St Catherine's College Newsletter
Tēnā koutou katoa
Health and Safety
We are in the midst of unprecedented times. The impact of Covid19 has hurtled around the world forcing us to take measures which are strange and scary for us all. Here at St Catherine’s College, your daughter’s school and safe place, we are following all directives and guidelines and have equipped ourselves by following our Pandemic Plan and ensuring adequate provisions.
Healthy practices, social distancing (said to be the MOST effective way of staying safe) and an awareness of responsibilities are being highlighted and enforced.
The Ministry of Education is providing daily updates; you will find the information in this link helpful. Talking to children about COVID-19 (Coronavirus) - (https://education.govt.nz/assets/Documents/School/Supporting-students/COVID-19/Guidance-for-parents-to-talk-with-their-children-re-COVID-19.docx)
If you are dropping off or picking up your daughter at school, please make sure that you drive as far along the front of the school as possible before stopping. This will ensure your daughter’s safety as she can access the footpath on her left, and ensure the uninterrupted flow of traffic within the school driveway. Problems arise when people stop just inside the front gate. Thank you for your cooperation.
Online learning
We have been preparing for the provision of online learning should schools close. Teachers are sharing information with students about the platforms we use and also considering hardcopy backup for the glitches that may well occur. This would be new territory for us all and we’re trying to cover our bases. School chromebooks will be available for students who do not have a device at home.
Cancellations
Many events have already been cancelled or postponed (September will be one busy month as it seems to be the alternative option for most postponed events!). College Sport Wellington has suspended all summer sport, many cultural events both outside and within school have been cancelled, field trips cancelled, school assemblies suspended, meetings/hui have been postponed, the O’Shea Shield has been postponed indefinitely - all to support the wellbeing of everyone in our school communities. We are realising the need for alternative means of connection and communication in order to sustain the energy and momentum of school life. While Covid19 presents huge challenges, it also provides opportunities.
Student Learning Conversations
The pandemic does not limit meetings of 3 or 4 people to share information about students’ goals and progress. Wednesday 8 April (the same day as St Patrick’s College) is set aside for parents and guardians to make a time that suits, to meet with their daughter and their daughter’s support teacher for a 20 minute conversation and sharing of information. Please make bookings at the website: http://www.schoolinterviews.co.nz The booking code is zpafg
An email address must be entered. The student may use their school email address if necessary. Select the Student Learning Conversation support teacher and then select a time that suits.
Progress Reports will be sent home with students on Tuesday 7 April. Bring the Progress Report to the Student Learning Conversation too.
Video
The attached video highlights a fantastic learning opportunity prepared and delivered by Yr 12 PE200 students. I know from the St Anne’s teacher and student feedback that it was very successful; sound planning, good communication, evaluation and next steps, were all instrumental; our teachers of the future. - https://www.facebook.com/SCCMERCYANDWISDOM/videos/912385939199428/?t=1
Our Head Girl Loredana Unsworth and Deputy Head Girl Anahera Pohe attended the Cullen Breakfast last week where our Prime Minister was the guest speaker. Loredana held stage when she asked the Prime Minister who the inspirational figures of her earlier years were -
- Helen Clark and Annette King were acknowledged. Loredana and Community Leader Grace Ellis attended the Commonwealth Day celebrations in the Beehive. Our Multicultural Club performed with pride and to great applause at the St Patrick’s Day Festival last Saturday.
Congratulations to our senior volleyball team, which came 3rd in the regional competition last weekend, and to Paige Wilson and Molly Chote who were selected in the Regional Tournament team.
Prayer
At staff prayers earlier this week, Kate Lucas led us in this prayer,
In this time of COVID-19, we pray:
When we aren't sure, God, help us be calm;
when information comes from all sides, correct and not,
help us to discern; when fear makes it hard to breathe,
and anxiety seems to be the order of the day, slow us down, God;
help us to reach out with our hearts, when we can't touch with our hands;
help us to be socially connected, when we have to be socially distant;
help us to love as perfectly as we can, knowing that "perfect love casts out all fear."
For the doctors, we pray, for the nurses, we pray,
for the technicians and the janitors and the aides and the caregivers, we pray,
for the researchers and theorists, the epidemiologists and investigators,
for those who are sick, and those who are grieving, we pray,
for all who are affected, all around the world...
we pray for safety, for health, for wholeness.
Help us, O God, that we might help each other.
In the love of the Creator, in the name of the Healer,
in the life of the Holy Spirit that is in all and with all,
we pray.
Amen
Ngā mihi nui
Steve Bryan
Principal