Dear Parents and Carers,

As we move toward the holiday break and an Easter, that will be vastly different for each of us, the foundational characteristics that represent Easter remain the same. The opportunity to reflect on and re-affirm our faith and commitment to Jesus, to love one another and to be with our families. We must remember that Easter remains a time of new life, love and hope.

'We proclaim the Resurrection of Christ when his light Illuminates the dark moments of our existence, and we are able to share it with others'. Pope Francis

Thank you once again for your support, kind words and generosity throughout this period of COVID-19. We all should be very proud of how we have responded both individually and collectively as a school community. At some stage in the near future, we will celebrate this together. This articule in today's Illawarra Mercry highlights  our wonderful community spirit.

https://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/6717455/trying-a-little-kindness-to-make-the-world-a-little-brighter-through-coronavirus/?cs=3737

On 25 April Saturday, we celebrate ANZAC Day. Traditionally members from our school community - students, staff, parents and grandparents have marched in the annual ANZAC Day service. This year while we do not have the opportunity to commemorate this significant and special day together. We should, however, take a moment on the 25 April to remember the service men and women who served our country and those who continue to serve to this day.

Below is information from the Catholic Education Office of Wollongong outlining guidelines for the start of Term 2 and the attendance procedures. 

• The first day back from school holidays will be Monday 27 April 2020
• All schools will continue delivering remote learning in Term 2
• All schools will continue providing onsite supervision for students undertaking remote learning at school.

Updated Attendance Procedures (from Day 1, Term 2)

• All schools are to set expectations that students undertaking remote learning off campus must log in to a nominated class each day (eg. Classroom Teacher/ Homeroom/PALs class) in order to be marked ‘F’ flexible attendance

• Students who are physically present on campus will be marked ‘P’ for present

• Students who have not logged in to their nominated class by 3.00 pm will be marked ‘A’ as absent Where a student is absent for three consecutive days or an attendance concern is raised for any other reason we will follow

• At 3:10pm an automated notification will be sent to parents of students who are marked Absent

• Parents will be required to justify their child’s absence as per usual procedures

Updated COVID-19 information, please refer to our website: https://www.sccdow.catholic.edu.au

On behalf of the staff at St Columbkille's, I wish you a very happy, safe, Holy and hope-filled Easter. Enjoy the holiday break.  I look forward to working together next term.

Look after yourselves and each another.

Take care

Mr Brad Colquhoun - Principal