Dear members of the Mount Lilydale Mercy College community
When I arrive at work it is dark, cold and these days often foggy with little visibility. I usually arrive between 6.30am and 7.00am and sometime soon it will also be wet. When I am leaving work it is often dark and the cold and the dampness can be felt in the air. I suspect that my working day at the ‘Hill’ will be like this for some time as we approach the shortest day on 21 June and then for some time after. If this is all you knew of my working day, then you might think my work life was depressing and well it might be if I was bunkered down in my office all day surrounded by the many issues associated with our College in this time of pandemic.
But that is far from the crux of my day.
During at least recess and lunch, I walk the school grounds to experience the beautiful blue skies, the warmth of the sun, the changing yet still beautiful leaves and to soak up the energy of 1500 students who gladly greet and interact with me as they enjoy each other's company. It is genuinely life giving and I give thanks for that privilege every day. I also very much enjoy visiting classes to witness the learning that I know to be so important within the relational environment that is face-to-face teaching.
As we approach the winter solstice the days will get shorter and perhaps darker, colder and wetter which could easily create depression – if you let it. And in pausing to reflect on the unusual term and year that we have had, it is possible that you could be depressed by that too – if you let yourself.
But as we approach the winter solstice which is a turning point, the days will inevitably get longer and eventually the beauty of spring will be upon us, as will the end of Term 2. I suspect we will never have an experience like it – social isolation, remote learning, supervising children at home while trying to work, not seeing friends and family, not being able to attend and celebrate the Eucharist or attend weddings or funerals. Life for a long period is not how we would normally live it. Are we now in the COVID normal?
As we approach the end of Term 2 and looking to the start of Term 3 with restrictions easing in Victoria, I cannot help but wonder what Term 3 and Term 4 will look like.
Yesterday VCAA announced that VCE and VCAL final results will be released at 7.00am on Wednesday 30 December and the ATAR scores will be released at that same time. This is great news, as it should allow our senior students to plan the next stages of their journey whether that be university, TAFE, apprenticeships or other work. Also pleasingly, VCAA released the detailed exam schedule which will further allow the College, teachers and students to plan.
Although we do not know the full picture as yet, restrictions are easing slowly and we do look forward to finding the COVID normal. COVID-19 will be with us for a long while to come. We are still unsure of many things including attendance numbers at assemblies, formal ceremonies and parent seminars, to name just a few. But all those things will come and we will find ways to celebrate the achievements of the year of the pandemic. It just may take some time. We must remain positive and hopeful.
With the end of Term 2, I am also very conscious that all of you have experienced a term like no other and for some the experience has not been, and is not, easy. With you I empathise and sympathise. I am also eternally grateful to you for your support and for the trust you have demonstrated in the College and our staff. We have never waivered and have never lost your support in the approach to remote learning and the processes implemented to keep our community safe, both during isolation and during the return processes.
In the coming weeks, may you find the joy in family activity that the approaching holidays may provide. May you share life with loved ones and may you find peace in the protection of our God.
We remain people of hope and positivity.
With sincere thanks.
God bless
Philip A Morison
Principal
