From the Principal
The impact of the COVID19 restrictions is having a massive influence on the economy and job security. Any school family who is experiencing financial hardship and needs assistance with school fees obligations is encouraged to contact me via
email (principal@ssrowville.catholic.edu.au) to discuss how we can help at this time.
Dear Parents and Guardians,
As we near the end of what has been a Term 2 like no other, I am mindful of the relief and tiredness that our students, families and staff might be experiencing as we approach the school holiday break. During these last few months, each of us has needed to respond outside what was expected of us and, whilst people have adapted and accepted this situation, it certainly has meant that tiredness and fatigue have resulted. The school holiday time has come at a point where students, families and staff will have the opportunity to break the cycle of needing to respond to a changing education landscape.
I would like to express my gratitude to our school families for their trust and support of the school as we have risen to the challenge of remote learning. Thank you for the way you have worked with us during this time, giving feedback, embracing the challenges of remote learning and reaching out to the school for support when needed. Thank you for the kind, supportive and “just in time'' positive feedback given to the staff throughout these past months. As members of staff when we were faced with the challenges, doubts and uncertainty, these words of encouragement are what helped us keep “a glass half full attitude”.
Our students are to be congratulated for their hard work and ability to be flexible in the way they have engaged with their learning. Whether students were conscious of it or not, each of them with the support of their families, were able to take an unexpected situation and turn it into an opportunity to embrace learning.
I would also like to acknowledge the work of our school staff. In a very short period of time, they have had to design and implement learning programs that needed to embrace technology and also help parents facilitate learning for students at home. Despite all the uncertainty, teachers and support staff worked together to make sure that the students remained connected and engaged with their learning.
Parents Association
Throughout this term, the Parents’ Association has continued to meet virtually looking for ways to support the school community. Whilst many of the traditional Term 2 Parents’ Association activities (Mother’s Day stall and other fundraising activities) had to be abandoned, members of the group continued to find ways to support the school community in these COVID19 times.
The PA kindly provided a special lollypop treat to all students last week acknowledging the return to the school site. They also managed to connect the school with Bunnings Scoresby to secure a number of donations for the school to assist with managing the return to the school site. The school now has 3x6 metre marquee, several umbrellas and a collection of hi-vis vests to add to its resources for supporting school events and activities.
There was much excitement this week also with the long-awaited drawing of the Easter raffle! Congratulations to all the winners and thank you for our dedicated Parent Association volunteers who organised and made this happen behind the scenes.
School Board
The School Advisory Board will be meeting on Wednesday 24th June at 7pm via a Google Meet for the second this year.
School Photos - Thursday 16th July
The day for school photos has been rescheduled for Thursday 16 July. (Term 3 Week 1) More information will be shared with families shortly about this including hygiene measures being taken to protect people whilst participating in the school photography.
A final thought….
Almost to the day 12 months ago, my family and I embarked on a 6 month adventure travelling around Australia. With a caravan, a four-wheel drive vehicle and sense of adventure we set off to complete a “half-lap” that traversed through South Australia, Northern Territory and Western Australia.
Throughout this recent time of lockdown, I have had several moments where I have been reminded of how lucky we were to have this opportunity to explore Australia whilst spending time with family.
After experiencing such a rapid and sudden change in our lifestyle due to COVID19, I find myself having a stronger sense of gratitude for the blessings and opportunities we had to travel. Thank you God for providing me with these moments where I can see the beauty of my surroundings. I pray that each of you will have moments where the “beauty” that surrounds you brings you closer to God.
God bless
Tom Wursthorn
Principal