From the Principal

Welcome back to Term 3 everyone.  Similarly to Term 2, we return to school with some level of uncertainty as to what lays ahead in the coming weeks.  The changed way in which we now live our lives continues to provide challenges to many of us, while for others, it is business as normal (other than the level in which we now use hand sanitiser).  From a school perspective, we will continue to follow the guidelines mandated to us in order to keep our community safe.  Our extensive cleaning schedule, staggered break times, staggered finish times, cancellation of large events and awareness of physical distancing measures have all supported the College in providing a safe place for all staff and students.   The difficult part for all of us at the moment is that we are not really sure what lays ahead for us in Regional Victoria.  We do however know that it will be extremely important that we remain calm and resilient with whatever comes our way.  I know we have a community that will do this.

Today, all families across the College will have received a letter outlining the cancellation of many camps and excursions that were planned for 2020.  While it is unfortunate that we have had to do this, we know that it is certainly in the best interest of our health that we do so.  From a financial perspective, much has changed for us since the commencement of the school year.  While COVID-19 has limited camps and excursions and therefore reduced costs, other increased costs, such as cleaning, have had an impact on our projected budgets.  In conjunction with Catholic Education Sandhurst, our finance team will be looking at school fee payments for 2020.  We anticipate that, towards the end of Term 3, we will be in a position to inform our families as to any adjustments that may be required.

The cold snap is certainly here.  Often students arrive at school with a layer of frost covering the school oval.  Our new winter uniform is looking great and many students have acknowledged the extra warmth of the new winter jacket.  Unfortunately some students are wearing other layers of clothing that are not a part of our winter uniform protocol.  It is disappointing that our staff have to spend time dealing with these matters.  I ask that our students and parents please respect the College uniform and ensure correct wear takes place each day.  Interestingly enough, some students have returned to school with nose rings.  Again, this is not allowed within our uniform code.  There have been some disappointed students who have had to remove these, however, I want to make it very clear that our uniform protocols are not just for some students, they are to be followed by all students.  For the majority of our parents, you do an amazing job everyday presenting your child to our College and I am certainly grateful for that.   

Next Tuesday our College will be engaged in a school review required by the Victorian Registrations and Qualifications Authority  (VRQA).  This review will specifically focus on Compliance, Governance and Child Safety.  It has been a great opportunity over the past couple of months to look at our practices and we certainly await feedback from the VRQA as to how we can improve further on any of our practices.

Last week we commenced the process of advertising for Deputy Principal - Wellbeing.  Currently this position is held by Carolyn Goode who is in an acting role while Minda van Eyk is on maternity leave.  As a part of Catholic Education guidelines, Fr Jinjo and myself have made the decision to formally advertise this position to provide further stability to our staffing and leadership structure moving forward.

Today’s gospel, (Matthew 13:18-23), refers to the parable of the sower.  In many ways we can probably place ourselves in this parable as the ones who hear the Word of God that is sown in our mind and hearts.  We become the soil for the word, the receivers of the word that has the potential to bear the fruit in our lives.  There are many distractions and diversions that we have to contend with in our daily lives, yet the Lord trusts us to never stop sowing.  

I wish everyone all the best for term 3.  Please remember to look out for one another.

Take care

Brayden Stone

Principal