As we come to the end of Term 2, it goes without saying that every member of our school community has been affected by the events of terms 1 and 2. The demands and pressures that were suddenly placed on each of us as a result of COVID-19 were extraordinary and indeed unprecedented (this word definitely sums it up). Physical distancing and zoom/teams meetings have become our 'new normal'.
It is a credit to every member of our staff for how the way that they kept our school safe, managed to undertake new learning platforms and deliver learning at home as well as at school learning strategies, navigated the regular shifting of ‘restrictions and rules’ for dealing with the changes and at the same time demonstrated our school value of commitment, being present each day for the students in their care. Although during this time, there were times of frustration, anxiety, and deep worry about the well-being of their own loved ones, in true Dernancourt style, our staff soldiered on and presented each day at their workplace with smiles on their faces.
We are also acutely aware that the past few months have taken its toll on families who have lost their jobs, have been unable to physically see their extended family members and have had to suddenly undertake home schooling which was thrust upon them without much warning.
We are extremely proud of the way that our students have managed and responded to all of the changes. They have demonstrated resilience and the ability to adapt to the change.
We would like to thank you all once again for the way you have worked with us, as we navigated our way forward together, through all of the uncertainty and change. We hope that over the next two weeks, all students and their families have the opportunity to stop and recharge themselves in readiness for Terms 3 & 4.
