As per our letter today from Peter Hill, the Director of the Wollongong Diocese and myself, advising that from next Monday 25 May all students will be expected to return to school five days a week. This will mean that we are moving from Phase One of our ‘Return To School Plan’ and going directly to Phase Three. We would only return to Phase Two of the plan (students returning to school two days a week) if the NSW government and the Diocese of Wollongong deem it necessary to do so.

In discussions with staff, students and parents I understand there are a diverse range of thoughts regarding the timely manner in which we have returned to some sense of normality. As we enter Phase Three one of the key messages to all members of the St Anthony’s community is that we are not returning to the ‘old normal’ and that we will not be rapidly returning to a ‘business as usual model’. If we were to do this we run the risk of compromising the well-being of all our stakeholders. As I wrote in our previous newsletter, the well-being of all is the fundamental touchstone that will allow us all to come out the other side of these challenging times. 

Many years ago I had a T-shirt from a band called ‘The Hunters & Collectors’ and on the back of the shirt it had the saying, ‘that which does not break us, will only make us stronger!’ This is at the very essence of who we are at St Anthony’s. Floods, fires, pandemics have only built our resolve and resilience. In last Sunday’s Gospel, John writes about Jesus, who in preparing to go to the Father, states that “he (our Lord) will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever - the Spirit”. In knowing that we have this sense of support, gives us the strength to be resilient.

As a Parish school community we look forward to continuing the dialogue in order to take what we have learnt from the past few months to shape the ‘new normal’ whilst always being mindful of the social and emotional well-being of all.

Please continue to stay safe and healthy.

Take Care

Principal