Dear Summerland Community,

We have been deeply blessed by the response of our students and families in this season.

Thank you again for your incredible support and patience while we transitioned to an alternative learning delivery during Term 1. We also want to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our College staff who have worked quickly and innovatively to ensure all of our students have felt connected, supported in their individual learning journey and encouraged in their Christian faith. 

 
Due to the recent increase in face-to-face class attendance, the College has now adapted to a blended learning model in the classroom. This new mode of learning incorporates a combination of face-to-face teaching, online learning and practical sessions.  Our online learning model remains the same, with all tasks housed in either the Hapara or Seesaw platforms. 
 
Looking ahead for Term 2, the NSW State Premier Gladys Berejiklian has stated that all students may begin a progressive return to the classroom with the goal of full time attendance by the end of the term. 
 
In line with these recommendations, the College will operate accordingly from Monday 11 May, Week 3 Term 2:
 

1. All Senior students may return to full-time face-to-face classes. 
2. Trindy students may return to full-time face-to-face classes on their pre-existing allocated days.
3. All Students in ‘Abraham’ house may return to face-to-face classes 1 day per week on Tuesday, along with online learning 4 days per week.
4. All Students in ‘Isaac’ house may return to face-to-face classes 1 day per week, on Wednesday, along with online learning 4 days per week.
5. All Students in ‘Jacob’ house may return to face-to-face classes 1 day per week, on Thursday, along with online learning 4 days per week.

 
In an effort to stagger student attendance, we have decided to take the sport ‘house group’ approach as it specifically caters to families who would like to send all their children on the same day. 
 
At this time we feel it is important for our families to know that, as a College, we support the individual needs of our community and want to partner with you; whether parents decide to send their children to school or keep them at home. Please be encouraged that all College decisions regarding the return to face-to-face learning are based on the advice laid out by the Department of Health, and the safety of our community remains our highest priority. In the event that the current advice changes, we will adapt accordingly.
 
Decisions regarding your child’s return to school will remain at your discretion, with these options available to you:
 

• Students and families may choose to remain completely isolated and continue learning through the online platforms provided;
• Students may choose to return to school part-time, and complete learning through the online platforms provided;
• Students may choose to return to school full-time and complete all of their learning in face-to-face classes.

Any student displaying cold-like symptoms or any of the symptoms associated with Covid-19 are to remain at home. 
 
We understand this has been a difficult time for many of our families. The College has set up support networks so we can partner with you as we continue to navigate this unprecedented situation. These can be accessed via the 'Covid-19 Response' tab located on our website. 
 
Thank you again for your ongoing prayers and support. We have been overwhelmed by the positive feedback from families and appreciate your encouragement. We look forward to moving through this progressive return to school and await the celebration when all of our students are safely back in full-time face-to-face classes.
 
As always, we continue to uphold all of our College families in prayer and speak God’s incredible provision and blessing over each of your households. 
 
Yours faithfully,
 
David Roach
Principal