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Dear parents and carers,
Today, we have arrived at the end of a very, very “different” term. The arrival of the covid-19 virus has forced us to rethink the way that we do many things and we’ve made significant change to accommodate what is fast becoming our new “normal”.
Again, I would like to thank all of our families for the way in which you have taken to the remote learning model for school. I anticipate that this “new” model of learning will continue well into next term.
I expect that we will receive a number of updates during the holidays and as these come to hand, I will forward them on to you.
Thank you to everyone who has asked questions over the past few weeks, your queries have enabled us to refine how our remote learning functions. We will continue to work on streamlining our learning processes for Term 2.
Please be aware that at this time, advice is still that those families who can undertake remote learning are encouraged to continue to do so during Term 2. Children who are onsite at school will be supervised to participate in remote learning, but will not receive additional lessons.
We have all been on a steep learning curve!
Thank you for your persistence during this challenging period.
I believe that people are appreciative of the regular contact through Zoom Meetings. The revised schedule for term 2 will be sent out before the start of the new term.
During this week, staff have participated in what has been a fairly intense week of learning in preparation for Term 2. There have been a number of exciting options presented and as these platforms come online, we will pass details on to you.
As we move through Holy Week, this week, I hope that being at home during these most challenging of times, has allowed your family to reconnect. It could be that you have rediscovered many things about your family that you both enjoy or find yourself challenged by.
Taking time to pause and reflect on just how quickly times have changed in recent days, can only show much we have moved in our thinking and behaviour in recent weeks.
I hope that the regular emails have kept you as up to date as possible in terms of keeping you as up to date as possible in these changing times. If there are particular sets of information that would be of use, please let me know.
If you are aware of any families that are not receiving emails or information updates, please let us know at school so that we have accurate contact details.
Saturday April 25 – ANZAC Day – this year, Anzac Day falls during the school holiday period.
It will look different this year, with no formal services taking place, I trust that things will have changed sufficiently by Remembrance Day that we will be able to participate in a commemorative service at that time. Congratulations to Hamish Gibson who has received a Highly Commended award in the 2020 edition of Michael McCormack’s School’s ANZAC Day writing competition.
The Boy from Mirrool
“1916 August 23rd, last night is a night I will remember for all eternity!
The Fritz were overhead, dropped six bombs on the hospital killing six,
wounding eleven. A mile away in another hospital, four nurses were
killed with patients yet to be counted. Am I ever going to get out of here,
back to my home town of Mirrool? I miss it dearly.”
I place my Great Great Grandfather’s war diary on my bedside table and
jump out of bed. I feel thankful to be alive in 2020. I wonder, will I ever
know what it’s like to hear a bomb drop or to see my neighbour die in the
paddock beside me? Thank God, I’ve never experienced war.
“1917 January 18th, I’ve been here well over a year. We marched for
hours, single file, the mud feet deep, every step a battle. The ground is
all blown up but all is well, I’m as happy as I can be.”
Will I ever be as extraordinary as him, making the best of every situation,
even knowing he was facing death? It’s August 16th 2020, as I walk out
onto the Aussie rules ground, surrounded by my mates, ready to do
battle but shaking with nerves. Is this what war must have felt like, every
minute of every day?
“1917 February 9th, arrived in Mirrool. Home at last. A different man to
the one that left, but home.”
2020 April 25 we will remember you.
Thank God you came home.
By Hamish Gibson
I know that this year’s Easter break will look very different for all of us, it is my hope that where ever you find yourselves to be, come Easter, that you enjoy the time with your families.
Remember:
Stay Safe
Wash your hands
Use social distancing
Take care and stay safe, and enjoy the coming holiday period.
May the glory and the promise
of this joyous time of year
bring peace and happiness to you
and those you hold most dear.
And may Christ, Our Risen Saviour,
always be there by your side
to bless you most abundantly
and be your loving guide.
Many blessings for a safe, happy and holy Easter.
