Dear Parents/Carers,

Welcome to the start of Term 4. I hope that over the student holiday break you were able to enjoy some time together that didn't involve work or keeping to schedules. Maybe a picnic in a park or a walk with a friend.

As our state moves closer toward some easing of restrictions, including a return to school, I believe the key message for all of us is flexibility. Even though we have a 'roadmap' of moving out of lockdown, the last few weeks have shown us that decisions can change at the last moment. We will all need to be flexible to accept that these decisions made by governments are out of our control and so we just need to move with them, especially as they are aimed at keeping everyone safe.

At the school level, we will keep you updated about the procedures that we have in place in order to comply with the restrictions, thus keeping students, staff and families safe. As these procedures will be new and untested, they will call for flexibility as we make any necessary changes in order to solve any problems we may come across.

Also, there is still uncertainty when it comes to planning for significant events that were due to take place during Term 4, such as the Year 5 & 6 camps, our swimming carnival and end-of-year celebrations. All of these remain on hold and will, once again, require flexibility and understanding when final decisions can be made once we know of any changes to restrictions. 

This prayer may help us all as we look for flexibility and patience:

"Lord, the World as we knew it is gone, and for what feels like such a long time we have experienced so much hardship during this lockdown. As we prepare to walk into the future we pray for the "new normal" to come. May our hearts be unified in You more than ever. May the tender moments of seeing someone again in person be all the more rich and treasured. May the reunions, interactions, and moments ahead be held with more meaning and may we turn to You in sincere gratitude. Help us to come out of this lockdown better, not bitter. Help us to become more considerate and patient of others, more mindful of how we can help one another, and how we can serve You. We thank You that no matter how dark the night may get, there is the hope of the dawn to come. Amen."

Paul Moroney

Principal