Principal’s Update – 22 June 2022

Dear Parents and Carers,

Re: Whole School Closure

• All year levels on Friday 24 June 2022

As outlined in the letter sent to families yesterday, the College has been juggling a reduced workforce as a result of COVID and an unprecedented level of winter colds and flu, which are widespread across the community. The hard work and flexibility of our staff, as well as the support of our families in keeping sick children at home has enabled us to mostly continue normal operations throughout this term.

However, we have finally reached the point where our best intentions are not enough to manage the staffing shortages at Coolock and St Mary’s. The College has consulted Mercy Education Ltd and Catholic Education Sandhurst Ltd and it has been determined that scheduled classes for Term 2 will end one day earlier than planned.

All year levels will be asked to stay at home this Friday 24 June.

Students are encouraged to continue with their own personal study. Please understand that online delivery is not currently permitted within the guidelines.

Unfortunately, this means that our plans for Rug Up Day and to welcome guest speakers at our Whole College Assembly as part of Refugee Week will be postponed until Term 3.

This term has been very challenging and unfortunately, these closures have become more frequent across all educational sectors. We are hopeful that these circumstances will ease to allow for normal operations for our students in Term 3.

We look forward to welcoming all students back at the commencement of Term 3 on Tuesday 12 July.

Thank you for your perseverance and support throughout this difficult time.

Yours sincerely

Brian Turner, Principal