Principal's Report 

Dear Parents, 

Remote and flexible learning continues to challenge us all as we work our way through this current lockdown.  I know I have said this many times before, however it remains just as relevant this time as the first time - thank you!

The support we have received from parents, your understanding as we work through this together, and your unwavering support for your children through what must be very challenging times in each of your households has just been outstanding.  We have received many messages of thanks and support which keeps our spirits high also. This truly speaks to a community committed to working together for the best outcomes for our students, your children. 

Having been on-site for the majority of the lockdown, I have also witnessed many times over the care, compassion and patience of the staff as they support students in all manner of ways whilst simultaneously supporting their own children with home learning or working through issues relevant to their family. So my heartfelt thank you to the staff also. Their professionalism and dedication continue to inspire me, as I am sure it does you also.

Unfortunately this lockdown has meant some events planned for this term have had to be cancelled. Our camp, which was to happen last week, has been cancelled as has the catch-up swimming program which was cut short due to the last lockdown.  Refunds for both of these events will be processed in due course, and we appreciate your patience as we work our way through many hundreds of these. 

On a brighter note the Book Week incursion we had planned for this week will move to an online version so all of our students can still take part, albeit in a different format to what was originally planned.  Moving forward we will continue to plan events that stimulate and engage our students in their learning with the understanding that we may have to pivot and adapt to the ever changing COVID landscape. 

So, it is with fingers crossed that we hope for an end to this lockdown at the end of this week.  If that occurs, we look forward to having students back on-site as of Friday.  If that is not the case, we shall continue to adapt and support you and your children in this current format. Regardless, we shall communicate all updates via XUNO so please keep an eye out for that later this week. 

On behalf of all of the staff at Mackellar, stay safe and well and we look forward to seeing you when school does resume. 

Kind Regards, 

Simon McGlade

Principal