Principal's Post

Dear Parents,

In a very unconventional educational environment, it is encouraging to see so many attempts to complete activities in a virtual space. The chess students are competing in various competitions, debating continues, subject selection interviews are being conducted, performing arts rehearsals are occurring and the sports department have organised a cross country challenge that is a competition that runs until the end of the term. An email was sent to parents acknowledging the complexities for teachers as they design tasks and activities that keep students engaged and have purposeful learning outcomes balanced against difficult circumstances families are trying to manage due to restrictions and lockdown.

We will be encouraging teachers to be creative and set open-ended tasks that will keep your sons engaged with their learning. Please do not hesitate to communicate to your son’s subject teacher if a task is making life difficult. They will negotiate, modify and if necessary/possible, make a task optional to accommodate the extraordinary circumstances that we are currently navigating.

Another activity that has continued remotely is the VCAA PESA (Plain English Speaking Award) that concludes with the state final on Friday. Mateo Acosta-Fernandez from Year 11 is competing in the final which is an outstanding accomplishment. Good luck Mateo.

Understandably we are receiving a range of materials and professional advice about well-being. Dr Justin Coulson is one of Australia's most trusted parenting experts with a PhD in Positive Psychology. On the evening of Wednesday, August 19th at 8pm he will be conducting a free online webinar for victorian parents of school-aged children.

Justin will be discussing real strategies that parents and children can rely on to not just survive but thrive – even in a far-too-long lock-down. They are simple ideas that parents can start on right away. Parents don’t need to attend the live webinar if they have other commitments. The recording of the webinar will be emailed to everyone who registers.

https://www.happyfamilies.com.au/freebies/lightening-the-lockdown-load/

During this time of subject selection please encourage your son to investigate the comprehensive list of resources available on MazCom in relation to careers. The resources are very useful for parents as well. I would like to thank Ms Vivian Seremetis for the amazing breadth of information that is now available to our families.

Finally, the student leadership have launched the Mission Action Term. Dylan’s letter to families acknowledged the generous support already received and the fact many families will find it difficult to contribute as they have in the past. He highlighted the work of the Oblates and the need for us to consider the plight of so many people impacted by COVID-19 and the importance of our connection to the Oblate Missions around the world. 

Yours sincerely,

Mr Tony Coghlan

Principal