It has been a whirlwind 3 weeks for our school community who should all be very proud of how well they have adapted to the lockdown and learning changes. For our ADF families, that has been compounded in some cases by the evolving news out of Afghanistan and the recent training tragedy in North Queensland. We continue to have families impacted by deployment, whether it’s in the Middle East region assisting with the repatriation and return or closer to home assisting with the covid response around the country. More still are impacted by extended field exercises or border closures. Our thoughts are with all of these families during this time. There are a number of organisations that are providing additional online and phone supports to ADF families including Soldier On, Open Arms, DVA and DMFS (formerly DCO). We are conscious that much of this has been communicated directly with families but should any family like additional information about these resources or feel you need additional supports, please email me at Karyn.heitmann@ed.act.edu.au

Defence Member and Family Support (DMFS, formerly DCO) also have a number of virtual activities coming up for families. If you are interested, you can find out more via their website or Eventbrite page here: DMFS Eventbrite

I will continue to be available throughout the remote learning period in a combination of working from home and supporting the CPS Hub. Should you have any questions or concerns, email is the best way to reach me in the first instance. Many students have seen me popping into various class google meets and I hope to get a chance to visit the rest soon.

Wishing you all a safe and healthy remote learning period and hope to see you soon. Finally, I would like to wish all of the Dads a very happy Father’s Day for Sunday! I can’t wait to see some of the creative ways your families come up with to celebrate.