NEW UNIFORM

Today a group of students from various years had the opportunity to try on garments for the new College Uniform which commences in 2021.

As indicated in Newsletters dating back to last year, the compulsory wearing of this new uniform will be for Year 7 2021 as well as Year 10 2021 and Year 11 2021. The wearing of this uniform in other years is possible but totally optional. The only caveat for students choosing to wear the new uniform in Years 8, 9 and 12 is that students wear it in its entirety.

Students, parents and staff who viewed the uniform were incredibly impressed and gave their opinion towards further tweaks to enhance the final uniform design. The uniform itself is version four or five and we have been listening to various parental and student feedback from surveys which went out last year as well as various feedback  from those involved.

More details of the final uniform will be supplied in Term Three, but a few highlights include:

• Improved quality, cut and use of more breathable fabrics
• Clear differentiation between junior and senior uniform
• Contemporary design
• Optional shorts for boys and/or girls in Years 7 to 9
• Optional pants for girls Years 7-12
• New sports logo to be included on various sports garments and the new College cap
• A broader range of options for students to wear

It was really great to hear the student and group excitement for this updating of the uniform and I particularly thank the students and parents who were in today’s meeting and who have formed a part of the new Uniform Committee over recent months.

PARENT / CARER / TEACHER / STUDENT ZOOM INTERVIEWS

On Wednesday night the first round of Zoom interviews occurred for Years 7 and 9 parents/carers/students and, with only very minimal technical issues experienced, we have heard very good feedback about how these interviews went. 

The next evening is on Wednesday 1st July for Years 8, 10 and 11 between 3.30 - 8pm – information about bookings is on Compass.

The final opportunity this semester for these interviews (7-12 will be on Friday 3 July, please note that there will be no lessons nor student supervision provided on this day. Furthermore, the College Office will be closed from 1pm on that day.

COVID-19

We must continue to remain vigilant and practice and promote good hygiene principles. With news that a nearby Public School was closed today (26th June) with a case of COVID-19 it is a timely reminder that students need to be ensuring they are correctly using cough etiquette, using hand sanitiser regularly throughout the day, maintaining distance as much as possible from others and ensuring that any student who is ill or has flu-like symptoms does not come to school.

While the College is hoping we return to greater normality in Term Three (lockers being accessible, the Library being reopened and hopefully bubblers open – once we have the ok from NSW Health) it is critical we are responsible and supportive of one another. Various staff and students are either directly affected or have family members who are immunocompromised and therefore it is critical that we are all respectful of health and safety parameters.

COLLEGE DROP OFF AND PICK UP ARRANGEMENTS

The plan is to end the interim arrangements for Term 3 and return to the ‘normal’ arrangements for this.

As such, students need to be here for Period One (giving themselves enough time to ensure they are in class by 8.15am).

The school day will conclude at 2.35 for all.

MAGDALENE FEAST DAY 2020

Our Magdalene Feast Day for 2020 has had to be postponed. Details about an alternate date will be supplied in due course and our hope is it will occur in Term Three so that our Year 12s get to experience the day.

The actual Feast Day of Saint Mary Magdalene occurs on July 22nd and the College will recognise this by way of prayer and a small liturgy in the first week of Term Three.

FINANCES AND CREDITS

I would like to thank our Finance Team for their excellent work this year. Numerous credits have already had to be sent to families in lieu of cancelled excursions, and other credits are continuing to be finalised.

I am pleased to announce that a small credit for Term 2 sport for Years 7-11 will be taken off Fees for 2021. I also want families to be aware that Camps and Retreats planned for 2020 will now occur in 2021 so payments for these remain on 2020 School Fees (no charge will appear on 2021 Fee Statements).

PRAYER

As we continue to ask for support and guidance from the Lord during these incredibly trying times in which we live, may we gain comfort from the following:

Psalm 127 : 1–2
Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labour in vain.
Unless the Lord guards the city, the guard keeps watch in vain.
It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil;
for He gives sleep to His beloved.

It is in the Lord that we do find solace and our prayers may be heard. May we all take a moment and consider those in need of the Lord’s guiding light.