Coordinating Executive Officer for St Agnes’ Parish Education, Stephen Pares, says St Agnes’ Catholic Parish schools had worked with the Catholic Schools Office (CSO) in Lismore to develop a transition plan for the return of students attending St Agnes’, St Joseph’s and St Peter’s primary schools and St Joseph’s Regional College, MacKillop College and Newman Senior Technical College.

“Our plan for a staged return from May 11, which focusses on Year 12 and K-2 in the first instance, reflects the relevant advice and guidance from the appropriate authorities,” say Mr Pares.

“We have circulated a schedule to parents and caregivers to manage the return of different year groups on different days during Week 3 (11-15 May) and Week 4 (18-22 May).”

“We will implement health and safety measures for hygiene and social distancing as outlined in State and Federal government communications and in line with Catholic Schools NSW (CSNSW) protocols,” says Mr Pares.

“The growth, development and care of the students in our schools is always our top priority, so a number of factors were taken into consideration in planning for this transition.”

“For example, as our Year 12 students re-enter the school learning environment - What sort of support will they need ? What is the best way to manage the return of the different year groups.”

“It will no doubt be a challenging time for students, staff and families however we are well placed to respond to the situation.” 

“We have in place a strong system of pastoral care, a hallmark of Catholic education that provides various support mechanisms for students in our school communities.”

“The backing we have received from our parent community as we work through this complex situation has also been reassuring,” concluded Mr Pares.   

A schedule for the attendance of St Agnes’ Parish students beyond 18 May is contingent on the COVID-19 situation and will be circulated to parents and caregivers as soon as it is known.