It has been nice to hear the sound of student noise and energy back in the College this week. Each morning I have had the opportunity to speak to each year group before they commenced the day. We began by praying our College Prayer together as we acknowledged the excitement of returning to school and seeing friends mixed in amongst feelings of concern and uncertainty. I was very pleased with the level of attention and response from the students during this time. 

I also had the opportunity to give some messages and reminders to each year group about safe practices and to ask that these are being followed by everyone:

• No chewing gum at school at all (including upon entering or leaving the College)
• Be responsible for putting your own rubbish, food scraps, fruit peels etc. in the bin.
• Wash your hands with soap and water.
• Don’t wait for your friends in the Bathrooms.
• Don’t congregate in the walkways or corridors.
• Keep some space between you and your friends.
• Don’t share food or drinks. 
• Practising responsible hygiene and safe distancing helps all of us. 

I know that the students took every opportunity to catch up with their friends each day, with many going home feeling quite tired after a full day at school. No doubt they are looking forward to returning again next week.

On a separate matter, many families are currently struggling to purchase uniform items from Lowes and/or the College Uniform Shop due to limited stock. As the College looks at possible ways of addressing this, I ask families to have a look through your wardrobes and see if there are any unwanted uniform items that could be donated to our College Uniform Shop. Perhaps you know other family or friends where children have finished at the College and you could ask them. 

In particular, we are short on the following items:

• Blazers
• Girls' Cardigans
• Sports Jackets and Pants
• Girls' junior Tab-ties

Please note that all donated items must be washed and placed in a bag prior to donating these to the College via the Front Office.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Keep safe.

Jenny Foldes

Assistant Principal.