Dear members of the Academy Community,

I am writing on behalf of Sr Mary this week whilst she takes a period of leave following a family bereavement. We send our best wishes to Sr Mary and her family and look forward to seeing her back at the College next week.

As we enter Week 4 of Term 1, I am very pleased to say that the year has continued to progress smoothly for all staff and students. There has been a very positive vibe each day with all in the community no doubt relishing the fact that we are back on campus. It is fantastic to see the students arriving with big smiles on their faces and chatting with teachers and other students throughout the course of the day.

Having said this, unfortunately COVID is still with us and it continues to have an impact on how we can operate. As you are aware, we have had to re-schedule the Year 7 Camp, the Year 7 BBQ & Mass as well as the Year 11 & 12 Reflection Days. The Opening College Mass, Assembly, Recognition of High Achievers and Investiture of Leaders were all amalgamated into one event and live-streamed into classrooms.

At the Academy safety of all in this community is our first priority along with the continuation of face to face learning and teaching.

Further to all COVID protocols and processes mentioned in our last newsletter, we have also distributed approximately 8000 RA Tests to staff and students over the last 3 weeks. We have not been informed at this stage what the protocols are beyond Week 4 of this term, but once we know we will inform all in the Academy community. We soon hope to see the back of COVID which will hopefully enable us to return to school operations as we knew them prior to March 2020.

At our recent Opening College Assembly & Investiture Mass, Yasmin Pitisano, College Justice Captain, addressed the College. I commend Yasmin on her speech.

iNFORMATION PAGE: inBrief

Please review/read the following headline information on our iNFORMATION page in detail, particularly College presentations to students on Child Safety.

STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS 2022

For the benefit of all members of the Academy Community, I thought it would valuable to briefly outline the strategic directions for Student Wellbeing and College Operation for 2022. More iNFORMATION

COLLEGE PHOTOS

Photo Catch-up date: Period1, Wednesday 2 March.

Was your daughter absent? Please read our COVIDsafe approach and Photo Catch-up date information. More iNFORMATION

ANAPHYLAXIS

Given that we have quite a few students here at the College who have anaphylaxis, we urge parents/guardians to take great care with what food products you provide your daughters. Importantly, students who have been diagnosed with anaphylaxis must have an EpiPen with them at all times and a spare Epipen should be handed into Student Reception. Please update yourself regarding excursions and Action Plans.

More iNFORMATION

CHILD SAFETY

Child safety continues to be a key focus for the College in 2022 and I would like to refer parents/guardians to the Child Safety Policy on the College website. Read more about how part of our approach is to engage all year levels with presentations on recognising and reporting abuse. More iNFORMATION

PARENT ASSOCIATION MEETING

Date: Monday 28 February 7pm via ZOOM

Approximately once per term, the Parents’ Association meet. It is an opportunity to actively participate in the ongoing partnership between the College, parents and students in our care. If you would like to attend, please email me directly at Sam.DiCamillo@academy.vic.edu.au by 9:00pm Friday 25 February.

More iNFORMATION

As always, please never hesitate to get in touch with me if you have any questions or concerns.

Mr Sam Di Camillo

Acting Principal

PRAYER

We pray God’s blessing on the coming school year; on our work, our dreams and our aspirations. May each of us be filled with a spirit of cooperation and may we share our gifts so that the very best may be achieved.

For our teachers – that they will be given the awareness, insight and patience to lead us to new paths of discovery. May they be free from stress and anxiety and may peace flow through their work.

For our families and friends who love and support us. Bless them for their patience and generosity and may bonds be strengthened through mutual openness and care.

We pray for those who doubt their abilities. May their fellow students always be at hand to encourage, support and offer practical help when and where it is needed.

We pray that this year will be one blessed with care, love and generosity. May bullying and struggles for power be seen by all as destructive to everyone involved and may we always seek to stand up for the rights and dignity of others.

Dear Lord, we place this school year with all its plans, hopes and dreams before you. Pour out your spirit on all our endeavours. Let us never be so rushed or pressed for time that we don’t have time for one other or to reach out to one another. In spite of study and commitments, may we all find the space to ponder what guides our thoughts and decisions each day.

Amen

Community

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