The Fountain

From the Acting Principal

Welcome to Term 3

A warm welcome to Term 3 (Semester 2), especially to our new students and families who are joining our Presentation community. We have enjoyed a positive start to the term with the Learning Conferences, which were held on Monday 25 July. The conversations, which involved students, parents/carers and teachers, were an important opportunity for students to establish new learning goals as they embrace the next 10 weeks. 

 

Term 3 is a critical time when student learning is consolidated and extended. For our Year 11 and 12 students, it marks their final 10 weeks of classes before they prepare for their end-of-year exams. All students are encouraged to start the term well, with commitment, purpose and respect for one another. 

Term 2 wrap-up

At the beginning of a new semester, it is always natural to look ahead for upcoming events. I would like to acknowledge several significant events that occurred in the final week of Term 2, including NAIDOC Week. 

 

This year's NAIDOC Week theme, 'Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!', was a call to action to bring about systemic change. All Australians were urged to get involved, not only during NAIDOC Week, but as it applies all year round, and to learn about First Nations cultures and histories, and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth. 

 

Thank you to Catherine Sandric for organising a number of gatherings across the College during NAIDOC Week.

The inaugural Year 7 Pillars program was a huge success with each House group enjoying the opportunity to get to know one another through a range of activities underpinned by the Presentation values. 

 

Many thanks to the students for their enthusiasm, and to the staff, especially Oliva Stephen, Sam Jarvis and Kath Webb who shaped the program, an important experience in the Year 7 students’ journey. 

Nanovision was the perfect way to celebrate the final day of term for the Senior students with an amazing showcase of talent on display. There is no doubt that we are educating strong, passionate and confident young people. The House spirit was electric with Nagle taking the honours. 

 

Many thanks to Kate Lakos for her organisation along with our MCs, Amelia Howell and Holly Sice. 

COVID-19 update 

We must all continue to be vigilant, aware and responsive to any COVID-19 symptoms and uphold Tasmanian Health protocols regarding COVID-19 infection. 

 

Masks can be worn by students and staff as they wish, although it is not mandated by Tasmanian Health or required by the College, unless you are a close contact to a person at home who has COVID-19. Students who are close contacts are required to test every day. They are expected to attend school unless they are symptomatic, and to wear a face mask (if 12 years and older) in indoor settings when outside their home. 

 

Students who test positive to COVID-19 are required to advise the College accordingly and adhere to the following steps: 

  • Isolate for a minimum of 7 days, provided outside the 28-day reinfection exclusion period.
  • Isolate for a further 3 days if they still have symptoms on day 7.
  • Register the positive result with Public Health using their online declaration form or phone the Public Health Hotline 1800 671 738 (if tested positive using a rapid antigen test).
  • Notify household close contacts of the need to observe close contact requirements when leaving their homes.  

The reinfection exclusion period has been reduced from 12 weeks to 28 days. This means that people who experience COVID-19 symptoms within 28 days following their release from isolation do not need to test and isolate for seven days.

 

Most importantly, we ask that students do not come to school if they are unwell. Hygiene is critical. Students will be regularly reminded about personal hygiene and cough/sneeze etiquette.

Uniform reminder

As students return to school this week, we request that they wear their uniform with pride and ensure that College standards are upheld as per our policy, which is available to view on the College website here.

Staff news

We would like to extend a warm welcome to the following staff who are joining us this term: 

Marion Mundana – Senior English Teacher

Christine Cook – Year 3 Class Teacher

Grace Siggars – Teacher Assistant

 

At the end of Term 2, we farewelled Maddie Botte, Junior School Class Teacher, and wish her well with her future endeavours.

 

Caroline Wilson-Haffenden 

Acting Principal