Dear Parents and Caregivers,
Thanks to you and the extended Delany family for your understanding and support during these challenging times. I would like to start by reiterating the message in my communication sent to you on 17 March 2020 that Delany College remains open and will do so until we are otherwise directed to close.
Our school will continue to operate and provide classes for students to ensure that any disruption to learning is minimised, students remain productive and that their wellbeing, both physical and emotional, is maintained.
I would like to commend our students for their approach to their schooling this week.
Firstly, there has been outstanding support for our ‘Colours for Compassion’ initiative: Monday students attended school in sports uniform, Tuesday they were attired in Green for St Patrick’s Day, Wednesday was Pink for Breast Cancer awareness and in memory of Sheryl Temu, today - Thursday is Jersey day, and tomorrow will be orange in support of Harmony day. In light of other challenges their support for this initiative and energy has been commendable.
Secondly, students' attendance and participation in class activities has been noteworthy. In current circumstances there may be a temptation for some to ‘drop off’ from their classwork or not be at school. However, the overwhelming majority of students have continued to focus on their learning, attend school and participate fully. They have enjoyed and wanted to be at school. These things are important, not only in terms of growth and development academically, but also in terms of social and emotional wellbeing.
Unless there is health risk to a student, for example they are in a high risk category or they are themselves unwell or been in direct contact with someone that is confirmed to have COVID-19, it is better for them to be at school with their peers, actively engaged in their learning, social networks and physical activities.
I do appreciate that each family will make a decision about attendance and participation at school based on their own circumstances. However, in the case a student is not at school, the expectation is that they access their classwork, continue their learning and submit tasks and assessment, through our online portal, Google Classrooms. Students are more than familiar with the protocols for using this resource as it forms part of our everyday learning environment. It is important that students maintain good routines, good habits and keep up with their work.
Lastly, but most importantly, I would like to acknowledge the work of our College staff.
Our teachers and support team continue to show their professionalism, strength and commitment to our students, in spite of the challenges and additional workload as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. While balancing their own family circumstances they keep turning up, remain optimistic and continue to support our community.
It is disappointing that when our political leaders talk about the need for schools to remain open they fail to acknowledge the important role our teachers and support staff have in terms of the lives and wellbeing of our young people.
I, for one, am very humbled and grateful for the work that our Delany teachers and support staff do. They are, in every sense, great models of the Pride, Passion and Persistence we value at Delany College.
They, through their actions model Love, Serve and Hope. I, as we all must be, am very thankful.
God Bless
Paul Easton
Acting Principal
