Term four commenced with a mix of at home learning and the staggered return of children to the classrooms, with different year levels attending on different days.  This week however has seen the welcome return of all students across our parish schools.

Students have shared what is means to be back at school:

Our Holy Redeemer

“It is wonderful to be back at school because I feel less isolated and more connected to people and I enjoy learning with my friends in class.” Millie (Year 5)

“It is fantastic to be back at school because I get to really see my teachers and play Adventure Tiggy with my friends.” Sage (Year 4)

“Being taught at school is much easier because you have an actual teacher to explain and demonstrate.” Annabelle, Freddy and Kiara (Year 2)

“I like being back at school because I can paint my sculpture of my dog Bingo.”  Emme (Foundation)

The return to classroom learning demonstrates the vital role of teaching and learning in our community and the profound extent to which relationships and interactions scaffold, nurture and develop children’s spiritual, mental and physical wellbeing.  Frank Dame, Principal

Our Lady of Good Counsel

“I have loved getting to see all my friends and teachers again.  Face-to-face specialist classes are the best!”  Anna

“It’s been great reconnecting with people we haven’t seen during covid.  I have enjoyed being back in the classroom with my friends.”  Georgie

“My favourite part about being back at school is having fun with my friends and teachers.”  Elliot

“I have loved being able to play on the playground with my friends.” Juliette

“I love playing football with my friends now that I am at school.”  Xavier

“We love to play mums and dads with each other and all of our other friends.”  Eliana and Thanushi

“I love being able to write in my book instead of on the computer and see Mrs Coles in person.”  Genevieve

“My favourite part about being back at school is that I can finally do sports with all my classmates and seeing them in person instead of on the Meet.”  Amber

“I have really liked being able to see my friends and play with them instead of just talking to them on the computer.”  Daniel D

“My favourite thing about being back at school is doing class sport with my friends.”  Daniel A

“I really liked being back into the routine and being able to get help from my teacher in person.”  Claire

“It has been really fun participating in Jump Rope for Heart.”  Juliette

“I like being back at school because we can do more teamwork and group activities.”  Anika

“I have loved being able to do art and be more creative. Painting at school and mixing colours is really fun.”  Valentina

“It has been awesome that we have lots of new sports equipment and learning all of the skipping skills with Jump Rope for Heart.”  Lucy

Our Lady of Perpetual Succour

“It is just so great to be back at school!”  Katie

“We can finally be back together and play!”  Connor

“I really missed my friends, so I am most excited about seeing them again.”  Lucy

“I missed playing with my friends every day and I also missed the teachers being there for me to help me… I missed learning at school so much!”  Zara

“I am so excited to see all my teachers and friends in person and not a screen.”  Sophia

Over the past few days, I have had the great pleasure to talk to many of our students about what they are most excited, as we return to onsite learning.  I take this opportunity to thank the OLPS student, families, and staff.  We have walked this challenging path together and we did it!  It is great to be back!   Annie Engellenner, Principal