Dear McAuley Families 

I’m sure that about this time last year I wrote about the term we had just had and here we are again. It’s difficult to express my pride and admiration to each of you for the enormous efforts that have been made to seamlessly move to remote learning and back again. I am only too aware of the burden that has been placed on families through separation, income and work changes. On top of that helping your sons and daughters with home learning as well as meeting your own family and employment needs has been a massive effort. 

I am grateful to our staff who have worked well and truly beyond their limits to design and provide learning activities which not only matched their programmed curriculums but were challenging and interesting for their students as well. Many long hours were spent making sure we were well connected and on track. Thank you all so very sincerely. 

This remains a time in our lives which will be marked as unprecedented and historical. Indeed I read recently that the COVID 19 situation is a “cataclysm” in our stories. In this way we have deliberately tried to be positive in our framing, our communications and our remote learning. It is a time where families can leave behind the mantra of being “busy” and be together, at home with time to focus on the simple things which we may have left behind. 

It was lovely to feel the energy return to school this week, albeit with Level 3 restrictions in place. It is a clear reminder that schools are about people, about connectedness and about pastoral care. When all those things are set academics will come. I am aware that a number of students and families are anxious about the future and I can only reassure you that we are doing all we can to stay safe and minimize risk. Please do not hesitate to reach out if your family needs support or advice. 

More information will be supplied as it comes although I can’t see much changing in terms of restrictions as we begin next term. Sadly that means that all excursions and activities have been cancelled for 4th term as restrictions will not allow us to travel. Details will come about refunds etc as we get to that. 

Canteen will be operational next term as usual. We will work on staggering times so that cohorts are mixing as little as possible. Again information will come as we have it. 

We move to Compass Parent Portal over the break. I know many teachers and parents used Compass for emails during Remote Learning so it is familiar. Details will be sent home about usernames and passwords as well as setting up the Compass app on your devices. 

Thanks to those parents who continue to pay their fees via direct debit. In terms of budgeting and finance for us all this steady stream of income makes things easier. I encourage all who are able to take up this option to keep on top of our fees and payments. There is a handy calculator on the website to estimate fortnightly payments and Trish in the office is always happy to work with you to set things up as needed. 

Please enjoy a break in the holidays. Please take particular care of your sons and daughters and encourage some “screen free time” over the break. 

Please also note term dates for Term 4. Day 1 next term is Tuesday 5 October and final day of classes is Tuesday 14 December. 

Mary our Mother… look after us. 

Eamonn Moore - Principal