From the Head of Junior School
Dear Members of the St Gregory’s College Community,
The year 2020 has provided many challenges, in almost every aspect of our lives. When I need some extra support to keep going and maintain a sense of hope, I read reflections and prayers from Pope Francis. The positive nature of our students is one that I find comfort in. As hard as 2020 has been, and it has definitely challenged us all I some way, shape or form, I personally have been absolutely amazed by the strength and resilience of our own community. I share a quote below from Pope Francis and his thoughts and prayers with you.
Pope Francis wants people to remember that the Lord is still with them. "In the midst of isolation when we are suffering from a lack of tenderness and chances to meet up, and we experience the loss of so many things, let us once again listen to the proclamation that saves us: He is risen and is living by our side."
The Most Recent COVID-19 Advice
The most recent COVID-19 advice is for you to keep your children at home if they are unwell. If your children have flu-like symptoms, please seek medical advice and have a COVID test. The children are not to return to school until they have a COVID negative result which we are to keep on file. Thank you very much for your support with this procedure. As always, the health and safety of all members of the St Gregory’s College community remains our highest priority and we can only achieve this with your help.
R U OK? Day
On Tuesday 8 September, the College will host an R U OK? Day. R U OK? is a national charity with its purpose to inspire and empower everyone to meaningfully connect with people around them and support anyone struggling with any aspect of their life. Looking out for and after one another and lending a hand, is an important life skill for any age group.
This concept aligns perfectly with our Catholic ethos of looking out for and after each other. Next week teachers will be given content and resources which include themes such as friendships, resilience, respectful relationships, how to ask for help, mental health and wellbeing. We understand that children cannot be expected to fix someone else’s problems or know the best way to help and support their friend.
However, children can be encouraged to listen to what their friend is saying, let them know that they care and then tell a teacher or trusted adult if they are worried about their friend. By promoting an environment of positive peer support and to know how to access support channels via an adult, children can learn that asking R U OK? is an important and empowering life skill.
Father’s Day
Unfortunately, as we know, we cannot celebrate Father's Day as a College community by hosting out usual Father’s Day Breakfast, which was scheduled for Friday 4 September. However, we will keep all father’s in our thoughts for their special day on Sunday 6 September. I am sure that the boys and girls will be looking after their dads in their own personal style.
Last week the Gregory Hills Town Centre collected several Father’s Day artworks from the Junior School. These are now on display at the Gregory Hills Town Centre. I know many of the students have seen their artworks and are very proud of these.
Kindergarten 2021
We have completed the Kindergarten interviews via Zoom for the 2021 intake and it has been delightful meeting our new Kinder families. Our Kindergarten 2021 transition that we usually hold, has had to be postponed and we are hopeful that we may be able to host a transition session/s in Term 4 depending on the COVID-19 restrictions at the time.
Staff Development Days
Last Friday and Monday, whilst the students enjoyed their Boarders' Weekend Pupil Free Days, our Junior School staff engaged in Professional Learning over the two days. It is a great opportunity to come together and ensure that we are putting teaching practices in place that align with our philosophy at St Gregory’s College, and ensures that we are progressing as a school and challenging ourselves along the way.
Much of our learning was centred around the PYP (Primary Years Programme) in regard to looking at our Units of Inquiry and what makes an engaging and meaningful unit. I thank the staff for presenting over the two days and for Mrs Ivancic for arranging a facilitator for one of our sessions.
Have a lovely weekend and thank you for another terrific week at the College.
As our St Gregory’s College motto states, ‘You will reap what you sow’.
Mr Joel Weekes
Head of Junior School