High Expectations

The past 18 months have thrown up many challenges both personally and systematically. We have needed to be adaptive in how we connect personally and professionally. We have worked out new ways to exercise, plus large events both locally and internationally have been rescheduled or postponed.

The logistical effort of postponing and then staging the Olympics has been no different and thankfully, the last two weeks has had a particular Olympic flavour. The announcement that the Olympics will be coming to the South-East corner has created an added excitement to the events that have finally begun this week in Tokyo. The thought that our students will have the world coming to challenge themselves in their own backyard, and that they are worthy of playing an integral part, has enlivened a sense of reality as to what the future holds.

This week’s thread of high expectations has been brought into clear focus for our College community as they witnessed Kaylee McKeown’s performances this week. Someone who has learnt in the same space, sat in the same gym, and been part of the same teams and events as the students currently at the College highlighted to our students the opportunities and achievements that are possible to strive toward. Irrespective of their own journey and aspirations, her courage, tenacity and persistence to humbly reach the goals that she has set for herself and to meet her own expectations, has genuinely invigorated our students and staff.

Expectations are often modelled by key figures in our lives. They are carefully crafted by the people closest to us and then grow deep within us. They are with and for each other and they are ever present in the reflective moments with God. Our College plays an important part in growing these expectations and encourages our students to follow their passion while meeting our College expectations as one.

For well over 100 years, the Olympic motto has been faster-higher-stronger.  This year the IOC has notably added together to their motto. This week, Kaylee has taken us on an incredible ride “together”. It has been a privilege to witness her represent herself, her family and her community on the world’s biggest stage and one that will serve to motivate our community into the future.

Continuity of Learning

We thank all parents and guardians for the time they have given over the past week to engage with your child’s teacher through our conference process. Our teachers value your support and as a College, we encourage you to continue the communication with them to deepen the connection and improve the outcomes for your child.

Our teachers are focused on providing the best outcomes through focused pedagogy and practice. As a College, we aim to minimise direct communication with the classroom as this has the potential to interrupt the flow of learning for our students. At times, this continuity can be disrupted through late arrivals and early exiting of the school. Students should be prepared for learning at 8.25am and if there are any changes to routines for your child, such as appointments, these should be communicated to your child’s teacher in advance. Teachers will check emails at the beginning of the day, and this provides an opportunity for them to plan for changes that may occur during the day. Parents and guardians are reminded that all student absences are managed by Junior Reception and parents should not be going directly to classrooms to collect children through school hours.

Tuckshop

Due to COVID restrictions, students from Prep to Year 5 need to place orders online, and we are still unable to take cash.

The process for tuckshop vouchers has been streamlined. If a student forgets their lunch there will be set options available for order, a muffin or fruit for morning tea, and a fresh or toasted sandwich for lunch. This process has been put into place to avoid being unable to fill specific orders in the case of a forgotten lunch orders. Details for payment via credit/debit card will be taken during the call to confirm the order.

Take care and God Bless,

Mr Damian Davis, Head of Staff and Students P-5