From the Acting Principal 

It was only last fortnight that we were returning to face-to-face learning and starting to have more activities happening, yet we now find ourselves back in remote learning. 

With the most recent announcement that we will not be back at school until at least September 3rd, it at least gives us some certainty for the next fortnight and an ability to plan our learning activities at home. I encourage all students to be punctual to online classes and to engage with their classmates and teachers as much as possible.

Last week, I was able to meet with our four Senior School Captains – it was great to hear from them about their leadership and how important school-based events are to the Year 12 cohort. They are busy organising their Year 12 formal and end of year events, but they are also looking for opportunities for the younger year levels to participate in, including music events in the yard at lunchtimes and organising other activities such as outdoor board games.

I think you notice the absence of school activities after you attend something as great as the Writer’s Talkfest held last week. A big thank you to the staff and also Aviva Tuffield for organising the event; and to the students; Xiomara (7I), Felix (7E), and Alice (7I) who introduced the authors, and Ruth Clare, a parent and local author who hosted the panel discussion. We are very fortunate to be able to draw on the skills of parents and see them put to such good use for others in the community. The event was amazing and I have not had the opportunity to attend something like that at a school, it was a great experience to be involved in and one of my teaching colleagues from another school was very jealous that we had one of her favourite authors presenting! 

We are continuing to work within the Department of Health guidelines to put on as many of the usual school activities that run. In particular those that are unique to our school community. We will keep you updated as soon as concerts, performances, sports events, camps and excursions are able to go ahead. I think luckily most of us have a very empty calendar at the moment so that we can be flexible in organising to attend future events.

Whilst most activities are prevented from occurring onsite, we are fortunate that the school’s building project is deemed an essential service, allowing the architects to be onsite if needed. Last week, Kirsten Thompson Architects completed a site analysis as part of the school masterplan and we look forward to sharing their ideas with you in the near future.

Once again, I look forward to meeting you very soon, either around the school or at a future school event.

Chris Jones

Acting Principal