From the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome back to Term 3 after what I hope was an enjoyable break. Our return to school looks a little different to the way we were operating at the end of term 2 with the new COVID restrictions and regulations. Unfortunately, parents are unable to visit the College, unless it is an urgent or serious event; students are to wear masks on buses to and from school and when on buses during school time; masks are recommended for staff and students when inside and visitors to the school are to wear masks. All staff and visitors are to sign into the College. Students and staff are to stay home if unwell and have a COVID test if symptoms exist. Please check the COVID section of the newsletter for more information.

At the end of Term 2, we held our annual Athletics Carnival. Even though our attendance was down, possibly due to the weather conditions, those that attended had a great day, participating and encouraging others, especially those with a disability. Our inclusive environment and acceptance of others are two of the things that I love about the school. Congratulations to Mr Hand and his team of helpers for their organisation of the day, and to all the students who attended and participated. The winning house and age champions will be announced very soon. We were unable to make these announcements this week as Assembly was dedicated to celebrating NAIDOC.

Our NAIDOC celebrations were memorable and emotional. Unfortunately, our original NAIDOC plan had to be modified due to the COVID regulations inhibiting visitors to be present. Our special Assembly acknowledged the 2021 NAIDOC theme - Heal  Country, celebrated the life of Rachel Johnson whose anniversary was the day of the assembly and we congratulated the winners of the Rachel Johnson Touch Football competition. There were many highlights in the assembly - the presentation of the RJ trophy by Darnell Robinson-Johnson on behalf of his family, to ME3; the prayer and speech by Tracey, Wil, Eli and Lachlan; and the dance performed by our Indigenous students. I felt immensely proud of all our students, particularly our dancers, both boys and girls. We have always invited Indigenous students from South Grafton High school to dance for our students during NAIDOC week, so to watch our students perform in front of over 500 students and staff was a momentous and emotional occasion. Thank you to Taylor Jarrett our acting IEW and trainee Wil Bancroft for preparing the students and producing the assembly. 

As always I encourage you to engage with the news provided in this newsletter and I thank you for your support and understanding in these current times.

Yours sincerely

Kate

Kate Thomson

Principal

“We should be shining lamps, giving light to all around us.” Catherine McAuley