I have posted a prayer this fortnight instead of a reading as I believe that our whole community would benefit from some quiet reflection and to think about how lucky we are on the Coffs Coast and to pray for those who are really struggling with these changes around the country and in Greater Sydney in particular.

I wish to thank our parent community for supporting the move to remote learning. The college staff recognise that this change is far from ideal but as you would be aware the Premier believes that moving the whole state into Level 4 restrictions will help keep people safe.

Please refer to today's email communication to parents regarding the NSW Premier's announcement today to extend restrictions and online learning to Friday 28 August.  

Remote schooling 

These are challenging times for students, educators and parents alike, with a rapidly changing education landscape to navigate in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. At present, schools are open for the children of essential workers.

Bishop Druitt College learnt much from the 2020 lockdown and has adapted our processes.

You can read the full article here on what teachers have learnt, what students want and what parents want from home schooling. 

You can access a diverse range of online school resources here. 

You might also be interested in our library resources for primary school students -  Reading at home - go somewhere when you need to stay where you are. 

College Values and Racism

There is no place for racism in our society. But we need to take action, not accept it, and call it out when it occurs. We need more than slogans and hashtags. 

Over the last two weeks we have seen on the news some concerning racism claims and admission in AFL circles. I won’t dive into who said what but I will highlight the actions of Carlton’s Eddie Betts. Betts, an Aboriginal player, has begged “Australia to listen” to the hurt that racism causes on and off the sporting field. There is no place for racism in our society but we need to take action, not accept it and call it out when it occurs.

Read the full article here. 

College production of School of Rock The Musical - Moved to Term 4

Our College production, School of Rock The Musical, will be moved to the first week of term 4. This will allow for preparations to move off site. The college is booking the Jetty Theatre as it is looking increasingly unlikely that we will be able to hold events on campus involving parents or visitors. Current bookings will be refunded and further information will be shared as soon as it becomes available. 

Sports Awards 2021 Dinner - 23 November 2021

The rumours are true. We have moved the Sports Dinner to a new date, 23 November. 

The 2021 Sports Awards Dinner is a celebration of student athletes, and their involvement in college sporting activities this year to recognise high quality performer and player achievements.  This event will be a semi-formal dinner with student sports awards and special guest speaker, Dr Deirdre Anderson, who will speak on the theme, resilience.

You can learn more about the 2021 Sports Awards Dinner and Dr Anderson here or book nowto secure your place.

You might also be interested in reading this week's article: Resilience is a teachable skill.

Celebrate fatherhood and your super dad, and WIN! 

At Bishop Druitt College, we celebrate all father figures in our community - and what better way to do so than with the launch of an exciting 'video diary' giveaway. 

This giveaway honours our commitment to an exciting new program for the college, the Fathering Project, which aims to connect and support our school dads through all things fatherhood. 

To celebrate our partnership with this exciting program, we are running a 'video diary' promotion, with some great prizes up for grabs for both dads and students: 

• For BDC dads - Win a team-of-4 experience at the BDC Golf Day on 7 November valued at $490 

• For BDC students - Win a family pass to the Big Banana Water Park (valued at $64) or the Butterfly House (valued at $55).

But hurry - entries close 31 August 2021. Find out more and enter here. 

Bishop Druitt College Golf Day - 7 November 2021 

The Bishop Druitt College annual golf day is now in its 23rd year, and proudly supported again by Geoff King Motors. 

The 2021 event will be held on Sunday 7 November 2021 at Bonville Golf Resort. 

Join us for a fun, four-person ambrose competition, including 18 holes, 2 golf carts per team, food and beverage ticket and end-of-day canapés. Single players are welcome and will be put onto a team. Cost is $490 per team of 4, or $125 for individual players who will be placed in a team.

There will be some fantastic prizes to give away for women, men and students. All money raised will go towards the BDC Barracudas Sporting Club.

Click here to find out more. 

Nick Johnstone, 

Principal