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As I write this Newsletter we are fast approaching the end of Week 9. We have been in lockdown for 11 weeks and for many this has been a very difficult time. I am particularly saddened by the emphasis placed in the media on the bad news that this pandemic brings. The pressures of the pandemic are being felt across the country and the world. The overseas news focusses on Afghanistan, the fires in western USA and the floods in the east and south of America. However, we have much about our lives to be happy about, not the least our families, friends and access to quality education. We live in a peaceful and bountiful country where hard work and dedication is rewarded and we are blessed to be able to celebrate the peace of our faith. Resilience and determination are traits that John Therry students regularly put on show. We need some more at this time, not only for yourself but to lift those around you. You can make a difference. We can all make a difference. Our Catholic Social Teachings lead us to care for those around us, to reach out to those who are disadvantaged or suffering and to care for the welfare of all.
I encourage all – Students, Parents and Staff – to maintain a positive mindset and that we all have the capacity to lead others through this difficult time.
As we enter the last week of Term 3, we continue to respond to the updated advice from the Government in response to health advice.
At this time the staged return to full time schooling has been published by the Government as:-
- 25th October – Year 12 return to face to face learning
- 1st November – Year 11 return to face to face learning
- 8th November – Year 7, 8, 9, 10 return to face to face learning
- 9th November – HSC Exams commence
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All students return to Level 3 restrictions while onsite at the College.
Again, I urge all to stay positive, connect with others and be the strength that they may need at this time.
I also support Fr Sarkis and our Parish in their attempts to maintain connection to our faith life in these times.
MASSES: FR Sarkis will continue to livestream the SATURDAY 6 PM VIGIL MASS and the TUESDAY 6.30 PM weekday Mass.
The direct link to the parish YouTube channel is: https://www.youtube.com/
ROSARY: Via Zoom from Fr. Sarkis’ private chapel in the Presbytery each Thursday at 7pm. Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android at https://dowcatholic.zoom.us/j/
Join us for the Next P & F meeting (via Zoom only)
Week 10 - Tuesday 14th September, 6.30pm
We will share some things happening at the College at the moment during lockdown, the College's approach to Remote Learning and how this is going, as well as the uniform survey results and our way forward with this.
Register here on the form to attend and we will then share a Zoom link on Tuesday afternoon for all who have registered.
We hope to see you there.
We put our students to the challenge of reading a book in the most unusual place at home. Watch the video to see....
- Pay it forward when you go to buy your next coffee by donating $5 (or ask your parent to)
A big thank-you to Debbi Schulstad (parent) who has donated a range of Olympic Memorabilia from her recent trip to the Tokyo Olympics. It is wonderful to have these items which will be great for our Japanese program and displays!
The Education Knowledge Network (EKN) in the School of Education at Western Sydney University has started an initiative to support Parents and Carers during this challenging period in their home-schooling efforts.
The four fact sheets below are worth a read and can be downloaded.
If you would like any of these fact sheets translated into community languages including Arabic, Vietnamese and Mandarin please request a copy by emailing ekn@westernsydney.edu.au