07 Oct 2021
Dear Year 12 and Parents/Caregivers,
Welcome to Term 4. I sincerely hope that all students and their families had some down time during the holidays. The feedback that we have received regarding our “mini” graduation on the last day of term has been very positive, and I am so glad that we could put this together for all of you and the school. I respect that you are all staying strong during a difficult time, but we are getting closer to the start of the HSC and a return to school, and your online lessons have now resumed. I am contacting you all today with some updated information as we draw closer to October 18
Return to School Monday October 18 to Friday November 5
I am sure that you are all aware that the return to school for Year 12 is now Monday October 18. The entire staff are looking forward to having all of you back and interacting with you in the classroom and around the school. I have thought about your return, ensuring that you have the face-to-face learning that you have missed as well as making sure we have a celebratory end of school. So please see the following –
Monday October 18 to Friday October 22: During this week we will have normal lessons all week.
Monday October 25 to Friday October 29: During this week we will have lessons on Monday to Wednesday with you all coming to school in your dress up themes and I will provide breakfast for all Year 12 and staff on the Wednesday from 7:30am near the MPC. On Thursday we will organise a fun activity day, with no lessons taking place, and provide you with a special lunch. This is in lieu of the traditional excursion and an opportunity for all of you to have some much-needed fun as a year group. Information of the activity day, and how it will work, will follow. On the Friday of this week, we will hold your Graduation Assembly in the MPC. The nature of this event will also follow shortly once I have received final DoE advice and direction. At this stage we will not be able to have families or community at the ceremony.
Monday November 1 to Friday November 5: During this week I have allocated a traditional study week. This means classes will not operate as normal, but your teachers are available and will be in their rooms during your allocated lessons for student support and further revision as appropriate. Please see your specific teachers about this when you return to school.
Study Bubble
Please see the information sheet following about how this model will operate at Kotara High over the next 6 days. I have decided that it is important for all students to be engaging in their timetabled lessons and so have ensured students can work in a study bubble in the afternoon. This means that it doesn’t conflict with your normal pattern of study, but still gives you the opportunity to study with other students. If you have any questions about the Study Bubble, please contact Mr Shephard, Mr McCord or me.
Study Bubble Information Sheet
Formal
I would like to thank all the students and parents who joined me in zoom meetings at the end of last term to discuss the formal. At this stage I am awaiting further advice and direction from the DoE on whether this event will still be possible, and if so, what restrictions will be in place. I understand that this event is so important for students, families, and staff, but unfortunately, I must ensure that we follow the DoE and Health advice on this function. I am hoping to connect with you all in what the formal will look like shortly.
HSC Examination COVID Protocols
When Year 12 are back at school I will brief everyone on the protocols of the HSC about COVID. In the meantime, if anyone has any questions about this, please contact me at the school.
Thank you to all of Year 12 and the community for your support during this time. As I stated earlier, we are all looking forward to having our Year 12 students back at Kotara High School. Please don’t hesitate to contact me at school if you have any questions about my correspondence.
Take care,
Mark Snedden
Principal Kotara High School
October 7, 2021