This week we have seen a number of changes with the welcome back of Years 7 to 10 across the week and all staff now on site. On each of their first days the student leadership team were at the front gate to welcome the girls, handing them lolly pops and a warm smile. Later at lunchtime on the top oval, the music was on and banners of welcome were around the buildings. For all those girls who were a little apprehensive about a return to the site, their fears were dispelled as the hospitality was clearly genuine and inclusive. I am grateful to the student leaders for leading this welcome.

Slowly the state is returning to the normal way of life. All state school students will be back next Monday and on 1 June we also will have everyone back on site. As noted by the AHPPC (briefing note CSNSW 5 May) the risk of infection across students is low at 2.5% and schools are not required to maintain the 1.5 metre rule between them, however, we are informing girls that they need to maintain a safe distance between themselves as a precaution.

Thank you to those parents who have communicated with the College their appreciation or concerns during this time. As we both have a vested interest in your daughter/s, we value the feedback, both positive and critical. In this day and age social media can be used as a platform for expressing concerns or passing comments. We are grateful therefore that our parents have communicated with us directly, which has allowed us to rectify or address concerns immediately. Thank you for your work with us.

You will have received a letter last week outlining our altered model for Parent/ Teacher/Student interviews. The bookings are now open through the parent portal. I do hope you access this opportunity as there is much to discuss about your daughter’s progress and success over the last few months.

I am delighted to inform you that Courtney, our psychologist, had a beautiful baby girl just before Mother's Day. Both are doing very well. I would like to welcome psychologist Ayesha Jilani who will be replacing Courtney to the end of the year. I am sure the girls will make Ayesha feel welcome and I am confident they will be very well served during this time.

One of the difficulties during this pandemic, outside of supporting the wellbeing of those in the community and the provision of the learning for the girls, has been the reinvention of events and experiences so that the girls still have the experience/s in the context of the regulations required. Such challenges have been providing sport on a Tuesday when all girls are remote, hosting an assembly when everyone is remote, holding parent/teacher/students interviews when we can’t actually have everyone here at the College, conducting parent information evenings and the list goes on. Our premise has been, if we believe these experiences are important, then we need to explore all ways to ensure they continue. This has required creative thinking and, for many, several sleepless nights. I appreciate the dedicated support provided by all staff in overcoming these challenges and finding a way! There are still many challenges ahead but I can assure you we are keen to ensure the girls do not miss out as a result of this pandemic, but may have these experiences packaged in a different way.

This Sunday is the Solemnity of the Ascension. On this Feast, Jesus ascended into heaven and left his community. In leaving his community, though they were not left alone or wanting, he was now present in and around them at all times. They became the ministers of His message as he was present in them and in what they did. So I will leave you with a poem by Mary Oliver reflecting on the mystery of God that is all around us.

Blessings

Sue Lennox - Principal 

My Work Is Loving the World

My work is loving the world.
Here the sunflowers, there the hummingbird—
equal seekers of sweetness.
Here the quickening yeast; there the blue plums.
Here the clam deep in the speckled sand.
Are my boots old? Is my coat torn?
Am I no longer young, and still not half-perfect? Let me
keep my mind on what matters,
which is my work,
which is mostly standing still and learning to be
astonished. 

by Mary Oliver (September 2013)