PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

In this edition, our focus is all about excellence and wellbeing in our college community. Young people are more likely to thrive and succeed in a school that demonstrates kindness, integrity and understanding as well as care for the whole person. Indeed wellbeing, culture, assessment, reporting and teaching excellence are at the core of who we are as a college. I hope you enjoy reading about how we celebrate our students’ successes.

WELLBEING MATTERS

During Catholic Education Week we reflect on the theme of Listen to what the Spirit is saying. R U OK? Day reminds us to check in on our self-care and the care of others. We hope everyone is doing okay, all things considered! Our plan was to send out a big email this week announcing the re-commencement of classes next week, but unfortunately that is not happening just yet. The numbers are going in the right direction, so let’s get through this and hopefully we will not have to go into another lockdown. We are certainly looking forward to seeing everyone in the near future.

The following resources draw on collective support interweaving our Catholic tradition, our health and safety.

The graphic below is by Lauren Haeusler (St Mary’s Primary School, Hamilton)

SUMMARY OF STEPS TOWARDS COVID NORMAL

VICTORIA'S ROAD MAP FOR REOPENING - SCHOOLING IN REGIONAL VICTORIA

The Victorian Government has released its plan for easing coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions. It includes the following decisions about school operations.

All schools will continue to provide remote and flexible learning for the remainder of Term 3, except specialist schools in rural and regional Victoria, consistent with current settings.

These changes remain subject to the advice of Victoria’s Chief Health Officer.

October 5 to 9 (first week of Term 4)

Remote and flexible learning will continue for all students, except in specialist schools in rural and regional Victoria. VCE and VCAL students can only attend on-site for essential assessments during this week, including the General Achievement Test (GAT) on Wednesday October 7.

On-site supervision for children of eligible workers and vulnerable students will continue to be provided consistent with existing guidelines.

From October 12

Schools in rural and regional Victoria

All students (from Prep to Year 12) return to full-time on-site schooling by Friday October 16. Schools can stage the return of different year levels as appropriate during this week. At this point in time, St Joseph's College is planning to welcome all students back on Monday October 12. If there are any changes to this, it will be based on the advice of Victoria's Chief Health Officer.

God bless

Mrs Marg Blythman