WHAT A YEAR

2020 will be a year we will not forget.  Although here in South Australia we have been relatively protected, COVID-19 has still impacted us all in many different ways.   As Governing Council Chairperson I couldn’t be prouder of how this school handled the initial situation and restrictions making appropriate adjustments ensuring the safety of everyone whilst also providing continued access to education for students.  Adjusting teaching methods within such a short space of time while dealing with the uncertainty of this pandemic was a credit to both the leadership and staff at the school.  

Subsequent events were postponed as opposed to being canceled and although restrictions meant less access to the school by parents, video streaming has been used to help keep the community involved.  The priority over the year has been to ensure the wellbeing of students and to ensure they are not missing out.  This has meant an extremely full schedule for term 4 to deliver almost three terms of events in one.  This includes various camps, excursions, sports day, book week parade, graduations, transition days, dance, SIP, colour run, IBPYP Exhibition to name a few.  

As a community-focused school, it has been extremely difficult to have parent restrictions at events.  Every event considers community involvement and whether the capacity exists within the school to manage the restrictions.   Unfortunately, this will mean disappointment, especially as parents where restrictions can’t be eased.  As a parent of a Year 7 student, I’m disappointed I will miss my son leading the health hustle at the sports day, or reading a narrative at the school dance.  I am however grateful that he can still participate in these events at a time where we are still in the midst of a once in a hundred-year pandemic.   

Friday is World Teachers' Day and we are lucky to have such a dedicated staff at CVPS. Perhaps if you are talking to any of the teachers or staff in the coming weeks, please thank them for their efforts this year and support them over this very busy period. 

Daniel Zervaas

Governing Council Chairperson