PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

With all that is going on in our world it is good to be able to do normal things.  There was a great vibe in the school last Friday as we held our first Casual Day for quite some time.  Our staff and students were very generous with their contributions towards our fundraising efforts for the Hill family, with quite a number of sausages purchased, while we listened to Deaken Fawcett sing some of our favourite tunes.

I am often hesitant now to discuss activities that are coming up, as we live with decisions out of our control that are often made on short notice.  However, we need to keep an optimistic attitude and always hope for the best.  We have learned a resilience that perhaps we never thought we would have.

Although we still have a term and a half to go for the year, the school leadership have started planning for next year.  Thank you to all parents and guardians who have confirmed their child’s return to MacKillop in 2022.  This request has been circulated through an Operoo.  With the current information we can confirm that we will be increasing core group classes in 2022, with five classes in Year 7, four classes in Year 8 and 9 and three classes in Year 10.  Mr Howison is working hard on creating the Year 11 and 12 grid for 2022, and Year 10 and 11 students will have access to this before the end of the term.  It is unfortunate that we are not always able to run every class that we offer, however we are able to cater to the majority of student preferences.

I have also been advertising for teaching positions and will hopefully be interviewing some new staff in the near future.

Masks are uncomfortable to wear.  I wear glasses and it is very hard on a cold day to wear a mask and not fog up your glasses, however I continue to wear my mask for my safety and for the safety of everyone in my community.  I have my own supply of masks and bring one from home everyday.  Unfortunately we have a significant number of students who are either not bringing a mask from home, or are simply not wearing a mask.  At this point we have nearly exhausted our current supply of masks and will not be purchasing any more.  We have been distributing around 100 masks everyday.  That is a little under a quarter of our student population.  We have repeatedly asked students to bring masks and to wear masks.  This is everyone’s responsibility.  

Whilst the mandate for us to wear masks is in place, students that do not have a mask will not be able to go on any activity off site. This will include PE classes and excursions.

I am looking forward to the annual Athletics Carnival next Tuesday.  The temperature at Ken Harrison Reserve is always on the cooler side, so ensure that your children rug up for the day.  Unfortunately due to the current COVID Safe restrictions we are unable to have parent visitors during the day.  I am sure that there will be many photos taken that will be shared after the event.  All students are expected to come to school and travel to the venue on the school buses and return to the school campus at the end of the day.  If this needs to be different for your child, please ensure that they have a handwritten note to give to their homeroom teacher.

Wednesday 25th August is a designated Student Free Day to allow staff Professional Practice Time.

Lastly, unfortunately we have a number of students leaving the school grounds before the first bell and going to nearby shops.  Students have been told numerous times over the years that they are not permitted to leave the school campus without permission and without an adequate reason.  Students are under the duty of care of the school from the time they leave their homes each morning until they arrive home again each day.

As a school we trust that students are travelling to and from school in the most direct path, with most arriving by bus.  Students that live in the town area, or perhaps travel into town with a parent to their workplace before walking to school, should walk the most direct path to school.  Students should not be attending shops prior to coming to school, particularly to purchase high energy drinks or non-healthy foods.  Our canteen has a wide selection of lunches available for students and parents now have the option of ordering online through CDF Pay.

I appreciate the wonderful support that we receive from parents and guardians and hope that you will support us in this effort to ensure our students arrive and go home safely each day.  If your child must go off site during the school day, including before school, please provide them with a handwritten note that is dated and signed by you.