I hope that you and your families are keeping safe and well in this difficult time.

During the month of August, one of the significant feasts in the Catholic Church’s calendar is the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which occurs next Saturday 15 August. Mary being taken up into heaven, body, and soul, after her death is a statement which defies all human scientific reasoning. As we move towards the realm of faith, when I abandon what my intellect tells me ‘is impossible’ and come to accept the deeper meaning of this declaration and its implication on our lives, it becomes easier to accept.

Who is Mary and what made her so special? In chapter one of Luke’s gospel, we read how Jesus came to be conceived by Mary consenting to God’s invitation to give birth to Jesus, the second person of the Trinity. It was very courageous of Mary to say ‘yes’ to this enormous request and to put her complete trust in God as life unfolded. Her ‘Song of Praise’ in Lk 1:46-55 reflects her relationship with a God who has loved her from all eternity, her humble acknowledgement and acceptance of God looking kindly upon her and her gratitude for what was to come. Mary embodies the qualities of faithfulness, sensitivity, acceptance of hardships in order to protect her son, confusion in the adolescent Jesus who got lost in Jerusalem and was on a mission doing His Father’s will. Mary seeks understanding by pondering all these things in her heart.

Many mothers can identify with Mary in their role of motherhood. They are not alone in their struggles in nurturing and educating their children, in the daily sacrifices they make in giving of their best to the children they love, in the hope their children would reciprocate. Children look to their parents for guidance and protection.

On Saturday 8 August, we celebrate the feast of Australia’s first saint, St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. With Mary MacKillop we have a model of untiring service to the Church and to the underprivileged and poor in Australia. With the Assumption we are reminded of Mary’s profound faith and her absolute commitment to her God. Both women are models for us of faith and discipleship and challenge us to reflect on our own lives and our relationship with God. May God continue to bless and strengthen you in your efforts to be good role models for your children.

Stage 4 Restrictions

Recently, the Victorian Government announced that, on the advice of the Victorian Chief Health Officer, Metropolitan Melbourne will move to Stage 4 restrictions to slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

These requirements apply to all schools in Metropolitan Melbourne and these changes came into effect from Wednesday 5 August, and are likely to apply until the end of Term 3.

There are implications for our school, and for families in our school community. A summary of what the changes mean for schools in Metropolitan Melbourne is below.

PREP TO YEAR 10

• Prep to Year 10 students will continue with remote and flexible learning.
• The criteria for students that can attend on-site has changed as follows:

• children whose parents are permitted workers. The Victorian Government will provide further advice about this over the coming days

• vulnerable children in out of home care, children known to child protection and other agencies and children the school identifies as vulnerable
• children with a disability who also fit one of the above two categories.

• If your circumstances fit the criteria above and you wish to apply for onsite learning for your child, please contact Mr Richard Brodrick or Ms Anne Crockford to discuss.

SENIOR SECONDARY YEAR 11 AND 12 (VCE AND VCAL)

• All Year 11 and 12 provision for both VCE and VCAL will move to remote and flexible learning.

• The GAT will be rescheduled from Wednesday 9 September to Wednesday 7 October.
• The schedule for the VCE examinations and release of results will remain as previously advised.
• Further information about consideration of disadvantage and coronavirus (COVID-19) will be provided shortly.

The College office and reception area will remain open throughout this remote learning period from 8:30am to 3:30pm each day. However, strict guidelines pertaining to parents only being on-site for pre-approved meetings in extenuating circumstances are in place, including adherence to strict health and safety guidelines.

As a College community, we are fully committed to working to provide our students with the best possible learning opportunities during these challenging times. The systems and procedures that we have already put in place at the College will continue to ensure that productive and effective learning will still take place remotely for students this term.

If you would like further information from the Department of Health and Human services, you can visit www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus.

Once again, I thank you for your patience, support and understanding in these very unique circumstances. I assure you that all staff at Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs are doing their utmost to support your child and we will continue to provide the best possible learning outcomes for all.

May God bless you and your family.