Special Message from the Chair

The Girton community has a long history of coming together during times of concern. We are a diverse community that looks out for one another and this is certainly evident at the moment. It is a community of which the Board and I are proud to be a part.

The safety of our students, staff, and the wider Girton community as always, remains our priority.

You would be aware from Dr O’Rielly’s recent emails, that the intention is for Girton to continue to operate as normally as possible within stipulated constraints. The COVID-19 landscape is changing daily, and the School’s Senior Leadership team is constantly monitoring the situation and taking appropriate advice from relevant state and federal health and education authorities.

The Board fully supports this approach.

Leadership in extraordinary times is incredibly challenging. On behalf of the Board, I wish to thank the student, staff and parent communities for their forbearance and support of the Senior Leadership team as they manage this situation.

Constant media coverage about the coronavirus can keep us in a heightened state of anxiety, and children are especially susceptible to this. Dr O’Rielly and her staff are taking reasonable precautions and are supporting students in practising self-care while keeping things in perspective.

Finally, there is no doubt that the decisions being made by the School each day may not sit comfortably with every member of the school community. Be assured that these decisions are guided by advice from state and federal health and education authorities. We understand that you may choose to make a different decision, based on your own assessment of what is best for you and your family. We respect this, and Girton will make every effort to deliver the desired educational outcomes remotely wherever possible with respect to the available resources. If the situation occurs where the school is directed to close, Girton is well prepared and ready for the delivery of online education.

The School Leadership team and staff are all working hard to accommodate a myriad of circumstances to suit our diverse community, and I commend them on their efforts and their commitment.

Sincerely,

David Jemmett