Dear Parents and Carers

We continue watch and wait – now becoming familiar to us in this area!  Our community is rallying as another challenge hurtles towards us.  No doubt the impact of COVID 19 will be felt by us all as these early uncertain days turn into weeks and even months.  I am sure though that the human spirit of support and giving will be as evident as it was for us during the bushfires. It is heartening to be reminded to visit our elderly friends, relatives and neighbours and to ‘check in’.  I think it is vital that we remember that this virus will have a huge effect on people we know and indeed, our most vulnerable in society.

At McAuley we have taken measures, as much as possible, to remain as hygienic as a school can be. These steps include:

• The purchase and provision of water bottles for students who don’t have one (to avoid using the playground bubblers).
• Education and visual reminders about frequent hand washing and limiting social contact.
• Extra cleaning of traffic areas, door handles and railings with the provision of cleaning kits for staff.
• Vigilance around infection control and physical touch.

Be assured that the school has contingencies in place in case of staff or student absence and we feel ready and able to deal with any incidents that may arise.  We are also working to put into place plans and possibilities for students to study from home and for teachers to work with their classes in flexible and remote ways.

Again, let me reassure you that I’m told the last option is for schools to close.  The Prime Minister has been clear that schools are an essential service and it is vital that we remain open as long as possible.  At the moment a school will only close if there is a confirmed case of COVID 19 at the school or staff and/or student absences become so great we cannot operate. We continue to rely on communication and advice from Catholic Education and there are constant emails and online meetings happening each day.

Please be aware that if your son or daughter comes to school with flu like symptoms (fever, coughs etc.) they will be asked to go home.  We have McAuley staff and school families with vulnerable family members who deserve to be protected from infection.  Please ensure that your children have clean and full water bottles each day and that they are not sharing food items with their friends.

It is also important that we remain in touch with the many cancellations and postponement of events and meetings over the coming weeks.  Please refer to the School Online Calendar as the source of information.  We would rather not be sending various emails and notices as that could easily become confusing and stressful.  Our Facebook page will remind you to refer to the Calendar and the School Zine app will communicate any more important emails, notifications or correspondence.

Indeed, the whole social fabric of our lives seems set to be on hold with many cessations of sporting, social and cultural events.  Let’s be positive and enjoy the extra time with our families and perhaps get back to the ‘basics’ and be together. Please be aware of rising anxiety in your children.  Too much media coverage and lack of activity could be very hard for some boys and girls to deal with.  Let’s keep our kids active and positive as the day’s progress.

Prayers and best wishes to our students who will receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation tonight.  Thank you to Frs George and Namora, Miss Mason and our families for their flexibility in the modified program that has been arranged.

Please also note that our McAuley Community Council Annual General Meeting has been postponed in light of CE Directives.  I know that an active and supportive Community Council is a wonderful asset and it would be great to keep the spirit and action alive in 2020.  We will look at possibly having meetings and elections online or other means and will keep you informed.

Let’s remember to make the hallmark of this place as Catherine McAuley wished – a place of hospitality and welcome acting as “…shining lamps giving light to all around us…”

Mary our Mother .... look after us.

Eamonn Moore