Dear Parents,

In his most recent homily Pope Francis spoke of vulnerability, and how acknowledging our moments of fragility helps lead us to a deeper relationship with Christ.

By accepting our vulnerability in moments of challenge, ‘we discover that we are like beautiful crystals, fragile and at the same time precious’.

‘And if, like crystal, we are transparent before him, his light – the light of mercy – will shine in us and through us in the world.’

Thank you to all our families for your continued messages of gratitude , hope and resilience.

Families, students, teachers and staff have been rising to the challenges of the last few weeks as we continue to experience the high-quality Catholic education that is our mission, and which has, indeed been shining brightly.

Our successes in transitioning to remote learning are shared every day in the lessons planned and delivered by staff and in the work that students share with their teachers, supported by caring families. The crisis of Covid 19 has brought out the best in all of us, as we struggle, encourage each other, work in teams and know that at the end of this period of our lives, we will all be ok. Better than ok - we will be more resilient, appreciative of all our health care workers and essential services workers and know the true value of friendships and connectedness. 

While most families are coping with the academic side of remote learning, it is the disconnection from friends and isolation from extended family that weighs heavily on us all. Children are missing their friends and their teachers as well as the freedom of participating in out of school activities. Our daily routines are usually built around schools and work, sports, play groups, and community events and currently all families are managing without these supports. Life is really hard right now.

 Routines are a positive way of getting through this difficult time and can strengthen family relationships. In planning your weekday schedule, involve the children.  The more say they have in the routine, the more likely they are to stick to it! However, grumpy children, sibling arguments, really good days followed by really bad days, tears, hugs, laughter and smiles and ‘when will this be over’s,  are all part of how everyone is feeling. Be kind to yourself. Know that you are doing a wonderful job. If your child is unwell, please email your classroom teacher and let them know you will not be participating in remote learning. Remember, everyone needs a metal health day now and then.

One more tip: why not make time for gratitude during your family routine? This is about regularly sharing something from your day that you’re grateful for. It can help you all to feel good and stay positive.

Principal Awards were sent to all students last Friday. Prep - 2 awards were sent to their parents' email address and Yrs 3 - 6 were sent to the students' school email address.

 Library Borrowing

On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of each week, parents are invited to bring their children to the front gate and let them come to the front Office for Library borrowing and exchanging books.  Parents are asked to wait outside the front gate, which will be unlocked between 10am and 2.30pm on these days. Please let your child’s teacher know if you would like to swap home readers as well and a pack will be organised.

Next week more information will be available to schools after the state and federal Governments have met. This information is then passed onto Catholic Education Melbourne. I will be in contact with parents if there are any changes to the current arrangements of remote learning  for the remainder of Term 2.

Please do not hesitate to contact your classroom teacher or me if you require any additional support. Every family is different and every family has their own challenges during this time. We are all here for you.

Take care and stay safe. 

Catherine