Assistant Principal Report

Welcome to Term 4! I hope that over the last two weeks you and your loved ones have taken the time to retreat from the endless demands on our time and energy. Increased family time, a calmer pace of life and a connection with the outdoors have no doubt been genuine positives of this lockdown period. As we commence a new term, it is perhaps timely to reflect on the positives of this lockdown period, to reflect upon the many blessings in our lives and to examine the resilience shown by our girls throughout the period of Remote Learning. 

Whilst we are extremely excited about the return to face-to-face learning, our College return to school plan will ensure that we provide a safe environment for all. Similarly, as we prepare for this return we also need to consider the needs of our Year 12 students and allow them the opportunity to sit their HSC examinations with minimal disruption.

Return to School Roadmap 

As per the government’s most recent announcement, Year 12 will now return to school on Monday 18 October and Year 11 on Monday 25 October. In considering the needs of our Year 12 students and to limit the chance of exposure, we have decided that Years 7-10 will remain in Remote Learning until Monday 1 November. 

When we return to school we will be operating at Level Three Restrictions. This means that we will have a number of specific restrictions in place. Masks will be mandatory for all staff, and all students in indoor settings. However, it is our recommendation that students also wear masks outdoors and when travelling to and from school. To alleviate congestion on the site, access to student lockers will be restricted. Students will be required to carry their belongings in their school bags throughout the day. 

Please remember that staff and students are not to attend school if unwell, even with the mildest of symptoms.  

Personal hygiene

All students and staff should:

• wash their hands regularly and/or use hand sanitiser throughout the day
• cover a cough or sneeze with their elbow and dispose of tissues
• dispose of tissues and other personal use items immediately into the bin
• avoid physical contact in greetings, such as shaking hands or hugging

Please be assured that as the girls transition back to the College, we are continuing to maintain high standards of hygiene on site. The following processes will be in place to ensure the ongoing safety of our community.

• our teachers have been allocated hand sanitiser bottles and will be carrying these with them to classes.
• teachers have access to antibacterial wipes which are available to wipe down equipment
• our cleaners continue to sanitise frequently touched surfaces daily
• the canteen will not be operational

As we return to school, no doubt, our girls will experience a range of emotions. Some will be excited to return to school; while others may feel anxious about the transition. The Australian Bureau of Statistics has found that many of us have experienced a level of distress due to the extended lockdown. Anxiety is a very normal human emotion and one that we all feel from time to time.  Please know that we are here to support our girls in this transition back to school. 

Upcoming College Events - Parent Teacher Conferences

• Thursday 21 October
  • Years 7-9 Parent Teacher Conferences
  • 2:00pm - 6:00pm
• Thursday 28 October
  • Years 10-11 Parent Teacher Conferences
  • 2:00pm - 6:00pm

Please note that on each of these dates, classes will finish at the conclusion of Period 4 to allow time for the conferences. 

HSC Exams. 

HSC exams will commence on Tuesday 9 November with results to be released from mid-January. 

Once again, please be sure to communicate with your daughter's Pastoral Care Teacher if there are any questions or concerns. 

Julie Norman

Assistant Principal