Principal's Update
Once again, we find ourselves as a school community adapting to changing conditions around the way we learn, work and live as a result of COVID-19. Last week, while our Year 7-10 students enjoyed an extended holiday, our VCE, VET and VCAL students commenced their Term 3 studies onsite. The Government’s announcement that senior students could continue to learn onsite was a welcomed relief to students and teachers and, no doubt, parents. Our senior students have taken in their stride having their temperature tested on entry and, as of today, wearing masks. They have shown incredible resilience despite the challenges and changing conditions that they have faced as they work towards completing their secondary studies and we are all incredibly proud of them.
This week our Year 7 to 10 classes returned to being taught remotely. Fortunately, this transition has been easier for both teachers and students than the first period of remote learning due to being familiar with the technology and procedures etc. As I walked around the College earlier this week, I observed face to face classes in some classrooms and teachers sitting on their own in others as they taught their Year 7-10 students remotely. Everywhere I looked I saw students and teachers fully engaged in their class and calmly going about their day and I reflected on how ‘strength and kindliness’ was being lived out throughout the College.
Kilbreda staff, both teaching and support, continue to work extremely hard to adapt to ever changing conditions, often at short notice following announcements from the Government, in order to continue to provide the best learning opportunities for all students while finding creative ways to maintain connections amongst students and support their wellbeing. They deserve the highest of praise for their adaptability, resilience and commitment to our students.
Over the coming weeks we will continue to monitor and adapt our College calendar and activities based on the restrictions that are in place. We are still hopeful that whether it be the last day of this term as planned, or later in the year, that we will be able to gather together as a school community to celebrate Brigidine Day. This day is one of great significance to our College and I hope, particularly for our Year 12 students, that we will be able to share it together in what has and continues to be a very disrupted year.
Loving God,
Help us
to focus on what we have
not on what is removed or changed.
Strengthen us
when we feel discouraged
or overwhelmed.
Embrace us
so that us we know your loving presence
within us and among us.
Walk with us
as we bring your love,
and carry your light,
into our world.
Amen.
- Sandra Lucas, MDiv., BCC
We Pray For
We ask for your prayers for members of our community and their families who have recently lost loved ones:
Marie Stack
Mother of Mary Stack (Past Principal) and Kate Whisson (Past Staff) and Mother-in-Law of Andrew Whisson (Past Staff)
Marjory Paten
Mother of Jennifer Williams (Staff) and Grandmother of Lucy Bush (Staff)
Maurice John McKernan
Father of Fiona Vella (Staff)
We pray that our loving God hold them gently in the palm of His hand.
Nicole Mangelsdorf
Principal