As we look forward to the return to school-based learning for all year levels on Monday 25 May, I would especially like to thank our Catholic school communities for their patience and dedication in ensuring the continuity of quality schooling through this time of the pandemic.

Despite the many teaching and learning challenges faced, this experience has taught us that no matter what circumstances we face, we can always find new ways to adapt, draw on our strengths as a community and keep student learning and student and staff wellbeing at the forefront of our endeavours.

Queensland Catholic schools have been working hard to ensure they have the necessary plans in place to meet health requirements when all year levels return on Monday.

My thoughts are also with our boarding schools and boarding families as they face additional challenges in meeting the health requirements that would allow a full complement of students to return.

I continue to attend regular stakeholder briefings convened by several agencies, including the Department of Education, and QCEC will continue to provide updates to Catholic School Authorities as government stakeholders advise.