Dear Parents and Carers,

We may be in lockdown, but you will see in this week’s Key Messages that there are lots of opportunities to connect with each other, explore new things and ensure we are caring for ourselves. 

As we continue in our remote learning journey, the Remote Learning Infograph (see below) provides a visual stimulus for students and families to revisit the expectations of working from home and to access some advice on managing this time. In particular, I commend to you the section Be Mindful, reminding us all of the need to take regular breaks from the screen during the day, to be physically active and to stay connected with friends.

On this note of self-care and with RUOK day coming up next week, you will see the free seminars on offer from the Black Dog Institute. There are seminars aimed at high school students, parents and adults and I recommend them to you.

The theme of our staff prayer life this week is encapsulated in the It takes a Village segment about ways to continue to build our JPC village even when we can’t be physically together. Our staff prayer has been led by Drexel House this week and it has been inspiring for us as staff to see the many ways people in our JPC community and in the broader community have been caring for those who may be particularly vulnerable at this time. We are all encouraged to seek out such opportunities to assist and support others.

With a view to the safe return to face to face learning, you may have seen earlier today the communication from our Chief Minister that priority will be given over the next few weeks to the vaccination of our Year 12 students and of our staff in schools. This is welcome news indeed. We have sent the details of this out to our Year 12 students and their families and I encourage you all to take advantage of this.

Thank you all for your messages of support and thanks, which we pass on to our staff. In these times, encouragement of each other and recognition of efforts made are hugely appreciated.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact us if your child is struggling in some way or if we can assist you with support.

Have a restful weekend!

Catherine Rey
Principal