Principal's Report

Dear Parents, Guardians and Friends of Nazareth College

It is wonderful to have students back on site.  On Tuesday, there was such a positive vibe around the school with many students (Years 12, 11 and 10s studying VCE) delighted to be amongst their friends and teachers after a long period of remote learning.

Interestingly, some students and staff have commented on just how much they enjoyed working from home in a warm environment with ample food at their fingertips.  The challenge now is to readjust again, and ensure that we embrace some of the new technology that we had to utilise at short notice.

I personally do not think that students have become stagnant as a result of online learning.  Remarkably, both students and staff have been actively working through the prescribed curriculum and I do not think they have fallen behind.  I see our current situation as an opportunity for our students to embrace where they are and extend themselves, or seek face-to-face assistance to clarify anything that they have not been able to do virtually in the past couple of months.

My views were shared by the members of the Nazareth College Advisory Committee (Board) at the last meeting.  The Chair of the Advisory Committee has passed on his thanks and gratitude on behalf of the Community to all school staff for the manner in which they have continued the learning program.

Here is an extract of his comments:

'Members of the Nazareth College Advisory Committee, led by the Chair (Mr Michael Quin), congratulated all staff (teaching and non teaching) on the success of their endeavours in dealing with the COVID19 situation and the tremendous amount of work that has been done.  They are truly grateful for the initiatives that have been taken and tremendous efforts made to ensure the successful learning opportunities for all our students and also ensuring that every student is looked after.  Our sense of Nazareth Community also is something very unique to us and something to be very proud of.'

I echo these comments as I would not have expected us to run a virtual online learning program in such a seamless and commendable manner.

My personal learning from this pandemic experience is that people are very adaptable and, when faced with a challenge, stand up and confront it. People genuinely care for each other and their neighbours and friends.

I also learned to slow down and take in the view, look at a situation with calmness, logic and foresight before making a decision.

I learned that there are many effective ways to communicate rather than send numerous letters or be face-to-face.  Also, that the flow of information is extremely important. People need to be kept informed. It is really important for us to continue to look after each other and not to forget the good practices that we have gained throughout the past two months.  Let’s not lose them – instead, let’s add them to what we already know.

In concluding, I would like to invite all parents to a Virtual Parent Forum via Zoom – next Wednesday evening 3 June 2020 at 5.00 pm.  I am sure that, as parents, you may have questions or concerns and may like these addressed.

Details:

Start:    5.00 pm

Finish:  5.45 pm

Zoom meeting details:

Meeting ID

212 101 1158

Meeting Password

 2000 

Invite Link

https://nazarethcollege.zoom.us/j/2121011158?pwd=Mzh6TExXUU1sRCtyM3ZCYUozV245dz09

If you have any questions you would like addressed at the open forum, you are most welcome to email them through to Ms Merryn Molloy (mollm@nazareth.vic.edu.au), so as we can be best prepared to respond to the questions. There will also be the opportunity for parents to ask questions on the night.

If you are interested in attending, or have any questions regarding connecting to Zoom, please let Ms Merryn Molloy know via the email above.

We look forward to hearing from you and hopefully seeing you next Wednesday Night.

In the meantime, stay warm and safe.

God bless

Mr Sam Cosentino

Principal