From the Principal
Dear Parents/Carers
I have always maintained that the strength of Sacred Heart lies in its commitment to and love of community. There has been no greater evidence of this than in the past week and especially the past few days. As the world scrambles to face one of its greatest challenges we are buoyed by the commitment of our staff to our community of learners and our families. So too our families are patiently supportive and appreciative of what schools are experiencing in this unprecedented climate of turmoil.
REMOTE LEARNING COMING SOON
Please be confident that our staff are working tirelessly to prepare for a continuity of learning through a remote online platform. We ask you to be patient as we move to a consistent model across the school. Currently all classes are trialling and accessing online lessons, tasks and resources in preparation for a cessation of all face-to-face teaching. At this current time, many of the materials may only go up after classes have been taught, to allow consistency. All students Years 3-10, who are working remotely, can access this content through Google classrooms. For the time being they will need to be self directed but we are hopeful to move to a structured timetable to promote a more regular and supported learning program at home as early as is conceivably possible. Our younger students will be provided with suitable worksheets and online links to continue to keep them engaged and learning. Over the coming days all students and staff will be experienced in joining and managing video conferencing and online tools. We are also ensuring that we have all the necessary contact details for students and families to maintain regular contact to promote wellbeing and engagement. Thank you so much to all our families who are understanding that our staff are managing two platforms currently, teaching those in our classrooms who need to attend school and supporting those who are at home. The remote learning program will commence in coming days after sufficient planning and development and additional information about expectations for students, parents and teachers will be clearly outlined and sent home.
Teachers will endeavour to give clear guidance for parents as they begin to manage the students at home. Learning remains our priority during these challenging times and our staff will be available during normal school hours to answer questions and deliver and monitor work. Please see the information below for the different classes regarding Google Classroom access for parents.
Our highest priority remains the safety, wellbeing and good health of our students, families and staff. Please encourage learners at home to observe social distancing and hygenic practices and taske all possible actions to ensure the safety of all members of our community.
MIXED MESSAGES ABOUT SCHOOL CLOSURES
I am aware there is confusion in the Australian community around messages from the various levels of government. I write to provide clarification for you in relation to Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn.
Current Health Advice
The current health advice does not recommend or require school closures at this time. The Minister for Education in the ACT has stated that schools are safe places for students and staff and that schools are open for all students that need to attend school. We will continue to closely monitor health advice to ensure both student and staff safety.
You may wish to access the national health advice as follows:
Catholic Education, Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn
Our position is as follows:
- In line with the NSW and ACT Governments, Catholic Education encourages parents to keep their children home if they are able. If you do decide to keep your child/children at home, please notify the school in writing.
- Our Catholic schools will remain open to students until the end of Term 1, Thursday, 9 April. This is to support parents and carers, particularly those providing essential services at this time, who are unable to provide care for their children. Students will be supervised at school and participate in a remote learning program.
- At this time, low or minimal attendance of students at schools will support teachers to prepare for remote learning for all students. We are committed to providing students with quality learning opportunities as we prepare to offer a single program of learning that may be accessed in school or remotely. This will develop with time. No student will be disadvantaged by the current changes.
- Catholic Education in Canberra and Goulburn is prioritising the safety and wellbeing of students, staff and families.
I encourage you to visit the COVID-19 Information and Updates resource page on our website which contains current information, resources and useful links. This page is updated regularly.
I understand the concerns in our school community during this challenging time. I hope this letter clarifies some of the confusion for you. I ask for your continued patience and cooperation as we work through the current issues. I am available should you have any questions or concerns.
The world needs kindess now more than ever. So if you have to choose between being exceptional and kind, be exceptionally kind!
God Bless,
Mrs Nicky Trinder
Principal