From the Acting Principal

Recently, I was thrilled to hear the announcement that schools across Metropolitan Melbourne will shortly see Years P-2, and Years 11-12, return to onsite learning in week two of Term 4.

It is my strong hope that Years 3-10 will return shortly after this date, given these students have been away from school for an extended period of time now. While I have said many times that our community has adapted so well to the changing landscape associated with remote learning, and continue to engage comprehensively in their learning, there is no question that we are all ready for school to return onsite as soon as possible. Over the past term of remote learning, we have all been reminded of just how important a consistent daily routine is to a student’s positive experience of school; walking through the front gates each day, greeting friends and teachers and beginning a day of learning as a community and not as separate individuals. I am certain we will never take this for granted again.Similarly, we have been reminded of how positive and necessary it is for students to participate in a range of co-curricular opportunities including sport, drama, music, debating, chess and more, and the importance of participation for our general wellbeing.

In any school setting, we live, learn and work in partnership with each other. Nothing in our school environment occurs in isolation and, as such, we are constantly nourished by the spirit of support, challenge, encouragement, collegiality and collaboration. It is a vibrant life-giving community. With all of this firmly in our minds, and as soon as we are permitted, the College will quickly seek to re-establish stable and normal routines for all students to see them settle back into school life. We recognise that there will be much work needed on our part to support all students in returning to this routine. I want to reassure all parents and carers that we will continue to work tirelessly to support each student in this endeavour when they return in Term 4. I ask all parents and carers to keep us informed if you have any concerns here.

A few weeks ago, our community learnt that Deborah Barker has been appointed as the new Principal of St Kevin’s College.

As a community, we congratulate Deborah on her appointment and look forward to the opportunity of warmly welcoming her to our students, parents, carers and staff as the year progresses.

John Crowley Acting Principal