Welcome to Week 2
This has been the most unusual start to a School year. Although many will remember that 2021 started with a lockdown, so we have become used to an ever changing COVID landscape. The guidelines for Schools have been updated several times with significant changes made this week. Updates will be sent to families as frequently as necessary to keep you informed on the protocols for our School. These can also be found on the SEQTA portal.
The change to the classification of close contacts is good news as it reduces the possibility of a large part of the School being sent into isolation should a positive case eventuate. We know that some Schools in Perth and in this area have been managing positive cases in these first weeks of School. There is much to be learned from these experiences. The best way to keep our students, staff and families safe is to limit large or mixed groupings. This makes perfect sense. Should there be a positive case, the number of people requiring isolation will be reduced to close contacts. Masks, good personal hygiene and small groupings are important protective factors. Activities and events will continue to be reviewed with safety and practicality in mind. We are being creative to modify experiences for our students so that they can enjoy as much as possible.
This is especially important should contact tracing be required. Parents are reminded to only come onto the School grounds when absolutely necessary and masks must be worn. There is no parent access to classrooms under current restrictions. Junior School parents have details of safe drop off and pick up protocols from Mrs Shirley Steel. Parents and visitors must come to reception and use the Safe WA app to sign in so that we have accurate records of who is on site.
Building updates
The Hub continues to move ahead at an impressive rate. The steel and roofing structures give a real view of the dimensions and capacity of this building. The Chapel progress continues in the midst of material and labour shortages. It wonderful to see the Side Chapel begin to take shape and work continues on the pick-up shelters and mini amphitheatre on the side of the oval.
There are other projects in the pipeline. Plans are well underway for the construction of a universal access bathroom at the rear of the Technology Block. In addition, designs for a new Food Technology room are being prepared with the view to construct later in the year ready for 2023. This has been in response to growing course opportunities in the Design and Technology area.
2022 Prefects and Junior School Captains
The Year 12 Prefects were commissioned into their role as the student leaders of the School in Week 1. In a separate ceremony, they Year 6 Captains were commissioned into their roles as leaders of the Junior School. The Year 12 students were also recognised as the Seniors of the school. I wish all the leaders well as they make plans for the year ahead.
Head Girl - Daniella Mukwada
Head Boy - Izaac Dahdal
Deputy Head Prefect - Ruby Woodroffe
Deputy Head Prefect - Jonathan Beringer
Service Captain - Bridie Jones
Arts Captain - Claudia Howatson
Laurence House Captain - Sarah Mullineux
Lindbeck House Captain - Jasmine Findlater
Moody House Captain - Shriddhi Ghimire
Murray House Captain - India Thompson
The Year 12 Ball
This spectacular event was held at The Victory Room at Optus Stadium on Friday night. The Year 12 students enjoyed a magnificent evening with the Optus Stadium as the back drop. Dancing, good food and great company made for life long memories. Thank you to Mr Adam Lakey for organising this stunning Year 12 Ball and to the Tutor Teachers and staff who attended. The Optus staff were highly complimentary of our students for their impeccable behaviour and fun spirit.
Staff News
I have very sad news to share with you. Rev Kim has made the tough decision to retire and return to the UK. Although this is sad news for our School, Rev Kim’s family need her now and they are thrilled that she is going to be joining them mid-year. Rev Kim will be leaving PCACS at the end of this term. What about Carnley? We are looking at options for Carnley to stay with us at PCACS. I’ll keep you updated.
God bless
Ms Felicity House
PRINCIPAL