Principal's Report
WELCOME BACK
We welcome everyone back to Term Four.
It has been a tumultuous year to date, but we continue to thank staff, students and families for your understanding in this trying COVID-19 impacted year.
Going forward, with the government providing updated advice (quite regularly) the College will continue to communicate with parents/carers and students about the latest information and what this will look like in terms of the impending return to face-to-face learning.
I thank you for taking the time to read the various correspondences released on Compass thus far.
UPDATED RETURN TO SCHOOL TIMELINE:
Yesterday the NSW Premier announced that the staged return to school timeline has been amended.
Year 12 students have already received communication from Miss Phillips and Mrs Forner about “study bubbles”, access to school and their remote learning workshops.
NB: Students from Years 7 to 11 will now return from Monday 25th October.
A letter to the College community further detailing this information will be sent out on Monday (11 October).
Only staff who are double-dosed will be allowed on site after the 18th October.
While technically all staff have till Monday 8 November, there will be some disruptions/changes to classes from the 18th October as some staff will not have had their second dose by that date. Obviously you can understand we also have staff who are deemed as vulnerable staff and who cannot be here for face-to-face teaching. We appreciate your understanding at this time and if further class teacher changes are necessitated.
VACCINATIONS
For the safety of everyone in the community the College strongly recommends that all* students are vaccinated. We are very encouraged by the fact that first vaccination rates in Camden are over 90% at the moment - and that is fantastic.
[*obviously if a student has a medical contraindication – this does not apply to them]
FACE MASKS
On return to the College face masks will be compulsory for all students and staff on site.
A very small number of staff and/or students may have medical exemptions but please ensure that your son/daughter has a mask with them (and a spare in their bag – just in case). The College will have a small number of spare masks available for sale at cost price.
PRAYER
With so much happening in the world now, reflecting on the great love that St Francis had for his Lord and for nature is most worthwhile. The following prayer by St Francis classically expresses an affirmation of creation and his great love for the Lord.
The Canticle of Creation (by Saint Francis of Assisi)
O Most High, all-powerful, good Lord God,
to you belong praise, glory,
honour and all blessing.
Be praised, my Lord, for all your creation
and especially for our Brother Sun,
who brings us the day and the light;
he is strong and shines magnificently.
O Lord, we think of you when we look at him.
Be praised, my Lord, for Sister Moon,
and for the stars
which you have set shining and lovely
in the heavens.
Be praised, my Lord,
for our Brothers Wind and Air
and every kind of weather
by which you, Lord,
uphold life in all your creatures.
Be praised, my Lord, for Sister Water,
who is very useful to us,
and humble and precious and pure.
Be praised, my Lord, for Brother Fire,
through whom you give us light in the darkness:
he is bright and lively and strong.
Be praised, my Lord,
for Sister Earth, our Mother,
who nourishes us and sustains us,
bringing forth
fruits and vegetables of many kinds
and flowers of many colours.
Be praised, my Lord,
for those who forgive for love of you;
and for those
who bear sickness and weakness
in peace and patience
- you will grant them a crown.
Be praised, my Lord, for our Sister Death,
whom we must all face.
I praise and bless you, Lord,
and I give thanks to you,
and I will serve you in all humility