Sacred Heart Catholic School Mosman eNewsletter

PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

Dear Parents and Carers

The Easter story reminds us that Jesus became human at a time that was very troubled and uncertain. He was stripped of his godliness and became fully human in difficult and turbulent times - the Roman occupation. He lived a good life - gathering friends about him, preaching the gospel values and living a simple life devoted to divine ideals. He fulfilled his divine promise to show us that to live with God is unique and life giving. At the moment it's good to reflect on Jesus’ life and see what we can draw from it to give us strength.

A few years ago Hugh McKay visited the community where I worked and promoted the idea of a large community book club. The book we engaged with was his most recent one at the time: The Art of Belonging. Hugh had been prompted to write the book in response to the death of an elderly man who died alone and unknown and not found in his home for weeks. He described the breakdown of community and the importance of connection. One good thing that has been brought about by our current lockdown situation is the reinvigoration of community. On our walks around Castlecrag in the holidays we have connected with so many old friends and neighbours who stop for a (distanced) chat and a catchup. Its been good to see so many children out and about exercising with their parents or playing safely in the street as I'm sure you’ve seen in your area too. I know many of you are checking in with each other and keeping an eye on the older residents in your street. It feels like a slower, old fashioned pace of life that I hope is one of the legacies that stays with us.

Our transition back to face to face teaching will begin in the next few weeks (exact dates will be given next week). We will begin with 50% of the school for the first two weeks and then move to full face to face by mid term. It is hoped with this staged approach that we ensure that we are able to manage staff and students safely at school. Of course this could change as the advice we receive comes from a number of different sources and changes constantly. The combined Principals Association have written to all ministers today to ask for some certainty and unity in the approach to schools and some input from educators who may be able to assist in the practicalities of the return.

A reminder for Week 1 and 2:

If the children are attending school they must be booked in so we can ensure adequate supervision as not all teachers are currently on site,
Students will require their learning pack and logins if they attend,
Parents: can you please drop and pick up children from the front gate. Thank you for your understanding but we cannot have parents on site at the moment,
Please book in early if you are using Before or After school care.

Thank you to the parents who have taken the time to write and thank teachers for what they are doing. I know that parents are shouldering most of the burden for teaching at the moment and we thank you for that. We hope to be able to lift that burden shortly and return to more regular classrooms.

Congratulations to our SRC for the beginning of the term video. Lost of call outs for student birthdays and our PAWS rules.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Yufucv4CSapI3r14c7RJmpDtC7pHx6Fd

Regards,

Julie Caldwell