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.