From the Head of Junior School

Dear Members of the St Gregory’s College Community,

As I sit at my desk to write this piece, I cannot tell you how delightful it is to hear the sounds of a full school once again. Our Junior School is buzzing with energy and vibrance. It is wonderful to see the students enjoying being back to school. The conversations of the students in their respective friendship groups, the music signalling a time for class, staff buzzing around the College busy preparing their work and our regular routines and practices somewhat back in shape. The things that we have always taken for granted but which have been absent for so long.

COVID-19 Protocols

In light of the recent confirmed cases of COVID at St Ignatius College, Waverley College and Moriah College, please be assured that St Gregory’s College has developed comprehensive ‘Cease of Operations Protocols’ to respond to a confirmed case of COVID-19 in our community which would involve a temporary closure of the College. This response plan is informed by NSW Health Guidelines. In the event that a case is confirmed during the school day, an evacuation plan would be enacted to systematically and safely evacuate the students from the College. If this is necessary, you will be contacted by the College via email, SMS and in some cases phone calls and provided with the specific instructions and timeframe to collect your son or daughter. In such a situation we urge you to remain calm and patient. Early next week, we will be providing the staff and students with a drill to practice this procedure in action, just as we would do for a fire drill. 

National Simultaneous Storytime

A highlight of this week was an opportunity for boys, girls and staff to participate in the National Simultaneous Storytime, an event whereby students of all ages all around the nation stop to read a story…the same story! On Wednesday, across our Junior School, in classrooms and small groups, many students and teachers enjoyed live or streamed readings of Whitney & Britney: Chicken Divas, by Lucinda Gifford. It is a story that lends itself to dramatic recreation (including bad singing and dancing!). I must say that the energy from the dancing that was displayed by Mrs Cosentino, Mrs Husband and Mrs Limbrey was one for the ages! It is also a wonderful reminder of the fun of books, especially when read together. Thank you to Mrs Cosentino and Mrs Husband for coordinating the Junior School’s participation – it is always a great event in the College calendar.

Drop Off and Pick Up Zones

I am sure you are clearly aware, we have made adjustments over the past week to refine the Drop Off and Pick Up Zones. I want to thank you all for your patience and your agility as we try to refine this process to make it as safe and time-efficient as possible. I have even had some really positive feedback about how lovely it has been to drive into the Drop Off Zone and witness such a large number of smiling staff faces in yellow vests! We will continue to refine, monitor and make adjustments to these new practices over the coming weeks to ensure that we get it right.

You would have also noticed in the last few days that Kieran Geaney Drive now has double lines and some new signage to support safety on this road. Thanks to all those families who are supporting these safe practices.

A reminder that:

• K-2 Pick Up is from 2:50-3:00pm
• 3-6 and Siblings from 3:00pm – 3:10pm
• All other K-6 Pick Ups from 3:10pm-3:25pm

As our St Gregory’s College motto states, ‘You will reap what you sow"

Joel Weekes

Head of Junior School