From the Head of Campus' Desk

Dear Parents/Guardians

Hello to the Heatherton Christian College community as we end the first week of us all being back on site at school. The week has gone well with students smoothly transitioning back into onsite classes and there has certainly been a buzz of excitement around the school as the children met up again with their friends and teachers.

I have never felt as proud or blessed to be a part of the Heatherton community as I have over these last couple of months as we have had to implement so many changes and shown so much care amongst our community during this time. The school community has really modelled God’s grace through this time with many parents reaching out to other families who may be struggling by keeping in contact with others, providing meals and even contributing financially to the Heatherton Cares fund (to assist families struggling with their school fees). Our teachers have worked extremely hard and adapted their teaching so quickly and effectively to a remote learning situation, and our students have shown great resilience and self motivation to continue their learning and remain connected with each other and their teachers. And through it all I have heard so many stories of families 'reconnecting' with each other as their lives have become less busy with reduced activities outside the home – this has been a time of God’s blessing for such families. A challenge for all of us will be to hang onto those good things gained during isolation and to not just revert back to the way things were before.

I am also aware that, for a number of students, this time has proven to be a great challenge and struggle to remain motivated and deal with feelings of separation and anxiety. My hope is that all of our students, young and old, can reflect on this time at home and realise the growth that has occurred in them and the blessings they have received. As difficult or as good as these times have been, students, staff and families have all grown in resilience and, in most instances, in independence. They have also grown in their ability to learn and to use technology to assist in communication, learning and connection. All of these things can benefit them into the future.

On the whole, particularly if we compare ourselves to those elsewhere around the world, we are indeed a blessed country and community in so many ways – hopefully we can use what God has given us to continue to be a blessing to others. Jeremiah 29:11 “'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. ... I will be found by you,' declares the LORD,…”.

With students returning to school and a feeling of some ‘normality’ returning, we need to be mindful that the Covid-19 virus is still present in our society. We do need to continue to be vigilant and careful of how we behave and interact when we are at school. Students are not required to socially distance at school but do need to follow the hygiene practices and avoid physical contact with others. Parents and staff as adults need to ensure that they are socially distancing at all times. This includes reduced numbers of people in offices and the staff room whilst for parents we specifically ask that you not gather in groups on the school property. Certainly acknowledge each other and say hello but do not stay talking in groups. As we all work together we can ensure the safety of every one of us. Thank you in anticipation.

Phil Eastman

Head of Campus