Winter can sometimes be a hard slog. The days are short, and it is often cold, bleak and wet. For many, this winter is particularly tough as we spend it in isolation, apart from family and friends, surrounded by the worrying rise of coronavirus cases in our community.

Yet, winter also has its own rhythm and beauty. It is a time for burrowing in, battening down and buttoning up. It is a time for reflection and contemplation. Winter gathers us in and holds us tight as we wait for spring, the season of hope and new life.

Around the school, we are just beginning to see the very early signs of spring – tiny signs of hope. Not only are the days a little longer, the first wattle blossom has appeared in the Jubilee garden, plovers are nesting in the grounds, and the first daffodils from our community garden were in the staffroom this morning. All are reminders that whilst things may seem a little bleak now, we hope that soon ‘all shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.’ (Julian of Norwich)

Masks and Temperature Checks

As indicated in the updates that have previously been sent out, all students and staff who are working on site need to wear masks and to have their temperature checked on arrival.

We are all getting used to working in masks. On the first day, it was a little awkward, a little uncomfortable but it seems ‘normal’ very quickly. It is a little thing to do, if it keeps everyone well.

Yesterday, the Premier, Mr Andrews, spoke about each of us doing the one percenters; staying home, social distancing, good hand hygiene and wearing masks. The idea of the one percenters is often used in sport. Winning is a team effort, it is about getting lots of little things right. I encourage everyone to do their bit.

Student Leaders

On Thursday some of our student leaders attended the virtual staff briefing to give an update on their work at the moment. The energy, enthusiasm and ideas of this team are amazing. As well as planning for next week’s online school assembly, they are preparing a fortnightly College podcast, offering a peer support program and have developed a weekly wellbeing focus.

Today, a group of student leaders are meeting with our local Member of Parliament, Natalie Suleyman MP, to discuss a range of issues impacting young people and the local community at this time.

I thank all our leaders, Ms Kristy Liberatore and Mr Quinn for what they are doing to keep us connected and engaged during this time of remote and flexible learning.

Reports

Semester 1 reports are now available on the Parent Access Module (PAM). Letters with the parent / carer user name and password have been sent to all families. If you have not received this, please contact the school office.

Student Parent Teacher Interviews

Student Parent Teacher interviews will take place on Thursday 6^th August, from 9am – 6pm. Due to the current situation with COVID-19 the meetings will take place online via Whereby.

Online bookings for the interviews open on Monday 27 July and close Friday 31 July. You will need to set aside about 20 minutes for the interview.

Planning for 2021

A key task of Term 3 is for students to select their courses for next year. Year 10 students are planning their VCE / VCAL programs, Years 8 and 9 students are choosing their electives for 2021. This work is supported by pastoral care teachers at each level, and is a key focus of the daily homeroom and weekly pastoral care lesson. To ensure sound decisions, we encourage all students to participate fully in this work.

Course planning in an online world is quite challenging as there is a good deal of information to absorb and discuss. Year 10 families have received information from Sydenham about the very extensive program they have put in place to support students and families. We have also included this with the newsletter.         

Newsletter

In term 3 the newsletter will continue to be published online only. Families will receive a sms with a link to the newsletter, and students will receive the newsletter by email.

Newsletter Days for Term 3 2020:             

Fridays:                 07 August     21 August     04 September     18 September

The newsletter can always be accessed on the College website at http://www.crcstalbans.catholic.edu.au