Dear Parents,

Life has changed quite suddenly for all families in Nowra, Australia and the world. COVID-19 has presented all families with challenges that will certainly test relationships and force us to do things in a very different way. Every Australian is being affected in some way due to the need for some individuals to self isolate and all of us to practise social distancing. The recommendation for students to remain at home where possible that was delivered by Premier Gladys Berejiklian 72 hours ago on Monday 23 March 2020 at 8.00am, has presented families and schools with enormous challenges and discernment. It is a credit to our teaching force in Australia that staff in schools have been able to move mountains in a very short period of time to accommodate student learning both at home and at school. The resilience, intelligence, determination, passion and exceptional problem solving ability of teachers has certainly been demonstrated in the last 72 hours. Remote learning will be provided for all students in NSW – either at home or at school. 

The extraordinary emotional impact on families cannot be underestimated during this unprecedented period of COVID-19, job loss, social distancing and self isolation. For many of us with families, we will not be able to catch up with our aged parents, grown up children, grandchildren and close friends. Australians are renowned around the world for our resilience, determination and sense of humour during the most challenging times. Our tenacity demonstrated through the ANZAC tradition, recent bushfires, floods and cyclones has always come to the fore when required, and it is certainly required now. 

The main measures that we will all need to continue to do are now very obvious:

1. Self isolate if feeling unwell and stay at home
2. Wash your hands as often as you remember each day
3. Practise social distancing. This will mean that the students cannot have play dates and that we may not be able to physically interact with loved family members or friends for a period of time. As human beings, this is very unnatural and challenging. 
4. Remain in the home environment as much as possible.
5. Be very aware of personal hygiene, especially remembering to cough into our elbow or a tissue. 

COVID-19 will pass at some stage and all of our lives will gradually return to some type of normality. Please look after yourselves during this world pandemic and try to remain calm and rational at all times if possible. The wellbeing of all Australian adults and children will be tested during these worrying times and I urge you to explore all options to enhance your wellbeing at home. The school will share relevant websites devoted to wellbeing over the next few months. 

Today I have sent to all families a communication about how we will provide CONTINUANCE OF LEARNING both at home and at school. Parents will receive through Compass,  notification when their child’s grade will be accessing remote learning online. These notifications will be sent tomorrow. As I have mentioned in my previous communications to you, please be patient with us as we commence this new learning journey together. Some hyperlinks may not work at times and supporting your child at home will present numerous challenges. We are here for you and will assist you. 

We look forward to exploring this new learning frontier with you. 

Yours in Faith and Virtue,

Mr Christopher Paton

Please refer to the attached Pastoral Statement by Bishop Brian Mascord, effective 25 March 2020.

Due to the current situation the P&F have decided to put a hold on the Easter raffle.

We will re-evaluate when school returns.

The health, safety and wellbeing of our communities and our people is our first priority. Due to the rapidly developing situation with coronavirus, School Banking has been temporarily paused until the start of Term 2. Please don’t bring your deposit book with your weekly banking into school and we will notify you when banking will recommence.