Dear Parents, Students and Friends

Welcome to Term 2
I began last term’s newsletter by saying… The start of this year has been like no other. Little did we know then that not only were we facing the aftermath of the bushfires but also Covid-19 was tightening its grip on the world. Again, I would like to express my deep appreciation to every family for their support and loyalty to the school during this challenging time. I also commend the Carroll College Staff for the way they have faced this challenge together, providing hope and stability for our students and families whilst supporting and trusting one another.

Belong. Believe. Become.

‘Encouraging and inspiring us to a better, more beautiful life.’ Pope Francis (Christus Vivit, 138).

We celebrate Catholic Schools Week 2020 this week. Pope Francis reminds us to embrace what is beautiful. If there is a positive to come from the current Covid-19 crisis, it has been the opportunity for stillness and reflection. Isolation has enabled a ‘reconnection’ for families; shared meals, conversation, quality time – all of which we can take for granted in the busyness of day-to-day life. There is a level of spirituality in our connectedness as we fully appreciate what it means to be truly present. Similarly, Catholic Schools Week provides an opportunity to reflect on why Catholic schools are special places. They are places of wonder, hope and joy, supporting every child to find meaning and purpose in life. I hope your children have a newfound appreciation for the importance of our College community. There is a unique spirit of unity that inspires and moves us in new and exciting directions. A community with endless potential!

Congratulations
Congratulations to Mrs Mel Price and husband Luke on the arrival of their baby boy last week, Ridge Michael Price. Siblings, Jake, Felicity and Matilda are very happy! Ridge was born on 30 April at 8.45am at a healthy 8 pounds, 6 ounces and 53cms. Congratulations from the Carroll College community!

Enrolments 2021
If you have a child starting at the College in Year 7 next year, or know of friends or family members wishing to enrol their children in any grade level, our enrolment period has commenced. Please complete the online enrolment form by clicking on this link https://www.ccb.nsw.edu.au/enrolment/how-to-enrol or call Nadine Cooper, Principal’s Executive Assistant at the College for more details.
P: 44715600 or E: Nadine.cooper@cg.catholic.edu.au

Safe Return to School – Reducing the Risk of Covid-19
One way to slow the spread of viruses, such as coronavirus, is physical distancing (also called social distancing). The more space between people, the harder it is for the virus to spread. Physical distancing and spacing is not a requirement among school students - that the 4 square metre rule, and the 1.5 metre distancing between students during classroom activities is not required, as released on 24th April 2020.

As we transition to more students attending school next week, there are few key messages that will assist in keeping everyone safe.

Message for parents: if your child is sick, they must not go to school. You must keep them at home and away from others. Remember to maintain physical distancing from other parents and teachers when attending school, including when dropping off and picking up your children.

Message for children: tell your parent, guardian or teacher if you are feeling sick.

Message for all adults: the greatest risk of transmission in the school environment is between adults. It is of utmost importance that teachers and parents alike maintain physical distancing between themselves and each other at school.

A reminder that Year 12 students return full time (5 days a week) beginning next week, Monday 11 May (Week 3). This is in line with the NSW Premier’s request to return to face-to-face teaching from Week 3.

Students in Years 7 – 11 will attend the College one day p/week from Monday 11 May. Students have been organised alphabetically in family groups to ensure siblings can come to school on the same day. The table below outlines the organisation of students based on family names with their allocated day. Years 7-11 students have also received a confirmation email detailing their day. A remote learning platform for curriculum delivery will remain in place for Years 7-11. If for any reason there is an increase in the safety concerns for the students and staff before the 11 May, this decision will be reviewed.

If circumstances improve considerably, we will be reviewing arrangements weekly, and a return to full-time face to face teaching for all students will be brought forward.

As we prepare to have the children return to school for face-to-face teaching, it is essential that measures relating to personal hygiene and the health and safety of all members of our community are known and understood.

Below is some clear information on the arrangements and measures based on the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) guidelines, which aim to establish, where reasonably possible, best practice in relation to health and hygiene at schools during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The full document can be found here:

https://www.health.gov.au/news/australian-health-protection-principal-committee-ahppc-advice-on-reducing-the-potential-risk-of-covid-19-transmission-in-schools-24-april-2020

School Fees
Information will be communicated to families next week regarding Term 2 fees. Please feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss your personal circumstances. We appreciate how difficult this year has been and there is support in place for families requiring financial assistance.

We are very much looking forward to students returning. More information will be communicated next week outlining plans for Week 4.

Enjoy a lovely Mother's Day this Sunday!

Jacqueline Heffernan
Principal