The start of a school year is usually accompanied by many events and tasks that need to be done. From carnivals to the College opening mass, photos, camps and more. Sometimes Term One feels so busy that there isn’t time to focus on our classwork! This year has been very different and many of these events have been changed or cancelled. The defining feature of Term One, 2022 seems to be the absence of students and staff as they are in isolation or test positive for Covid-19.
The main focus of our school is of course learning and teaching – no matter what is going on. With all this in mind, the key advice I have for students and families who find themselves isolating or with Covid-19 is to talk to us. Teachers, tutors and Heads of House are here to support all our students to achieve the very best they can this term, no matter their circumstances. Student Services need to know if students will be absent of course, but students themselves are encouraged to use Canvas to email their tutor or Head of House to let them know if they will be away, or are having any difficulty with completing and submitting work. Teachers are putting lessons on the class tasks pages of Canvas and if there is any confusion about these, or you are too unwell to complete them, let your teacher know.
Families can access Canvas. The parent portal is a vital source of information to be able to support students. If you have any issues accessing these, please be in touch with the College and we will help.
In terms of communication with the College, below is a reminder to parents and carers to utilise the order of communication with staff. The list of staff who lead areas of the College can be found on the College website in the contacts section. This process for communication for various matters is outlined below:
For Academic / Educational reasons such as assessment issues, homework, curriculum matters, classroom concerns:
- Classroom teacher or tutor
- Faculty Coordinator (Such as English, PDHPE, Science etc)
- Assistant Principal – Teaching and Learning
- Deputy Principal
- Principal
For Wellbeing and Pastoral matters such as uniform, grooming, behavioural concerns, wellbeing matters, health related matters:
- Tutor teacher
- Head of House of College Counsellor
- Assistant Principal – Wellbeing
- Deputy Principal
- Principal
Hopefully, in the coming weeks we will see Covid-19 case numbers settle and classrooms full again. Until then, please keep talking to us so we can support all our students to achieve their personal best this term.
Masks
The College has thus far provided masks for the students who forget to bring their masks, however there have been numerous students who are collecting a mask everyday or in some cases, a few times a day. Last week the College provided over 265 masks. This is not sustainable and also takes away the responsibility from the students to remember to bring their mask. As of today, the 14th February, students will be asked to pay $1 for a mask they collect from the front office. This money will then go towards the College Lenten appeal for Caritas.
If students do not have $1, their name will be recorded and they will be followed up.
A reminder for all our High School students that it is their responsibility to bring a mask to school and have one on their person at all times.
Anna Blore
Head of O’Brien House