With all students back on campus since the start of Week 3, the Middle and Senior School has definitely taken on a different tone and energy level from the first eight days with limited year levels on site. The excitement of the start of Week 3 where the Year 12 students planned and implemented activities to welcome the students in Years 9-11 has given way to a more purposeful learning focus inside and outside the classroom. As much as can be expected in the current climate, school life has resumed with a sense of normality.

Information received from the SA government at the start of Week 4 has also heralded the easing of a number of restrictions to take effect from the beginning of Week 5. This will no doubt add to that sense. From 28 February, we will see the following events and activities able to resume:

• Interschool sporting competitions
• Extra-curricular activities such as choirs, band practice, instrumental lessons
• Formals
• Outdoor assemblies

Spectators will be able to attend outdoor sporting events. However, schools are still asked to limit the number of parents on campus. This will mean that the upcoming Parent Information Evenings will be planned and held online with a shorter, sharp agenda. Please engage in these events and contact relevant staff if you have any concerns you would like to raise. Doing this as early as possible in the school year allows a solution to be developed and implemented before the year progresses too far.

These changes have also allowed us to reschedule a couple of postponed events from Term 1. The Year 12 families were recently notified that the Formal will now be held on Friday 27 May at the InterContinental Hotel. And Oliver! The Musical has been confirmed for the period 5-14 June.

These are important events in the annual life of the Concordia community, and we are excited that we have been able to accommodate them in Term 2. More details about both will be shared in coming weeks.

I can also confirm that we have not remained untouched by COVID-19 within the school community. Luckily, there have been very few cases and the spread within the school community has been limited. This is in stark contrast to the stories being relayed by colleagues in other schools within the state. I want to thank all staff and students for doing their part. Wearing our masks, sanitising our hands, socially distancing, and remaining at home if any symptoms of illness are present are all having an impact.

Every blessing

Dennis Mulherin
Principal - Middle and Senior School