Principal's Update

Dear families,

I want to thank you all for doing your best to keep up with the twice weekly rapid antigen testing regime. I know it adds some extra stress to the busy morning rush, however, the tests are detecting cases and that then works to prevent other students becoming infected.

We have been informed by the government that the current testing protocols will remain in place until the end of the term. In light of this, we are expecting further deliveries of test packs and we will continue to distribute these in homerooms.

I would also like to thank our families for reporting positive cases to us so that we can keep track of the numbers.

It was unfortunate that so many students were unable to attend the House Swimming Carnival last Friday, most due to being in isolation. I do want to congratulate those students who were able to attend for the positive attitude they displayed. With so many students absent others were required to step in and step up and they did so willingly.

The weather was not ideal; however, this did not stop the students as they lined up for race after race, often shivering as they prepared to dive into the water.

Congratulations to McAuley on their narrow victory over Glowrey and congratulations to the student relay team for finally beating the staff after many years of trying.

I would encourage students who are missing school due to isolating to do their best to continue their learning from home. Teachers will ensure there is work available through Microsoft Teams and OneNote for students to access if they are well enough to do so. In addition, once students return to school their teachers will be able to ensure they catch up on anything they have missed. Students can also contact their teachers through Teams from home.

The College sporting fixture is starting to get very busy with Coastal Cricket, Tennis and Swimming taking place over the next couple of weeks. We are also looking forward to the Year 10 Adventure Camp and Year 11 and 12 Retreats that are all taking place in week 6. Families will also be aware that the College Photo Day was postponed due to the high number of student absences. This event will now take place in June and details will be sent out closer to the day. In the interim we have taken individual portrait photos of our Year 7 students so they can be added to their student profiles.

Along with preparing for sporting fixtures and school assessments, next week we will also begin our preparation for Easter with our Ash Wednesday liturgy.

Student leaders will conduct the liturgy by visiting homerooms and distributing ashes to the staff and students. We are looking forward to this very special event, particularly as it has not been able to take place in recent years due to COVID restrictions.

As is always the case, all of our staff are only a phone call or email away if we can support you in any way.