What a term we have had. Who would have thought at the start of the year we would be experiencing the change and disruption to every part of our lives we now have. As we returned to school this year, I distinctly recall thinking of the grief and hardship our families faced through the bushfires and floods over Christmas, never realising more was around the corner. As we watched the devastation unfold in China, I don’t believe we had a full appreciation of the impact this would have on our island nation a few weeks later.

The girls have adjusted to the online learning very well. The feedback from staff is very positive and the girls particularly enjoy their opportunity to touch base with each other during pastoral each morning. They are often chatty and bubbly and keen to share their experiences. They have generally managed the workload, although some are feeling overwhelmed and struggling. The time away from the screen over the holidays will do them all good.

As the girls are not physically in our classrooms at the College we have limited duty of care. That duty falls with the parents or a responsible person whilst they are at home. Could I ask that you check your daughter is engaging with her work and online each morning. We have a few girls who are not allowing their camera to video their face and instead they present an image. This could be because they are camera shy or not comfortable with others seeing them in the morning. The difficulty for staff though is that we can’t be sure they are there or that they are connected for the lesson. I believe it is best that each girl activates the camera, at least for their pastoral period, so their homeroom teacher can check they are ready and then they can operate behind their image for the rest of the lesson. If you could check that she is safe and engaged that would be perfect. Where we have concerns for girls we are calling parents, but your help will be appreciated.

As you would be aware we had to cancel our Emerald Gala Ball this term due to COVID-19. This is the only fundraiser for the scholarship fund at the College. This fund provides some support to families who don’t have the resources to send their daughter to St Patrick’s. We have decided to open the raffle online. We have the prizes donated and we are hoping to be able to sell some tickets to potentially raise a little for the scholarships that will be needed for the coming year. I appreciate these are hard times for all, but if you are in a position to assist, we would be very grateful. The prizes are very good and I am sure the winners will be very pleased should they be successful.

As we finish, we will be going into Easter. This Sunday is Palm Sunday and it will be very strange not to go to mass and bring home a palm for the year. I will leave you with a prayer on Easter as we long for the hope of joy and new life this wonderful feast gives us.

Blessings

Sue Lennox - Principal 

Lord, the resurrection of Your Son
has given us new life and renewed hope.
Help us to live as new people
in pursuit of the Christian ideal.
Grant us wisdom to know what we must do,
the will to want to do it,
the courage to undertake it,
the perseverance to continue to do it,
and the strength to complete it.

source: New Saint Joseph People's Prayer Book