Dear Parents
FAREWELL GUY PEARSON
It is difficult to add anything new or significant to what was said and portrayed in Guy’s Remote Farewell on Wednesday. As sad as it was that we could not say our farewells in person, the Remote Farewell did provide an opportunity for so many to participate, particularly boys from Pre-Prep, Prep and College, and for so many to watch.
On behalf of the Prep and Pre-Prep I want to say how much we have appreciated Guy’s calm, strong leadership in both the high and low moments, his humility, his support for our many projects, his care for the boys and his warm, generous nature.
I have been privileged to work closely with him and have enjoyed our collegiality and friendship, his openness to different ideas and his constant support.
Guy and Maree: may Guy soon return to full health; best wishes to you both as you settle in St Francis Bay; may the next chapter in your lives be fulfilling, happy and restful.
Go well. God speed.
NEW TERM
Some information for now – more to follow in the week before school.
Grades 3 and 7 continue as per the last fortnight.
Phased return:
Grade 4 – Tuesday, 7 July
Grade 5 – Wednesday, 8 July
Grade 6 – Thursday, 9 July
Please note:
- Grade 5s will be housed in the boarding house.
- Each grade will have its own separate school entrance, exit and screening stations.
- All venues will be laid out to allow for social distancing.
- Detailed safety and hygiene protocols will be sent out before school re-opens.
- Grade 3s will continue to be taught at school in half classes on alternate days. In order to assist you we will offer supervision for your son on non-teaching days at school from 08h15-14h00, if you so wish. After-care is also available every day by arrangement.
TIMETABLE
From the start of next term we will follow the normal school timetable (with a few small alterations) i.e. we will move away from this term’s Learning Sessions.
LEARNING SUPPORT
Teachers will hold after-school support sessions from 14h15-15h00 during the week and boys will be asked to attend these sessions where they need to catch up on assignments or incomplete work, for further teaching input of skills and concepts or where they need support in the transition process.
THANK YOU
Firstly, thank you for your positive support this term in very trying and demanding times. Thank you too for your support for VUSA. Their work continues and more information on how we can assist is contained below.
I want to particularly thank our staff for all they have done this term. After one quick day of training on 17 March they had to move into a completely remote world, re-designing their teaching and learning approach, implementing this in as engaging and creative a way as possible. And through it all keeping contact with their boys.
I think they have done an outstanding job and am so grateful for how they rose to the occasion, often in very difficult circumstances. This crisis has again indicated what a superb team I am privileged to work with.
These are not “normal” holidays but a necessary break and chance to re-group. We hope to see as many of our boys back as possible. Boys need school. We have learnt a great deal with the return of two grades this last fortnight and will be ready to manage the increased volume.
I have also been impressed with our boys – with their resilience and positive spirit. Many have developed increased independence and self-sufficiency. But I know for young people these are also frustrating times with many losses. Hopefully they will grow through this experience and, as with all of us, learn to appreciate what we often take for granted in our lives.
Stay safe.
God Bless.
Kind regards
GREG BROWN
HEADMASTER
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