As the COVID event continues we are working hard at the College to enhance the Blended Learning Online experience; to encourage our young people to maintain a balance in their engagement between online and physical environments, and to continue to offer support where needed. We welcome your questions and feedback. Given the pace of the transmission of the virus, and the issues of managing policy and strategy, we expect the Premier to be making a new announcement about the lockdown early next week. We are pleased that the staff at the College are now receiving their Pfizer vaccinations as part of the priority program for education staff in the south-west.
It is pleasing to see the positivity in our College community in the middle of this event! Parent Teacher evening was held last night for families of Year 7 & 9 students, with many encouraging messages received. A similar evening for Years 8 & 10 students will be held next Thursday. Year 12 students came together earlier this week for a group zoom to hear the latest information regarding HSC changes, including that Trial exams needed to be pushed back, and that the State Authority NESA will be able to assist schools and individual students who are disadvantaged at this time. More information will be on hand next week, and families are able to keep in touch with the latest news by searching the NESA website www.educationstandards.nsw.edu.au .
Junior School students and staff held a Pyjama Day online event today, to support those who are living in foster care which was a great event. You will find an update in today’s edition with some fun photos. Thanks so much to the organisers.
Let’s continue to encourage our community engagement. Please send through some photos of online learning for us to share in The Way and on our social media sites. Would you be interested in a College trivia night online, or another event that can capture a sense of engagement and encouragement for one another during this time? Staff are participating in a MasterChef event online as well – which will certainly test us all. Send any photos, ideas or even some encouragement to community@thac.nsw.edu.au.
In this week's edition, we also have a new feature article from our MRK Staff called Cook with MRK. They will be presenting a recipe each week to motivate you at home. Be sure to check it out and send us any photos too of your attempts and creations. Well done to the MRK Team for continuing to inspire us even online with their food ideas.
And in a very positive distraction from COVID, the 2020 Olympic Games in 2021 has started in Japan, and the Opening Ceremony takes place tonight. What a joy it will be to celebrate the success of the Australian and other elite athletes. Mrs Sharon Evans has contributed an article today and we are also encouraging families to show how you are all enjoying this significant event. Many of our young people will be excited at the prospect of attending the games when they are held in Brisbane in 2032.
Thank you again at this time for your consideration and understanding and goodwill. It is a critical time in the community, so please take extra care of those around us.
‘…but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not grow faint’. Isaiah 40:31
Ross Whelan
