Dear Parents and Carers

I am guessing that like me, you were sitting on the edge of your seat on Tuesday waiting for a decision regarding the continuation of the Lockdown. Although the news was not surprising it was nevertheless disappointing. It is however important to remember that the Chief Health Officer has made this decision based on what is known about the COVID-19 outbreak in our community.

If you missed the news regarding school resumptions, in short the following applies: 

• Remote Learning will continue for all students from Kindergarten to Year 10 during the first four weeks of Term 4. For these year levels, the Government advises they will continue to work on plans for a phased return to school over the coming weeks.
• Year 12 students will return to on-campus learning from the start of Term 4, which begins on Tuesday 5 October.
• The intent is for Year 11 students to return to on-campus learning from Week 3 (Monday 18 October), as long as health conditions hold.

I know for a fact that the single biggest sacrifice during remote learning for children is not seeing and interacting regularly with their classmates. I am sure you have recognised that many of the teachers have built in chat time before meetings to help children in this regard. Hopefully it has provided some small compensation.

In this regard please remember the most important thing you can do is support your child’s wellbeing. Keep in mind that children can express their feelings in many ways. I encourage you during the break to speak openly with your children about how they are feeling.

If your child requires extra help and assistance, counselling is available through CatholicCare. To access the service, a booking request may be made by contacting (02) 6162 6100.

You can also keep up to date with the latest health information and advice on the ACT’s COVID-19 website www.covid19.act.gov.au

I know many of our teachers have sought feedback regarding how their remote learning program is being received in your home. Please continue to make contact with the school if you have any concerns.

Finally on behalf of the staff I would like to thank you for your many kind expressions of support and thanks during the past five weeks.

Whilst I appreciate that limitations will continue for the foreseeable future I hope your family is able to spend some time together relaxing during the upcoming school holidays.

If circumstances change during the holiday period we will communicate these changes to you via our normal communication channels.

May God bless you and your families

Graham Pollard

Principal

Happy birthday wishes to Isabella B, Finn P, Samson N, Finlay R, Caitlin M, Delaney I, Henry P, who recently celebrated birthdays.