PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Dear Parents/Guardians,
I write to you at the end of a very busy and difficult Term of learning. The introduction of remote learning for the students and Staff (because of Covid-19) bought many new learnings and a lot of tensions and pressures that have not existed prior. I congratulate the Staff on the way they took up the challenge of the new way of operating a virtual classroom.
Through this the students of John Therry have also done very well in the main. While some struggled with the new style of learning from home I believe that they have returned to the College with a deeper appreciation for the classroom. Whilst most students managed well once they experienced the remote learning for a little while, some students actually thrived in such conditions and accelerated their learning.
Whichever group that your child was in, the result will be a slightly different learning culture in the future. The style of homework will change and incorporate aspects of remote learning. Self-guided learning will be on offer for those that demonstrate the capacity for it.
I also need to congratulate all parents who took on the role of temporary teacher or leaning partners for your children. It wasn’t easy and some of the stories we have heard show lots of successes and a few difficulties.
I also thank the work of the Staff, some of whom who had their own health and family concerns during the Covid months, causing a different dimension of stress and commitment to the students.
Term 3 commences with P/T/S interviews for Years 7 – 10 students and I urge all parents to engage in this process. The outcome should be that you get a picture of the current progress and a roadmap for future progress.
So once again I thank all for the great work this Term and the successful outcomes under trying conditions.
ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIGHT ISLANDER WEEKEND
As we move to the holiday break I would like to draw all to a special event held on Sunday this week by the National Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander Catholic Council. A live stream of the Mass from St Francis Xavier Cathedral in Adelaide at 11.30am.
www.natsicc.org.au
HOLIDAY BREAK
I wish all in the John Therry community - Staff, students and parents – a very safe and happy holiday break. As we work through winter and the days become a little longer and the sun grows stronger we will return to the very important Term 3. This is traditionally a Term of learning focus as Year 12 prepare for the HSC and the Year 11 students take on the process of selection of School Leaders.
Sincerely,
Wayne Marshall
Principal