PRINCIPAL

Dear Parents/Carers, Families and College Community

We are half way through the term and it has certainly been testing at times. We have had 47% of our students contract COVID, the vast majority in weeks 3 and 4. Thursday was the first day where we had no new positive cases. The numbers of students returning after their isolation has now exceeded the daily newly infected, so I am cautiously optimistic that we might have seen the worst of it. Anecdotally, I hear that spikes in COVID cases are continuing to occur following events where increased numbers of people get together like funerals and parties where there is greater opportunity to be in close contact with an infected person. 

So the message is still to take personal responsibility by wearing masks at indoor public settings is something easily done.

I would like to sincerely thank a number of groups whose efforts in the last couple of weeks have made the difference between us coping or being 

• Class staff - thanks for taking on additional classes and adjusting timetables to maintain the class program when we had quite a few away.
• Cleaning and Kitchen staff - thanks for backfilling roles when staff have been away, assisting elsewhere and being so calm and pragmatic when we have had COVID positive students in their rooms.
• Residential supervisors - thanks for managing RAT testing, record keeping, communicating with parents and ensuring student safety in such a calm way. Thanks also for filling in whilst staff have been away. Kudos to Sally Barnden particularly when things really kicked off on Thursday night in week 3!
• Parents - thanks for begin so patient and diligent in coming to collect your child when we have phoned. For some of you this has been over several occasions and I understand your frustration but appreciate your support.
• Front office staff - thanks for keeping on top of record keeping, tracking student needs and keeping parents informed. Jodee Sayee has taken on the main role in keeping track of things and has done a fantastic job.

Financial audit

Last week a team of auditors came to the College from Central office and spent the week going through our financial records and systems. As you would expect it caused some anxiety despite us knowing that we are compliant and diligent. The outcome was overwhelmingly positive with some minor areas where improvements could be made but auditors will always find something! 

In the exit interview, the lead auditor praised the systems and processes in place at the College and Teresa Hickman’s capacity at keeping track of such a complex organisation.   We already know Teresa is a jet, but the lead auditor said that Teresa is held in great esteem in the Department for her skills and knowledge. 

On a side note, the auditor was impressed with the friendly and welcoming demeanour of all of the staff she came across and impressed with the neatness of the College. Well done everyone.

Regards

Steve