From the Principal

2020 has certainly presented us with many changes.  The mere mention of the word 'change' may cause some to feel uneasy or aggressive, and in some cases, they may have a complete refusal to change.  As a human race, we often find ourselves resisting change, perhaps because of the perceived risk or fear associated with it. This resistance can be seen in the student who always finds himself or herself procrastinating, or the adult that will continue to defer to ‘what has always worked before’.  Covid-19 however, has changed the way in which we have responded to change.  Almost in the blink of an eye we have experienced the quickest and most dramatic changes we may ever face in our lives.  So, how have we responded?  While I understand that everyone's circumstances are different, I will base my judgement from my experiences here at school.  The answer, very very well.  When we reflect on these changes; wearing face masks, remote schooling, social distancing, no dining out, being unable to visit family and friends, the list goes on, in all this dramatic change, we have responded with absolute compliance.  Interesting how the notion of ‘change’ is not all that difficult when it is forced upon us!!! 

This week our College Leadership Team has spent time examining all the responses from our feedback surveys from students, staff and families.  It was an absolute joy knowing that the overwhelming majority of all stakeholders (students, staff and families) have adapted much better to Remote Learning 2.0.  Increased confidence and an understanding have certainly eased the level of anxiety of many.  Your feedback throughout the first phase of remote learning, and now this week, has guided the many changes we have all experienced throughout our remote learning period.  I thank everyone who has contributed to these surveys.

On-site supervision throughout this remote learning has, at times, provided challenges for our College.  In some cases, families have made the decision to send their children to school even though they do not fit within the guidelines set out by the Education Department.  Also, this week we have experienced many students attending school without families completing the respective on-site supervision registration forms, as well as students who have been registered and have not arrived at school.  Both these instances prove problematic for our College and I ask that families are more respectful of the procedures that we have in place.

Next week, we will experience another significant change.  Subject teacher conversations will, for the first time, be completely administered via an online platform.  I would like to thank all staff and families for making adjustments to these changes and I certainly hope these provide a great experience for all involved.  

Speaking of change, I came across a quote this week while reading Cornerstone - Encountering the Spirit of Christ in the Catholic School.  I hope it may resonate or even spark some change within you.

Take care

Brayden Stone

Principal