Newsletter

Principal's Report 

Reconciliation Week 

As we take the first steps in our journey back to normal life and routines which gives us great comfort and security we remember the ongoing journey of recognition and reconciliation for the  first people of Australia as they continue their struggle to find their place of identity and justice within our shared world. Provided by our Presentation Sisters I attach for your consideration their reflections on reconciliation.   

 

Reconciliation is a journey for all Australians – as individuals, families, communities, organisations and importantly as a nation. At the heart of this journey are relationships between the broader Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

We strive towards a more just, equitable nation by championing unity and mutual respect as we come together and connect with one another. 

 

On this journey, Australians are all In This Together; every one of us has a role to play when it comes to reconciliation, and in playing our part we collectively build relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories and cultures. 

 

What is National Reconciliation Week? 

27 May – 3 June 

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. 

 

The dates for NRW remain the same each year; 27 May to 3 June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively. 

 

Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

VCE Students Return

Our senior students returned on Tuesday the 26th of May with a smile on their face and a genuine appreciation of being back at school with their teachers and friends. At our Virtual Assembly, this week we outlined to them the important role they will play in emphasising our new protocols around social distancing and hygiene with our younger students when they return on the 10th of June. 

 

I outline below for our parents some of the key points that our Year 7-10 students should be aware of as they transition back to school: 

  • ensure unwell students stay away from school
  • restrictions on access to the school site for anyone other than immediate school staff and students
  • students must have their own water bottle as the drink taps are not available
  • school camps and excursions have been postponed for Terms 2 & 3
  • all students should undertake regular hand hygiene, particularly on arrival to school, before and after eating, after blowing their nose, coughing, sneezing or using the toilet.
  • students experiencing symptoms compatible with COVID-19, such as fever, cough or sore throat, will be isolated in sick bay with suitable supervision and collected by a parent/carer as soon as possible. It is not suitable for an unwell student to travel home unsupervised.

I thank our families for their ongoing support of these important measures to keep all member of our community safe. 

 

Virtual Careers Expo

 

Our Careers Advice and Subject Selection Evening “The Futures Expo” will become a virtual event in early Term 3. Pathways Co-ordinator Ms Leana Bailey is developing a SEQTA careers space to bring all the online University and TAFE resources to one platform for ease of access for families and students. This resource will be readily available for all students from Term 3 to assist our Year 12 students in their choice of post-school pathways and our Year 8-11 students in their choice of subjects for the 2021 school year. More information on access to the Virtual Expo scheduled for July 29 will be sent home to families by the end of Term 2. 

YuberEats

Our VCAL and VET students understand the hard work our staff at St John’s Regional College have been doing behind the scenes to make sure that the learning of all our students has run smoothly whilst in isolation. To show their appreciation and gratitude, VCAL has collaborated with the VET Hospitality Team to produce an assortment of “made to order” treats and to deliver them directly to desks around the College. Students prepared and delivered to staff 70 coffees and 58 pieces of freshly baked product.  

 

The feedback from staff outline in our Community News section speaks for itself. Well done to our VCAL volunteers and VET Hospitality Team led by Mr Justin Summons and Mr Kees Van der Laan, the St Mary’s staff and our Hospitality Team members, Karla and Sally, for their assistance with this VCAL task – an amazing initiative put together in a matter of days has brought a smile to some very happy staff! 

Enrolment Interviews for 2021 

Next week our senior leadership team will begin interviewing our New Year 7 2021 students and their families. Due to COVID19 our enrolment tours and information evenings have shifted to an online forum and virtual tour conducted via Zoom video conferencing technology. Families interested in enrolment for Year 7 2021 & 2022 should book an online forum and virtual tour via the school website. Detailed enrolment information is available on the school website or by contacting our Enrolment Registrar Ms Symone Goodwin on 8793 2000. 

Report Writing Day – June 9 & Parent Teacher Interviews - July 13

A school closure day will take place on June 9 to allow teaching staff to complete Semester One reports. The Department of Education and Catholic Education Commission have recognised that due to remote learning all schools have revised teaching and learning plans for Term 2. As a result, Semester One reports will be redesigned using Department of Education guidelines and include the following: 

  • a description of the areas of the Victorian Curriculum F–10 taught
  • a succinct descriptive assessment of student learning achievement, based on the Achievement Standards in the Victorian Curriculum F–10
  • a comment on how the student has adjusted to the remote and flexible learning environment, with reference to the ‘Personal and Social Capability’ curriculum.

Reports will arrive home in the school holidays and parents will have an opportunity to discuss student progress with teachers on July 13, the first day of Term 3. The details around the structure of the parent teacher interviews and processes for booking will be outlined in the final weeks of Term 2. 

School TV 

I present this resource to all in our community provided by the Catholic Education Commission courtesy of Dr Michael Carr-Gregg. A renowned psychologist specialising in the mental health and wellbeing of young people, Dr Carr-Gregg provides some important points to consider as we transition back to school.  

 Unfortunately, the reality of Covid-19 is not quite over and there is still a considerable amount of uncertainty. We have all experienced this event together and we are at various levels of transition and adjustment across Australia and New Zealand. The circumstances of this situation have significantly impacted students, parents and teachers alike. 

 

Emotions during this time have varied. For some it has been an opportunity to reflect on what is important, whilst others have embraced the opportunity to learn new things. One thing that has remained constant - the need for good parenting and supportive teachers. Both of which offer young people stability and familiarity, and are vitally important during this time of transition and adjustment. 

 

Whilst many children may be excited at the prospect of lockdown restrictions being lifted, others may feel mixed emotions. Each child’s reaction will differ depending on how well they cope with stress and change. As we all adjust to new routines, it will be vitally important to keep a check on our young people’s mental health and wellbeing. Encourage them to focus on the things they enjoy and value in order for them to remain motivated and ensure their sense of belonging. 

 

https://schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-coronavirus-transition-back