From the Principal
It was with much excitement on Monday that we welcomed back all students from F-12 to our College. The noise, the movement, and most importantly, the laughter, was something we have all craved for many weeks. While things look a little different, the routine of classes and break times is something that we all need right now.
The recent outbreak of Coronavirus cases in Shepparton is certainly a worry for all within our local and surrounding communities. Our College has closely monitored this situation and as a result, staff and students that have identified themselves to have been in locations named by DHHS have sought immediate testing. Continual monitoring of this situation will take place as we take all the necessary steps to ensure the best possible safety of our community.
I would certainly like to commend our Years 7-12 students who have adjusted well to wearing masks at school. While we understand that at times, they can feel uncomfortable, it is important that we protect each other by adhering to the rules. With the warmer weather around the corner, it will be important that we continue to hydrate ourselves also.
The College has recently reviewed it’s COVID Safe Plan and made the necessary changes in response to adjustments made by the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria. This plan sets out a detailed plan to ensure the safety for everyone within the community.
Today we had hoped to have held our school photos. Due to regulations set out by the Education Department, this is unfortunately not an option at this stage. I can however assure you, that the College is exploring all options to enable school photos to take place at some stage this term. For our Year 12 students, we are aware that the timeframe is much tighter, however, we are confident that we will be able to conduct school photos in some capacity.
While it would be nice to feel that the excitement of returning to school was about the learning within the classroom, the overwhelming excitement about being back at school was the desire to see friends again. We can never underestimate the importance of friendship and connection. Connection with friends has never looked so different. For many, Snapchat has become the ‘norm’ in knowing what others are up to. Text messages have become the ‘norm’ in saying “today I spoke with ……”. All the technology in the world however, will never take away the intimate nature of connecting face-to-face.
Being able to change and adapt has certainly been the theme for so many this year. At this time of year, we would usually be preparing for our annual Arts & Technology showcase in the Brigidine Centre. In light of the current restrictions, we are unable to undertake this event in the usual manner, however, due to the creativity of our Arts & Technology team, we will be conducting the showcase online. We wait with excitement as to how this will look. Further information can be found in today's newsletter.
Following an announcement from Bishop Shane, there have been a number of changes within the Sandhurst Diocese. The impact of these changes will be felt here at St Augustine's.
On 8 October, 2020, Bishop Shane Mackinlay, Bishop of Sandhurst announced new Clergy appointments, after consultations with the College of Consultors of the Diocese. One of the announcements has to do with St. Augustine Parish, Kyabram. Fr. Cornelio ‘Jinjo’ Solis has been appointed Chaplain to Hospitals and Aged Care in Bendigo with effect on Saturday 31st October with residence in St. Therese’s Parish in Kennington. Fr. John Paul Pasala has been appointed Administrator of St. Augustine’s Parish, Kyabram, with effect from Saturday, 31st October, in addition to his current position as Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Parish, Tatura. Fr. Michael Morley will assist with the sacramental ministry at St. Augustine Parish, Kyabram, and Sacred Heart Parish, Tatura.
We wish Fr Jinjo all the very best on his new adventure and thank him for everything he has done for our Parish over the past three years.
Brayden Stone
Principal