Last week I received a package of old photos for our school archives. They were from a teacher who had left the College 18 years ago and had been re-discovered during a lockdown decluttering project. Decluttering always gives us the space to breathe and to focus on living a simpler life.

This is not too dissimilar from the spirit of Lent. As reflected in our opening prayer, Lent invites us to live more simply, to make more space for God in our lives, and to reflect on how we might ‘be more, rather than always striving to have more’.

“Lent lasts for forty days and ends at Easter. It is a time for more simple living, thoughtful self-denial, reconciliation with God and others and a focus on the basics of our lives. It is a period for taking stock and, with that, an opportunity for a garage sale of the heart. Getting rid of the clutter leaves a bit of room in the soul to celebrate once again the death and resurrection of Jesus. The soul is a bit like the palate. It needs freshening up now and again so it can enjoy the different flavours life has to offer. Otherwise it becomes jaded and another Easter can come and go with nothing but the taste of chocolate.”

(Michael McGirr, Finding Go’s Traces)

Thank You

Much can happen in two weeks! Since our last newsletter, we have navigated the five day lockdown, a brief return to remote and flexible learning, and a successful return to school.

I’d like to thank staff, students and families for all that each of you did to ensure that learning continued seamlessly, as we once again transitioned between onsite and offsite learning. Your humour, resilience, adaptability and ability to remain positive in uncertain times is remarkable.

Congratulations to all our Year 7 students. Despite being only in their third week at the College, they showed great skills in adapting to learning from home. I know that their teachers were thrilled with their responsibility, independence and maturity.

Unfortunately, the lockdown and changed COVID restrictions has seen the postponement of the Year 7 Activity Day, School Photos, our Opening Mass and the Year 7 Family Nights. All will be re-scheduled once restrictions are eased on Friday.

Inter-house Swimming Carnival

Arrangements have been finalised for the 2021 Inter-house swimming carnival which will be held at the Sunshine Pool on Thursday 05 March, 2021. Families are asked to ensure that they have read the excursion letter and completed the permission form on PAM.

Students will be travelling to and from the pool by bus. School will start and finish at the normal times.

Farewell

Earlier this week we farewelled Mr Jeremy Ly who has worked at the College for three years as a Learning Support Officer and Sports Assistant whilst completing his teaching qualification. Jeremy contributed much to the life of our school community, especially in his work with the House Captains, in organising both lunchtime and afterschool activities, and in the support he gave to students in class.

Whilst we are sad that Jeremy is leaving, we are delighted that he will be taking up a teaching position at CRC Melton, and wish him well as he begins his new career.

School ‘drop off’ and ‘pick up’

As is the case with most schools, the streets around the College and Sacred Heart primary school are congested at these times. Our first concern is always everyone’s safety and we ask families to take care when collecting or dropping off students.

Please ensure that your child uses the school crossings and that you do not double park or park in no standing places. Council officers regularly blitz the area around the school. At times, parents parked on the west side of Theodore Street call their children to just cross the road, rather than using the crossing. This is unsafe.

We would advise families to drop off and pick up on Arthur Street rather than Theodore Street as it is less congested.

Since our last newsletter…..

One of the real positives over the last few weeks has been the return of clubs, lunchtime and afterschool activities. Sadly, these were missing from our school experience for much of last year due to COVID restrictions.

• Auditions for the school production (Little Shop of Horrors)
• Choir Practice
• Badminton Club
• Volleyball Club
• Soccer Club
• Basketball Club
• Otaku Club
• Year 7 & 8 Dodgeball Competition
• Interschool Swimming Tryouts
• Community Garden
• Design a T shirt competition

I am sure that students and their families are very appreciative of all these opportunities and the time and energy that staff put into organising and offering these experiences.

Christina Utri, Principal