Principal’s Update – 6 August 2021: Return to Remote Learning arrangements

Yesterday the Victorian Government announced that Victoria would enter a state-wide lockdown for seven days from 8.00pm, Thursday 5 August. At this stage, the restrictions will be maintained until Thursday 12 August 2021. We will continue to communicate if changes occur and will confirm any return to onsite learning when we receive confirmation from authorities.

Today, Friday 6 August, is a pupil-free day with Parent-Student-Teacher Interviews to proceed as scheduled.

Remote learning will commence on Monday 9 August 2021. For the remote learning days next week, students will follow their normal timetable and should refer to SIMON for links to class materials and Google Meet links.

We are yet to receive advice on the General Assessment Test (GAT) examination – currently scheduled for 12 August. We will update St Mary’s students and families when any announcements are made about this assessment.

Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) will be cancelled for all of next week and those students will engage in the remote learning program.

As with the previous lockdowns, children who are vulnerable and the children of essential workers will be offered access and supervision at the College – please complete the COVID-19 Arrangements: Students who need to attend school Form. Please understand that the College is closed, except for those students. Those approved students will be completing the remote learning program in the Sister Aloysius Martyn Arts Centre at Coolock commencing Monday 9 August from 8.45am. Buses will still be operating for those students.

If your child/ren does not have their required learning resources at home, they may collect items from lockers today from 10am through to 4.30pm or on Monday 9 August between 8.30am and 4.30pm. A QR Code/sign in arrangement will be in place at the Sister Aloysius Martyn Arts Centre at Coolock and at AV2 at St Mary’s.

Our main concern continues to be the safety and wellbeing of all members of our school community and the continued learning for our students.

Kind regards

Brian Turner, Principal

St Mary of the Cross MacKillop Feast Day

This Sunday, 8 August, is the Feast Day for St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. She was the first Saint of Australia, and her influence in the country has spread far and wide. Her commitment to those most in need was remarkable and a great challenge for us to aspire to follow.

God of the prophets you gifted Mary MacKillop with vision and courage.
In her we see one who was not afraid to speak fearlessly your gospel of love.
We pray for the sensitivity and imagination to read the signs of our times, and to articulate new possibilities for our own day. Like Mary, may we learn to confront all that is oppressive and unjust, and empower others towards true freedom and integrity. Spirit of wisdom, be with us as we face new horizons. 

God of hope, hear our prayers and our hopes spoken aloud and held in our hearts.

We ask this in the name of Jesus, friend of the marginalised and the Spirit of community.

Amen