As we look to return to face-to-face teaching and emerge from the ACT’s Lockdown, it has been beneficial to reflect on the past nine weeks to recognise any positives to come from our situation. In my own life, positives have been my 5 year old daughter learning to ride, assisting one of my son’s with his difficulties in reading, lots of mountain biking, increased friendship connections within the suburb, enjoyment of table tennis, family movie nights, our garden looks wonderful and the vegetables will be amazing this year. In some ways, lockdown leads to a simpler, slower life pace, and one where a connection to God can be strengthened. Last Friday was the feast of Teresa of Avila. She established the Discalced Carmites (‘Discalced’ means shoeless and signified their commitment to poverty). She wrote much about contemplative prayer and was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1970.
A popular story describing her intimate relationship with God tells of one of her many journeys around Spain.
“The rivers were so high that the water in places covered everything, neither road nor the smallest footpath could be seen, only water everywhere, and two abysses on each side. It seemed foolish to advance in a carriage. Seeing the alarm of her companions, she turned to them and encouraged them, saying “as they were engaged in doing God’s work, how could they die in a better cause?” She then led the way on foot. The current was so strong that she lost her footing, and was on the point of being carried away when our Lord sustained her. “Oh, my Lord!” she exclaimed, with her usual loving familiarity, “when will you cease from scattering obstacles in our path?” “Do not complain, daughter,” the Divine Master answered, “for this is the way I treat My friends.” “Ah, Lord, it is also on that account that you have so few!” was her reply.
Through this little story we are reminded that we should bring everything to God.
Return to School Dates
Monday 25 October (Week 4) Year 6
Monday 1 November (Week 5) Years 4 and 5
Helping students to adjust back to face-to-face schooling
We know that students will be feeling a range of feelings as they prepare to return to the classroom with their teacher and friends. It is important to let children know that others may feel and react differently to them, and that this is okay. To ease adjustment, experts recommend that parents and teachers listen and observe, help children shift their focus, re-establish routines and communicate with each other.
Teachers will acknowledge with returning students that there is no ‘normal’ way to feel in this situation. We will bring patience, humour and flexibility. We will ensure students are informed of safety precautions and cleanliness expectations. Students will be encouraged to wear masks, although the decision to wear a mask is ultimately up to the discretion of parents and students. If you would like your son to wear a mask but fear he may not, please inform your son’s teacher. Please know we will do our utmost to ensure students feel comfortable choosing to wear a mask.
Teachers are preparing activities to acknowledge work completed during online learning and will then focus on things to look forward to for the remainder of the year. We will ensure school is predictable, with behavioural and academic expectations made clear. We will ensure there are plenty of opportunities for students to interact socially or during creative exercises such as drama, art and sport.
Semester Two Reports – Junior School teaching staff, including specialist teachers, have met and discussed how to approach assessment for this semester. All specialist teachers have agreed that they will be in a position to assess their subject (A-E). Class teachers will assess core subjects such as Mathematics, English, Science, Religion and HASS. Subjects such as The Arts, Health, etc. may need to be marked as not assessed for this semester. A general class comment will be provided but may not be as comprehensive as in previous semesters, due to limited face-to-face teaching and learning access.
David Kelly
Assistant Principal – Junior School