Faith and Wellbeing Assistant Principal's Report
Year 7-12 Students
It has been a joy indeed to welcome back our Year 7-10 students this week. Those of us who teach generally do this because we have a love of people, a love of learning and a love of our subject (maybe some or all of these in different quantities). In order for us to do what we love to do, we need the students and it is a joy for us to welcome them back and also to see the students genuinely happy to be back in person and welcoming each other. We are indeed very blessed to have the students we have in this community. The efforts of students, teachers and parents during the time of online learning has been nothing short of amazing and inspiring and we once again congratulate and thank students, teachers and parents for their incredible efforts.
We are aware that this is such a unique time and it is a big adjustment for the students returning to school after the extended time of online learning at home. Change can often be difficult for people and cause some anxiety. With the COVID-19 situation there are also people who are experiencing anxiety. If your child is experiencing some anxiety or there are issues that may be impacting on their learning or wellbeing, please contact their Pastoral Teacher or the relevant Pastoral staff member so we can do whatever we can to be able to support them in their overall wellbeing or learning.
Last week the College sent some tips home for parents/guardians and these may also support parents/guardians in assisting students now that they are back at school and maybe feeling a little anxious.
Dates
A reminder that there have been a few changes in dates for the SiMON calendar as students return:
- Friday 19 June 2020 is a normal school day (originally it was in the SiMON calendar as a Student Free Day).
- Next Tuesday 16 June 2020 is a Day 2 and hence a 1.30 pm finish for students (originally it was a Day 7 in the SiMON calendar).
A reminder that the last day for Term 2 is Friday 26 June 2020. This will be a normal school day and students will finish classes at the usual time.
Dates for Term 3 excursions and extracurricular activities are on hold until we learn more from the Government with the changing restrictions, so we will keep you informed when we learn more.
Uniform
A reminder to parents that students are to wear the College blazer to and from school in Terms 2 and 3. For uniform clarifications, please see the College Student Organiser. If you have uniform needs please visit BuxWear Uniforms, Tel 9792 3187, https://www.buxwear.com.au/ located at Factory 8/169 Cheltenham Road Dandenong. Our second hand uniform shop will not be running due to COVID-19 restrictions.
COVID-19
The College has in place a number of different processes during this time, for example hand sanitising stations around the College and in classrooms, cleaning of classes at the end of each session and additional cleaning of the College throughout the day and at the end of every school day. We are also spacing students in Café Naz and have alternate arrangements for lockers at the end of the lunch break, as well as encouraging students to move in and out of the locker bay quickly and to avoid the locker bay during busy times where possible. We will be reviewing this throughout the week. Last fortnight with the Year 11 and 12 students, and some Year 10 students, everything went very smoothly, but we will continue to monitor and keep you informed should there be any changes.
Mr Justin Duckett
Assistant Principal - Faith and Wellbeing