From the Principal

Getting on with life

This week I have really enjoyed listening to students and staff getting on with the business of being back at school. The gradual easing of restrictions has also enabled discussions on how we can resume many of our co-curricular activities within the parameters established by the government. There is genuine excitement at the resumption of a more normal school life.

We have had 95% of our students attending this week. That is outstanding and a reflection of the level of support that has been afforded by the wider College community. We love having our students back at school and watching the engagement and interaction between students and staff.

There really is such a thing as society. I recently read that in Britain the government appealed for 250,000 volunteers to help the National Health Service; almost immediately three times as many answered the call. Retired doctors and nurses flocked to return to duty in this emergency, despite the risks to themselves. Medical practitioners in Australia have been equally impressive with the care and consideration of patients. The essence of humanity is good; and people respond in exceptional ways.

The teaching profession has been extraordinary. Teachers across Public, Independent and Catholic schools have got on with the job and not complained when trying to create dual provision for students working at school or at home. Our John XXIII teachers, and other staff, have been brilliant. Knowing the students were returning to school, they have responded superbly and been very keen to engage with school-based learning despite some staff being eligible for COVID-19 leave. The interests of students have been put first.

Maybe our definition of heroes in the future will be challenged. I love sport but the discussion of the re-introduction of competitive sport and the creation of hubs seems so trivial at the current time. Maybe our celebrity heroes, whether in sport or the arts, are being superseded by everyday people doing a good job for the benefit of others. There is a new-found respect for many of our political leaders. We are re-discovering how interdependent life really is and how precious are our family and friends. It is great to be getting on with life.

Robert Henderson

Principal