Dear Parents and Carers,

Just over three weeks ago I was sitting with my husband at the Melbourne Cricket Ground watching the T20 Women's World Cup Cricket Final with 86,174 people. Never in a million years, as they say, did I ever think that I would be writing a newsletter article about a pandemic. So much has changed in such a short time. Learning remotely, watching Mass online, encouraging people to stay at home and social distancing ourselves from each other, just to name a few.

We have heard the phrase “we are in unprecedented times” used on a daily basis since  Covid-19 started. It is true, we have never experienced days like this before, but it is also true that we have come through many tough times before. The end of the tunnel may be long and at times dark, but there will be a light and we will follow that light. It may take time, but we walk that path with our God.

Many of our students have been hearing a lot about COVID-19, from friends, on the news, and at home. While they might not know how to appropriately express their feelings about the situation, they might be holding on to some worries. It is hard for us - as adults - to keep up with the level of information that is being delivered through the media and relevant authorities. Not only are we having to manage the information but the implications of this information impact so many aspects of our lives. I am sure, that like staff, you are trying to cope with the rapid rate of change at the moment along with the stress and anxiety that comes with the ‘unknown’. I can't imagine what our students are thinking at this time. 

Here are some tips to support your child:

Be available to talk and reassure Limit news exposure Stick to routines and boundaries Acknowledge the worries Be mindful of your own worries Consider opportunities for exercise

We continue to pray for all those affected by the current situation and in particular the doctors, nurses, paramedics and medical researchers who are working tirelessly on our behalf. 

Lastly, please take care of yourself as we enter into the last week of term. It is important that we maintain the learning journey with the students, and it is even more important that we strengthen our family relationships and take care of each other.

Gracious God,
We give thanks anew for your providence and presence.
We prayerfully seek your grace, amidst COVID-19 here and overseas.
We pray for those in need of healing.
We pray for your peace with those who are anxious or grieving.
We pray you will continue to strengthen and sustain all those who are serving in response.
We pray for your Holy Spirit’s discernment amidst the many choices and decisions facing our nation, community and medical leaders.
We pray we each might see quickly what more we can do to help those who are vulnerable.
This prayer for our nation in the family of nations, with all that is on our hearts, we gather now and pray through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.

Stay safe,
Mrs Vicky Davidson
Principal