Dear Families,

In the Church calendar, this Sunday is the end of the Liturgical year, the feast of Christ the King. Next Sunday is the start of the new Liturgical year, the first Sunday of Advent. Advent is the time of preparation for Christmas. It holds the promise of new beginnings and a fresh start, when we let go of the year behind us and start to prepare for the one ahead. This year in particular, I feel we will all welcome the coming of Advent.

This is a very busy time at school. Our Year 12 students are completing their final exams. Year 11 exams are also complete. Next week we start Term Zero, where our senior students commence their Year 12 studies. A good start now is the building block for future success. Their final exams are now 11 months away. Year 7 – 10 students are completing their courses of study and working up to their end of semester assessment tasks.

School Fees and Covid-19

The Covid-19 pandemic has had significant impact on all our lives this year. Many families have faced loss of income and security. We have had two rounds of remote learning, which has placed increased loads on families, students and teachers. It has been hard on everyone. Fortunately, we were able to hold our camps and retreats at most year levels, but many activities that would normally take place in the College have had to be cancelled this year. The Finance Committee and the Advisory Council have examined the matter, and have calculated that about $150,000 worth of budgeted expenditure that would have been spent directly on student activities has not been incurred this year. These expenditures occur right across all year levels of the College. The Advisory Council met this week on Wednesday 18 November. I am pleased to report that it has accepted the recommendation that these monies be returned to families. This calculates out to a reduction in fees charged of 5% for every family for the 2020 school year. Families will receive a revised account to reflect the reduced amount owing with your end of year accounts. For those who have already paid in full, the equivalent amount will appear as a credit towards next year’s fees. We hope that this provides some welcome financial respite for families in the run-up to Christmas after what has been a very hard year for so many of us.

College Captains 2021

On Monday we will hold our assembly to help select the College Captains for 2021. Like many other things this year, the pandemic means it will be different. We will still invite the candidates to deliver speeches to all their peers in every year level, outlining their capability and vision, but the assembly will be conducted via videoconference into each classroom.

Walkathon

Thank you to those families who have returned Walkathon cards and donations. Our annual Walkathon is an important demonstration of our commitment to social justice. This year we have focused on supporting causes within our immediate region. Your support will help support valuable work in our community.

Uniform

Thank you to all families who responded to the survey regarding the girls’ uniform. An overwhelming majority are in favour of providing the option of long winter pants for the girls. This option will be provided for winter uniform next year. The Working Group has arranged for samples to be displayed on mannequins within the College, so students and families can consider between dark grey or navy blue. The samples may also be viewed on the College Website. Parents are able to view and compare at Panther’s Mensland Leongatha until the end of this week. Every family will receive an email inviting you to express a preference by 9am, Wednesday 25 November.

Uniform Shop

As previously advised, the Parents and Friends Association, after much consideration, has decided to discontinue the second-hand uniform shop from the end of this year. President Donna Muldoon has written a letter to families about this, please refer to it for details.

Wishing all our families continued health and happiness.

Around the College