Dear year 12 students and parents,

I am writing to you today with the aim of providing some clarity and certainty in an increasingly difficult time.   The school is currently involved in a number of planning meetings with leaders of other independent schools and the Association of Independent Schools (AIS NSW) who is representing us in discussions with NSW Educational Standards Authority (NESA) about the HSC examinations and the major projects and performances. 

As you know the HSC Trial examinations are scheduled to run from 9 August – 23 August (inclusive).  We are committed to these dates and would advise all students to continue with their regular study and preparation for these exams.  We are waiting for advice from NSW Health, which we should have by the end of this week. It is our hope to have students onsite for these examinations, in a manner that is COVIDsafe for both the students and supervisors.  Our current planning includes QR code logins, health declarations, intensive cleaning, exam desks placed 1.5metres apart and supervisors and students wearing masks at all times. In the event that onsite examinations are not possible, we will move to an online platform.  We will confirm these arrangements as soon as we are able to do so.

Regarding the year 12 end of school celebrations,  we are committed to holding these significant and special events.  There are, however, a number of HSC practical examinations that have now been scheduled by NESA for the last week of term.  Our plan is to continue to hold the Blues Breakfast, OGU afternoon tea and pyjama breakfast, during the week commencing 13 September, with the exact dates to be confirmed once NESA has advised the school of their onsite marking schedule.  As for the Year 12 Farewell, Chapel Service and Prize Giving ceremony we are planning to hold this on the same day as the Valedictory dinner and are currently negotiating a date with the venue for the week commencing the 15 November. 

We know that this is an incredibly difficult time for you, our aim continues to be to do all we can to ensure the students’ last term at St Catherine’s is enjoyable and that the students feel well prepared for their HSC examinations.

Kylie McCullah
Head of Academics