“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Dear parents and caregivers

It has been a weird old term, some routine, some changes, some losses, some gains. As we have all adjusted to a lockdown, on line learning, coming back on campus and making the most of the time we have left in the school year, I have been so proud of our students and staff and the way they have been focused, optimistic and resilient in the face of such uncertainty and challenge.

Thank you for your understanding as we have adjusted timelines for benchmark exams, reports and Learning Conversations. These events are all critical to progressing our student’s learning and next steps and while the timelines have been shortened, we urge you all to make the most of the opportunities to support your daughter’s learning.

This is our world, and we have adapted to it, and I hope all our families are able to enjoy some time together over the holiday break that readies them for Term 4, which will be different.

We have a solid and productive few weeks planned for our senior students leading into externals, with a mix of classes, tutorials, itime and workshops. St Hilda’s day, Year 10 Camp, Blues ceremony, the film festival and the Prizegivings are also highlights of the last term.

While we are still faced with the spectre of Level 2 impacting on many of our end of year events, we are being forced to think creatively, be innovative and respond to any and all possibilities. These circumstances have to be seen as opportunities to learn, grow and adapt – we will be better for having lived and thrived during this time. We are doing everything we can to ensure Term 4 goes as smoothly and successfully as possible, although we have to consider that we may not be able to hold all of our special events, depending on alert levels.

It is also the time for planning for the following year and with that in mind, can I ask any families who are intending to withdraw their daughters from St Hilda’s Collegiate for 2022, to please notify us by Tuesday 19th October. Failure to give a terms notice of withdrawal will result in the charge of a term’s fees, in lieu of notice, as per the enrolment contract.

I hope you all have the chance to reflect on all that has been achieved this term and look forward with optimism as Spring unfolds around us.

“Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.” Mother Theresa

Nga mihi nui

Jackie Barron