From the Director of Primary

With the return of all students last week, it has certainly felt like the beginning of the school year with students reconnecting with their peers and teachers, with face to face learning and daily routines.  It has been wonderful to see big smiles on the faces of students and staff, and to hear the wonderful sounds of chatter and laughter in the school yard and their enthusiastic engagement across the primary classrooms.  

In fact, the theme of reconnecting has underpinned all that we have done during the first fortnight. Class teachers have devoted considerable time supporting the social and emotional needs of students, integrating a number of activities to assist with their re-transition to school.  I encourage parents to access School TV’s Special Report during this time of transition and adjustment.  If you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your son or daughter’s Class Teacher or the College Counsellor, Mrs Linda Howe.

Although we are unable to gather as one large group, it has not prevented us from celebrating, acknowledging and fostering our sense of community.  This week the Year 4 students, under the direction of Mr Gerard McNulty, lead our Pentecost Liturgies with each class visiting the Chapel.  The students thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to connect with one another through the telling of stories as part of our National Reconciliation Week activities.  This year’s theme, “We are all in this together,” is certainly a fitting one where all Australians are encouraged to consider the role we can play in building relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, histories and cultures.

Furthermore, students have re-connected with their buddy classes, enjoying daily PE, participating in a cross-country circuit around the College grounds and the giving of welcome back cards.  In the coming weeks, classes will host virtual assemblies in order to showcase the learning opportunities that have been enjoyed across the curriculum.

I would like to thank the parents and carers for supporting the new procedures around school drop off and collection.  Walking independently into classrooms, unpacking school bags and getting ready for another day of learning can be challenging, but the students have certainly embraced these new routines in a positive way.  Being adaptive, responsible and resilient are incredibly important life skills!

Mid-Year Reports

In light of the Learning@Home platform, mid-year reports will be released at the end of August, Term 3.  The key purpose of reporting is to support the students’ learning by providing information to parents and carers about student achievement and progress and to indicate areas for further development.  By delaying the release of the reports, teachers will be able to provide feedback on student learning and progress over Terms 1 and 2.

Caroline Wilson-Haffenden

Director of Primary