It has been wonderful to finally be able to welcome back all of our year groups to face-to-face teaching. This lockdown was even longer than the last time, and with COVID-19 continuing to move through the community this time, I think it was a little more difficult on everyone. Yesterday was the first time in over ten weeks students got to see many of their classmates and teachers other than on the screen. Morning drop off was definitely a highlight with almost every teacher, not already on duty, coming out to welcome students back to school.

Teachers are now teaching at double speed and working on assessing students ready for reports. We know that this semester’s reports may not be a complete reflection of student’s capability, which is one reason why we will have parent-teacher conferences and three-way conferences before reports go home. During these meetings teachers will be able to discuss what they observed when teaching online, as well as their observations during face-to-face learning. These conferences will occur in Week 9 (29 November to 1 December) and bookings will open on Monday 22 November.

This week a number of our Year 4 students will be completing their first reconciliation on Wednesday night. I am probably showing my age now, but things have changed dramatically since I made my first reconciliation. Long gone are the dark confessional rooms where as an eight-year-old I nervously walked in having practiced my prayers and with my pre-prepared list of transgressions. Reconciliation today reflects the fact that that none of us is perfect and that God loves us regardless. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is an important part of our journey towards knowing God and understanding that He walks this life with us, supporting us, loving us and always welcoming us back to Him. I invite you to pray for our candidates as they prepare for this Sacrament.

Take care and God Bless