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SOME OF THE LESSONS OF COVID-19
What has come to the forefront of everything that is going on right now, and has been made very apparent both in and out of education, is that people are at the heart of learning and teaching.
It isn’t technology.
It isn’t a cool new program.
It isn’t any initiative.
It is people. Both students and teachers.
People bring great ideas and learning to life and demonstrate the humanity in our schools. Being human, when we are so focused on digital tools, is more critical than ever before. The last few months has taught us a great deal about the lure of technology and the failure to deliver – in terms of a relational humanity.
The period of isolation has tested many of us and bought into clear focus the reliance that we have on interacting with others to help sustain us. These interactions also help us maintain balance and well-being in our lives.
This was so evident in the way the students returned to a social setting where they were with their friends at school. The noise, chatter and energy levels demonstrated their delight in ‘catching up’.
Lets hope that we do not go back to the days of seeing four people sitting at the same table, all on their devices, ignoring each other with a single focus on technology to provide ‘contact and relationship’ with others.
This has always been true that teachers were important, but it is more apparent than ever after the IT focussed learning of the last few months.
FEAST OF St MARCELLIN
Next Saturday, 6th June, we celebrate the Feast of St Marcellin, founder of the Marist Brothers and the commencement of Marist schools around the world. Marcellin lived from 1789 – 1840 in rural France. He was a man for the times and his spirit lives on today nearly 200 years later. This spirit is alive in the men, women, boys and girls who adopt the Marist spirituality, one which comes from and is centred on Mary, the Mother of Jesus. Mary’s typical response to life was as a servant of the Lord (Luke 1:38). Marcellin was a family centred man.
Champagnat Day (June 6) reminds us of this vital French Priests abundant life, whether it be as a builder of the Hermitage or a negotiator with the French government to obtain approval for his Brothers to teach. He had a love of visiting the families in the hamlets in the countryside near where he was appointed. Marcellin’s commitments included working in the parish of La Valla in the wake of the French Revolution. As always, the church was proposing that people live by their faith. Alternatively, the revolution was proposing that people live by reason and not faith.
Whatever Marcellin took on he did so with dedication and thoroughness. Those of us who follow him today cannot help but be touched by his energy for the church and particularly Catholic Education. He would be delighted to know that today’s Marist schools, while at the same time valuing and nurturing the faith, encourage life in the local Church community. We ask St Marcellin Champagnat to pray for us.
We look forward to returning to the true celebrations of Champagnat Day after Covid -19.
A short service will be conducted for students (in Yr groups) on Thursday of next week. The Marists will be celebrating on Saturday and live streaming the event. Details will be provided.
Just a reminder to parents that we have our Year 11 & 12 parent teacher interviews planned for the coming weeks. Meetings this year have moved to zoom meetings to meet coronovirus restrictions.
On Monday 1st June, Year 12 interviews will run from 4:15-7pm.
On Tuesday 9th June, Year 11 interviews will run from 4-7pm.
Information has been emailed to parents and is available in the compass portal. If you have any questions please contact Mr McAllister at mcallisterb01@dow.catholic.edu.au
There has become a bit of a trend with a small number of students to shave lines into their eyebrows. We just want to confirm that this is not part of the school uniform. Students who do this will need to use an eyebrow pencil to hide this, or remain off school until these grow back. We appreciate your support in preventing this happening and avoiding this issue.
Clarification regarding medical clearance for students and staff returning after being unwell
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When a student or staff member is sent home after presenting unwell at school, they are required to present a medical clearance from a medical practitioner before returning to site
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Please note, the requirement is for a medical clearance, NOT a COVID clearance
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The medical professional is being asked to declare that to the best of their knowledge the student or staff member is fit to return to school or work.
This policy is designed to keep all members of the school community safe by minimising the chance of spreading infection at school.
School Canteen will be returning to their full menu next Monday 1st June.