusses the challenges parents face with HBL. I was sent another article, Homeschooling is NOT the Same as Crisis Schooling that makes the point that parents are not home-schooling but rather, “crisis schooling”. An important fact to remember during this time.
 
As well as preparing daily schedules for the students, teachers have been making contact with families, checking on how learning is working for them at home. They are also responding to the work students are submitting. I emphasise at this stage that teachers are not expecting students to complete all tasks, but that they are attempting at least some of the tasks each day, to the best of their ability. If work is being submitted, then we know that students are working at home, and therefore “present” at school. We will be following up with families where no work is being submitted.
 
I would like to stress that in these challenging and “unchartered” times that everyone’s focus should be on the wellbeing and mental health of the children, parents, grandparents and teachers. We are all dealing with uncertainties around our own health, the financial challenges and how long this will last. I ask that you look out for the wellbeing of others as well as your own. Here is a support page Managing Your Mental Health Online During COVID-19 that gives tips and links on how to do this.
 
Teachers will be meeting next week to discuss HBL and ways in which we will adjust and improve its delivery and monitoring. This approach to teaching is not something any of the staff have ever trained for but have adapted to very quickly. I want to acknowledge their efforts once again and commend them on the quick turn-around on providing a daily schedule that the students and families can follow. I have had requests for work to be submitted at different times, for teachers to be streaming lessons and for extra work to be sent home. While we will be evaluating these requests next week, I am also conscious of the teachers’ workloads, reasonable work hours and the responsibilities to their own families. We will update you on any changes we make to HBL at the beginning of Term 2.
 
This Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week with Palm Sunday, the beginning of Jesus’ journey towards His death on Good Friday. The events of Holy Week and the Easter season are the most significant in the Church’s calendar. Please take time as a family to remember these events in some way, whether through prayer or making use of the resources provided. Fr Dave Austin has informed me that the Parish will be live broadcasting many of the Masses and liturgies. These will be available through the Parish Facebook page:
 
https://www.facebook.com/NorthHarbourCatholic/
 
I wish you and your families a safe, healthy and holy Easter break. I look forward to “seeing” you all next term.
 
God bless

Michael Gallagher
Principal