Welcome from Executive Director
While we enter this term with some uncertainty about how things will play out, there is one aspect that remains unchanged – a Catholic school is a Catholic community. We are a body and contribute and support each other in different ways at different times.
You will find some ideas to assist P&F’s/Parent Groups to reconnect with your school communities further down in this newsletter and of course we would love to hear about any innovative ways you are using to help your school communities bounce back from Covid-19.
The connection to a Catholic community is something that can bring comfort and surety in times of trouble and need. Many people connected to our school communities will be struggling in different ways as a result of the pandemic and associated consequences.
Those who are living with or caring for people in vulnerable categories may have anxieties and concerns about coping, health care, ongoing welfare and educational opportunities. Others may be suffering financial hardships due to job loss or lack of job security. Isolation, changed routines, working from home and limited freedoms can raise stress levels among adults and children alike. Children and young people have been physically cut off from their friends, activities and comfort zones, and young minds can struggle to process the impact and feelings associated with this.
Of greater concern are those who live in volatile or dangerous situations, where domestic and emotional violence is an everyday occurrence with no escape. So while most of us will struggle or suffer in some way during this time, we must ensure that those in the most vulnerable groups and dire circumstances are not left behind or left alone.
For those who are coping well, have strong support networks and a regular income, this is our chance to lift our eyes and look around to see whether someone needs our help. This can be done in many ways, and being connected to the Catholic school community is a chance to put our faith into action.
School fee relief can provide a lifeline that maintains routine, comfort zones and a connection to a Catholic community. While schools have actively shared the message about school fee relief, not everyone may be comfortable approaching their school or principal to have this conversation. Let’s look out for each other, making sure that options for help are available and well known.
We encourage anyone who may be worried about paying school fees to speak to your school as soon as possible. There are many options available for full or partial fee relief based on individual circumstances and needs. We want to keep all families who want a Catholic education for their children connected to their school. If a family has added financial pressure, a change of school and friendship groups will be another massive hit to children and families so this is a situation we want to avoid.
Support for those in need has always been available in the Catholic education system. Needs come in ebbs and flows and supporting the vulnerable is part of our Catholic identity. In order for Catholic education to continue to thrive through these challenging times, those who can are encouraged to continue paying their school fees so we still have teachers, schools and resources ready and waiting when things return to normal.
There is a beautiful hymn copied below that perfectly reflects this sentiment. Let’s hope God’s love and Spirit shines out of our Catholic schools during this time of adversity and demonstrates why so many choose a Catholic education for their children.
"We will work with each other, we will work side by side.
And we'll guard each man's dignity and save each man's pride.
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love.
Yeah, they'll know we are Christians by our love".
Artist: Jars of Clay (2005)
Enjoy term 2 and all the joy that being a living community again brings!
Siobhan Allen