Newsletter 17: 1 December 2020

Dear Colleagues,

As we come to the end of the 2020 school year, it is timely to reflect. Thinking back to January, across the country our land was scorched by bushfires. This catastrophe followed one of the worst extended periods of drought in history throughout many parts of Australia. Following the fires, the COVID-19 pandemic crept across the country in March and April. These events, and most particularly the pandemic, impacted on our schools in ways we could never have imagined.

The global pandemic presented many unexpected challenges. The most striking memory of what is being commonly termed, an “extraordinary year”, is the extraordinary leadership exercised by Marist educators throughout the 19 Dioceses in which we work.

School leaders and staff have been incredible in what they have achieved. As the first wave and shock of the impact of the pandemic was felt across the country, what stood out most prominently was the faith of our leaders and the hope they instilled in their school communities. Outstanding leadership was also evident in abundance among our teachers and staff, moving to offsite learning through a variety of modes, most of which was online. The process took extraordinary courage, patience, tenacity and perseverance. It involved long hours of careful and imaginative preparation. We didn’t always get it right at first, but the common experience across our schools was that we became more and more effective in engaging our young people in their learning despite the challenges. As the assessment processes are completed at various stages, it is hoped the efforts of students and staff are well reflected in the results.

Nowhere in the country have the effects of the pandemic on schools been more severe than in Victoria. Colleagues across the country join in admiration and recognition for our Victorian Principals and colleagues. To undergo two lockdowns of such extent has brought to bear considerable hardship for the whole Victorian community. The lasting memory of 2020 for many families will be the compassion, care and professionalism of the school staff who have supported them so ably.

As the largest provider of Catholic boarding in Australia, our Marist Colleges with student resident communities faced unique challenges that required repeated representations to Government and Health authorities in order to manage the dynamic and fast changing environment. Their influence in providing appropriate direction for decision making cannot be underestimated and has been recognised by both sides of Federal Parliament.

Thank you for the many kindnesses and generous acts of support throughout this year. On behalf of the Marist Schools Australia Leadership Team, may you enjoy the peace and joy of Jesus this Christmas with your family and loved ones. The following prayer is commended to you during this holy season.

In a still serenity of spirit, Lord

Let me reflect your face.

Look upon me –

Look out from within me –

Only ever upon the surface of my life

Let your face be seen.