Principal's Report

Welcome Back Term 2

It is in strange circumstances that we find ourselves as we return to Term 2. We have a small number of students onsite highlighting what is missing, the very soul and life of our school.   We pray that this will be short-lived and give thanks for the all those who are caring for our community and communities around the world; political leaders, health workers , police and essential workers. We pray for them, those who are sick, those who have died during this pandemic and for our continuing good health. We pray together using the words crafted by our Senior English Teacher, Mr Michael Toomey.

Let us remember we are in the Holy presence of God.

Oh Lord give us patience to accept the things we cannot control.

And give us patience with our own limitations.

Give us a calm state of mind and hopefulness, so we bring our best humanity to meet our daily challenges.

Give us the confidence to be open with others, when unsure about what to do next.

Give us generous people who listen and respond with a helping hand.

Give us Faith in Jesus Emmanuel,

Fill us with gratitude because we live in one of the safest counties on the planet.

St John Baptist De Lasalle,         Pray for Us

Venerable Nano Nagle,                 Pray for Us

Live Jesus in our Hearts,              Forever

Amen

Staying connected

The impact of remote schooling and other social distancing restrictions are influencing the healthy balanced lives we normally lead.  In many ways we are out of balance , our regular social connections that help us deal with the stresses of everyday life are not accessible so we can identify and understand the anxiety that the isolation of coronavirus is bringing to the community in general.

Human beings are not made to be in isolation so I cannot emphasise enough the importance of staying connected with family, friends and school. Maintaining and strengthening our social connections has never been more important as it is from these connections that we derive companionship, affection and our sense of being valued and cared for. What we also understand is that what we gain from the company of others we also in turn give back to them. Hence our understanding that human beings are made for each other.

So, how do we do this now when we can’t get together in the usual spaces or gather in our homes?

There is much advice on the Internet as to how to stay connected during these times, from virtual catch-ups, Netflix parties, to developing new skills with friends via YouTube. For those missing their school friends you can reconnect via our Facebook page by sending a short video message. It does not take much to tell somebody you are missing them. All video messages can be sent to principal@sjrc.vic.edu.au.

Staff Onsite at SJRC

While our focus is on remote learning and the majority of our staff and students will be working and studying from home, our school is still open for business. During this period a small number of staff will be continuing to work at the College while employing the social distancing guidelines. This includes members of the Leadership Team , Administration , ICT , Maintenance , Learning Support and technicians.

Student Access to Learning Resources at Home

St John's Regional College is aware that some families have Internet access concerns at home. The CECV in conjunction with Telstra are continuing to work with providers on the provision of SIM cards and/or cellular modems to enable students without internet access at home to learn remotely. We will provide an update on this program when further details are available.  Please ring St John's administration on 8793 2000 and ask for the ICT Help Desk when this situation arises.

School Buses & Canteen

St John's School Bus Charter will not run during Term 2, however the School Specials operated by the Public Transport Victoria will continue to run.  Normal services will resume at the conclusion of the Remote Learning period.

Ms Kirsty Hall our Canteen Manager will run a daily canteen service for onsite staff & students.

Meeting Structure - Online

As advised in earlier communication, staff will be available to parents via the SEQTA Learning Management System from 9am to 3.20 pm. Staff will not be available before 9am or after 3.20pm so they can continue to participate in the continued development of the Schools Learning and Wellbeing programs. These fortnightly meetings will held via Video conference and will include the following:

• General Staff Meetings & Briefings
• Curriculum Development Team Meetings
• Pastoral Wellbeing Committee Meetings
• Students at Risk Meetings
• Learning Leader Team Meetings
• Learning Coaches Team
• Individual Coaching sessions
• House & Learning Mentor Meetings

New Staff

I welcome the following new staff to the College for Term 2:

Ms Kersten Beus who will be working our as our Human Resources and Compliance officer while Ms Dayna Foden Bell takes maternity leave.

Mr Simon Massouras will be commencing duties in the ICT department replacing Mr David Dartnell

Nr Martin O'Malley will be teaching Year 10 and 11 Mathematics.

Bereavement

We extend our prayers and sympathies to Year 12 student Johnny Mastroianna on the passing of his father Peter in the last week of Term 1.

We pray:

Eternal Rest grant unto him O Lord and may perpetual light shine on him.  May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.  Master of the Universe hear our prayers, we make them in confidence forever and ever.

Amen.