The challenges presented by COVID-19 certainly have not abated since school returned for Term 2 but it is pleasing that we are now able to look towards the return of some more students to face-to-face learning from next Monday.

QCEC advocated strongly with the State Government for Prep, and Years 1, 11 and 12 to be among the first students to be able to return to the classroom.

Both our seniors and our youngest learners are at significant points in their learning journey that are best managed in the school environment and we look forward to seeing most of these students back in Catholic schools next week.

As we continue to negotiate our way back to full school-based learning for all students there will be many issues to deal with, a reminder of just how complex schools are as organisations.

QCEC is involved in daily stakeholder briefings with all sectors and we are participating in a wide range of forums to ensure the sector has a voice in all decisions being taken regarding schools.

I want to take this opportunity to thank all our Catholic School Authorities (CSAs), principals, teachers and school staff for the wonderful way in which they have embraced the challenges and found creative and innovative ways to solve problems and steer a new course in a very short space of time.

There are significant decision points coming up for governments, including this Friday when the National Cabinet will decide whether some restrictions can be relaxed nationally and 15 May when the Queensland Government will assess its state-wide response to easing restrictions.

QCEC will be keeping CSAs updated daily as further changes affecting schools are announced.