Welcome to the last newsletter for Term 1, 2020. When I look back to my first newsletter this year,  I never would have imagined the times we are now living in. Uncertainty has become a part of our lives and sadly we follow Coronavirus stories in the media with intense interest. I am hoping that some good will come of our situation, that people will learn to slow down, just do the things that matter and be kinder to each other. I am already experiencing a wave of kindness in our school community and in our local communities - we’re all in this together.

I was sent a lovely reflection titled One Hundred Years From Now:

One hundred years from now

It won’t matter

What kind of car you drove

What kind of house you lived in

How much money you had in the bank

Nor what clothes you wore

But the world may be a little better

Because you were important in the life of a child

Staff have been contacting families this week. Feedback is that some students are responding to online learning more easily than others. Many families seem to have established routines which is a great idea. Whilst it would be ideal if students could keep to their timetable this is not always possible in the real world of family life. Video conferencing has so far been restricted to senior students but we hope to do more of this with junior students next term.

Student wellbeing continues to be a key focus for us. PC teachers are keeping in touch with students in various ways. By now you should have received a fridge magnet with some helpful hints and useful numbers. Please do not hesitate to contact me or any of the staff if needed.

As previously emailed, we will not be running online lessons again until Tuesday, April 28. Staff across the archdiocese will be involved in online training next week to ensure that we offer the best possible experience for students. Until we are advised otherwise, the school will be open in Term 2 for those families who need to send their children.

In all the disruption, let’s not overlook the Easter season. Ms Devlin will be sharing various prayers  and reflections for families as we enter this most significant season in the Church’s calendar. Easter is all about hope - let us truly be people of hope in 2020.