Preparation, prayer and community spirit pave the way back to school

By Veronika Cox

Preparation, support and a resilient school community have enabled families and staff at St Peter Chanel Catholic School in Smithton to navigate the challenges of the new school year, according to Principal Kerrie Flynn.

‘We have had positive COVID cases in our school, as all schools are experiencing,” she said.

“The well-prepared approach has ensured our students’ return to school has been a calm one.”

St Peter Chanel follows Public Health direction and Catholic Education Tasmania’s COVID Management Plan in relation to individual positive cases or multiple cases in a class, or school. 

A great deal of work was also put in before the school year commenced, in order to facilitate the students’ smooth transition back to class.

“Teachers connected with families prior to the start of the school year, and I communicated with parents on our Facebook page with a personalised video message,” Mrs Flynn explained.

“Before they arrived on the first day, we had reassured families. Children react to the behaviour of the adults around them, and we determined we would model a sense of resilience, peace and routine.”

The school provides students, families and staff Rapid Antigen Tests as needed, and continue regular cleaning of classrooms and used spaces.

“We have also had the support of the Tasmanian Catholic Education Office through the provision of COVID related information and updates, resources and moral support,” Mrs Flynn noted.

“We have been provided with additional staff in our schools, which has ensured continued engagement in learning. Their presence, generosity, expertise and support have been an immense gift, and we are very grateful.”

Students who must be in isolation have learning-at-home resources they can access while away.

Mrs Flynn said wellbeing was a priority for the school.

“We have an ongoing focus, in partnership with families, on building in our students the skills they need to be resilient, adaptable and in having a positive mindset,’ she said.

“Our students know our Chaplain very well and have access to a CatholicCare counsellor should they need additional support. We are also a faith-centred community. The power of prayer and reflection cannot be underestimated in giving us perspective, peace, hope and gratitude in challenging times.”