Dear St John the Apostle Community,

This week I think many of us are beginning to feel that sense of loneliness that comes from being more isolated in our homes and miss being with family, friends and colleagues. I was speaking with one parent yesterday and we were reminding ourselves that this isolation isn't just for ourselves. It is for the collective good of our community and our vulnerable loved ones. As extraordinarily painful as this might be at times, we are challenged to remember 'we are not the centre of the universe'. We share this life with others. We restrict ourselves so that others more vulnerable than us are not at risk.

Some of us are also beginning to feel the pinch with employment. Work has dried up. People have been stood down. For some, they are facing being both isolated and also needing to tighten the budget a lot more, uncertain of how work will pan out. It is great that employers like Woolworths and others can take on more staff and that governments will provide some financial supports, but we know that it may not be enough.

A way to help everyone get through this time is to turn this pandemic into one of kindness. There is a Facebook Page called The Kindness Pandemic (#thekindnesspandemic) where people are sharing wonderful acts of kindness with each other to ensure everyone is feeling supported and connected. I would encourage you to have a look at this. Good news stories are a wonderful way to maintain a positive outlook and sustain positive mental health.

Stories of Remote Learning

Wow! We have heard some fantastic stories and received great videos and pictures of students participating in the teaching & learning that was provided over the week. Thank you to everyone who sent through some photos and videos to share.

We've received a lot of great feedback this week about the simplicity, the structure, the teachers' videos, the work for students. We've received a couple of questions about how much is expected to be completed. For some it has seemed like a lot of work. For others it has seemed like not enough. All classes are endeavouring to provide the same amount of work but we want everyone to feel free to prioritise what they can fit into the day. This has been a trial for us all and we already have some ideas for how to refine it for next term.

What is happening next week?

As outlined in the letter that was distributed on Tuesday afternoon, next week is a pupil free week. This has been determined by Catholic Education for all Catholic Schools across our system. This is so that all staff can participate in training to prepare for remote learning in Term 2.

We understand that there are parents who are essential workers and have no other care arrangements available to them and therefore requested we provide supervision at school. Thank you to those who emailed me before Thursday 5.00pm as requested. We will be able to accommodate you.

The training will be for some staff today and Monday and then for all staff on Tuesday and Wednesday. We will be following it up on Thursday morning as well. This means that teachers will not be providing the same amount of work next week and students are welcome to complete any remaining work or undertake some personal learning and share this with their class on their Google Classroom.

What is happening in Term 2?

I know that many are keen to understand what school looks like next term. The dominoes are beginning to fall in regards to this. Recent announcements by the federal government will now be reviewed by the ACT Education Directorate and Catholic Education to determine what this looks like for us. I am anticipating some communication very soon.

Schoolzine!

Please encourage everyone in our community to ensure they have downloaded the Schoolzine app or have provided their email address to the Front Office to ensure that they receive the latest communication.

Have a safe, quiet and healthy weekend everyone.

Kind regards,

Matthew Garton, Principal