In line with Premier Mark McGowan’s latest announcement regarding new learning arrangements in WA government schools, parents with children in all Catholic schools in WA should keep their children at home from Friday 27 March, if possible. This decision has been made to prioritise the health and wellbeing of the Western Australian community and is based on the best national medical advice.
All catholic schools across the State have response plans which are now being enacted to provide for the continued delivery of education, with varying remote learning programs best suited to different school contexts.
Schools will remain open to ensure that remote learning takes place, as well as to supervise children of parents currently working in health or essential services.
The Premier has further announced that Term 1 for students will now conclude on Friday, 3 April.
This is a difficult time for all in Western Australia and it is normal that your children may be feeling anxious or worried. Catholic Education WA and Mercy Education Limited remains focused on the care and wellbeing of all students, staff and families and as a Catholic community, I encourage you to pray for the health of all in our communities, especially those who are more vulnerable.
At Mercedes College teachers have responded quickly to prepare materials to ensure students could commence their Online Learning Program on Monday 30 March. Students should follow their normal school timetable and are required to complete their work in the scheduled time. Teachers in all learning areas are available for questions and clarification according to their availability at these times. It is the expectation students will complete tasks and learning documents provided by their teachers.
Assessment programs continued throughout March and students who were not at school will not be disadvantaged. In class written and practical assessment programs were suspended from Monday 30 March, however other assessments set by your teachers will be provided through SEQTA and students were expected to complete these according to the Assessment Policy.
Term 2 assessments will be modified when the College has a clearer picture of how schools will be impacted by government restrictions in light of the COVID-19 situation.
At the time of publishing the School Curriculum and Standards Authority and the Tertiary Institute Services Centre (TISC) were still deliberating on the outcome of the disruption to education for all year groups. This communication from Wayne Betts, Executive Director of TISC was issued on Monday 23 March:
TISC is closely monitoring the unfolding situation and acknowledges that there will be unavoidable and significant disruption for all school communities this year. While the situation will affect all students, we are particularly mindful of the impact it will have on Year 12 students. I want to assure all Year 12 students that TISC will be working closely with WA Universities, SCSA and other states’ Tertiary Admissions Centres to ensure that fair and transparent admissions processes are available for everyone seeking entry to university in 2021.
Mrs Kerrie Fraser, Principal
