Welcome Back Year 11 and 12!

This week marked the start of a long-anticipated return to school for our Year 11 and 12 students. Their enthusiasm and adaptiveness to a different learning environment should be commended and it was great to finally have face-to-face contact with students, who teachers have been interacting with behind a screen. The one thing that has really stood out to me throughout this week was the strong sense that we are all learning together during this time and adjusting to what the ‘new normal’ looks like at school. With any change to the norm comes challenges and set-backs, so the patience from all students, parents and staff over the past four weeks has been appreciated.

We thank the College Captains for their thoughtfulness and leadership during the online learning phase and the warm welcome they provided to our returning students on Monday. It was a great way to spread some kindness and positivity as students entered the school grounds. Their dedication to delivering news and providing messages of hope and inspiration to all students across Prep – Year 12 has been exceptional and has helped us all in these challenging times.

One thing that Year 11 and 12 students have found however, was that school “as we know it” has changed upon their return. We have all been hit hard with the reality and importance of maintaining our social distance between each other while at school, which should also extend into the wider community for the safety and protection of all. We look forward to welcoming back our Year 10 students in the coming weeks and pray that they are all keeping safe.

Finally, I would encourage all students to seek help and support if they are struggling in this period, whether it be academic, pastoral or emotional support that is needed. Even though you might be away from school, the support networks that we have in place are still there for you. So please reach out so we can assist.

Mr Mark Hauser, Head of Senior College Students