Since the last edition of Communique two weeks ago we have seen lockdowns come and go in the south-east and a three-day lockdown in the far north of the state due to end this afternoon. 

Dozens of our school families have been forced into home quarantine as a result of the Indooroopilly COVID cluster, although we have been very fortunate that so far, no Catholic schools have had cases among students or staff. 

We also now see our students and staff in the south-east, and from tomorrow in Cairns region, wearing masks in the classroom for the first time.

During this time Catholic schools have moved smoothly from the classroom to learning at home and back to the classroom. This is thanks to the hard work of teachers, school leaders, school staff, students and their families, who continue to work together to ensure our young people remain engaged with their learning.

The Secretariat staff have been working closely with Queensland Government authorities and the Department of Education has been providing daily briefings for all stakeholders. Our sector is fortunate to have a strong working relationship with government and that has ensured Catholic schools have been kept well informed in constantly changing circumstances.

This recent experience in Brisbane and Cairns is yet another reminder to keep all COVID contingency plans and communications templates up to date. 

Schools are reminded that the ban on single-use plastic items takes effect from from 1 September, 2021. 

The legislation, passed earlier this year, bans the sale or supply of straws, cutlery, bowls, plates, stirrers and expanded polystyrene takeaway food containers and cups.

An exemption applies for schools to ensure students and staff with disability or healthcare needs can access banned items if needed while at school or during school activities. However, the exemption is not to be interpreted as a general exemption and schools will only have access to these items for the reasons stated above.

Items sold in tuckshops with attached single use cutlery or straws such as a juice box with straw are not covered by the ban.

Further information including examples of banned items and alternative products are covered in the Queensland Government’s video below. A fact sheet and poster are also available.

Congratulations to Cairns teacher Ann Blakeney who was presented with her Spirit of Catholic Education Award at a ceremony in Cairns recently.

Ann is a Prep teacher and Leader of Engagement at St Gerard Majella School, Woree, and was unable to travel to Brisbane for the presentation during Catholic Education Week. 

Ann also received a Cairns Catholic Education Docemus Award.

Ann has taught at St Gerard Majella School for 12 years, after five years at St Joseph’s School in Parramatta Park.

Find out more about Ann and her role in Catholic education via a QCEC podcast here.

I would like to congratulate Renae Collier who has been appointed Principal of St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Nundah, commencing Term 1 2022. 

Renae is currently the Head of Campus (Primary) at Southern Cross Catholic College, Scarborough and has a wealth of experience in leadership roles within the Catholic education system. 

I would also like to thank the current Principal of St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Nundah, Kerry Latimer, who retires at the end of the year.

Photo: Renae Collier - image source Southern Cross Catholic College, Scarborough website 

This week is #FamilyWeek and an opportunity for Catholic school communities to celebrate the contribution of families during our bicentenary celebrations. Download resources to help celebrate here.  

Family Week is one of the final celebrations for our national celebration of 200 Years of Catholic Education in Australia. 

It is a fitting way to recognise the contribution that families make to Catholic school communities today and the enormous contribution of families throughout the last 200 years.  

Missed a Circular? Below is a list of Circulars that have been issued recently. Use your login to access them.   
 
2021 Circulars

074     SchoolsHUB Direct Data Exchange
075     NGRSF ACER School Review Opportunity
076     Reporting Timetable 3rd Quarter Update
077     Teacher Suspensions and Cancellations
078     Information about the 2021 Federal Census
079     Further Information on the Completion of the 2021 Federal Census