From the Principal Class Team

Dear Parents and Guardians

As the third week of online schooling comes to an end, I want to congratulate all of our students for the commitment they have shown to their learning in this new environment.  This is reflected in their attendance (94% average for last week), their participation in classes, and the work they are completing. Their teachers have been full of praise for the way students have approached this immense transition, for the support they have given to them and to each other. We completely understand how challenging this has been for them; it has been for us as their teachers, too. We know how hard it is to feel motivated at times, and we are all missing the social connection with peers and colleagues. Yet, in spite of this, our students have shown such determination in their learning.  We are really proud of them, and thank them for being the people and students they are.

 

We also understand how challenging this time is for so many of our families. Along with us, you are learning how to manage schooling from home, as well as dealing with the other significant stresses that COVID-19 and the lockdown have presented for you as parents, as workers, and as family members. If there is anything that we might be able to do to help you, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Whether it’s to do with your child’s or your own physical or mental wellbeing, their school work, or assistance with technology, we can help. Please get in touch if you need to.

 

We particularly want to recognise the outstanding work done by all of our staff to create a high quality online learning environment for our students. It is impossible to overstate the thinking, creativity and hard work that this rapid and previously unimaginable change has demanded of each of them; yet they have collaborated and really thought about what is possible in order to promote learning and wellbeing in this environment for our students.

 

Welcome

We are pleased to welcome new staff to our College this term. Leno Sammut joins the Facilities team as our Grounds person, Tara Fuhrmeister joins the General Office team as an Administrative Officer, Troy Grech joins the Instrumental Music team, Danielle Abrahamson joins the Individual Needs team and Angelique Odyssea joins the Wellbeing team. Obviously they have started in very unusual circumstances, but we look forward to welcoming them more formally when we are back at school. Please go to the New Staff at SASC section of this newsletter to read their BIO.

 

Attendance

Student attendance must be at least 90% in all subjects. If your child is absent, you need to ensure that a reason is provided to their Coordinator, even during online learning. Coordinators are continuing to call families each day where a student is absent without explanation.  If you receive a call from a private number, please note that it may be your daughter or son’s Coordinator. The school is required to report all unexplained absences to the Department of Education, so it is important that we hear from you.

 

Online behaviour 

We are really pleased that the online behaviour of students has been very considerate and positive. The same high expectations apply here as for the onsite classroom. If there are any issues, we will contact parents immediately.

Students, please remember that your teachers are available for you during each lesson, and then during usual work hours. It would be appreciated if you only sent emails during these times.