COVID-19 update from the Headmaster and Chairperson of the School Board
Dear Parents and Carers
As we approach the end of what has been a fast-paced and constantly changing term, we thank our parent/carer community and boys for their understanding and support during this challenging time. While many of our boys have transitioned smoothly to remote learning and our staff have adapted quickly to the opportunities and challenges for remote teaching, we are very mindful of the significant demands placed on families, staff and boys at this time. Remote learning has required us all to plan quickly, learn in real time and adjust accordingly. Despite our best efforts, the breadth of experience, personalised pastoral care and learning support that are features of our normal Hutchins experience cannot be replicated at the same level in an online or remote learning environment.
The Hutchins School Board met this morning as part of a series of ongoing discussions and planning. With the decision now made that Tasmanian schools will not be returning to normal on-campus classes for the commencement of Term 2 and acknowledging the compromised educational experience our boys are experiencing in this remote learning environment, the Board approved a fee rebate of 25% on all full fee paying families for the duration of home-based learning. With the length of time required for the School to continue using a home-based learning approach being unknown, rebates will be refunded mid-term and again at the end of term. The 25% fee rebate will be applied from the commencement of the home-based learning approach on Monday 30 March.
In addition to the fee rebate, we remind all families experiencing difficult economic circumstances resulting from COVID-19, that the School invites you to make contact with the Chief Operating Officer, Mr Jason Reeves at jason.reeves@hutchins.tas.edu.au or phone 03 6221 4200, for a confidential discussion about how the School may be able to provide support.
Throughout this period of change and uncertainty, the School has placed our community, boys, staff and families as our highest priority. At the time the decision was made to move to home-based learning, two weeks ago, the full school budget was reviewed and all non-essential expenditure was suspended, as well as postponing the construction of the Middle School building. At this time, we remained hopeful that boys might return to campus for the commencement of Term 2. This is no longer the case and as such, the Board has applied a fee rebate.
With no blueprint for this time, we are working hard to gain a full understanding, as much as possible, to inform our efforts and support our community. Thank you for your ongoing support and understanding during this challenging time.
Yours sincerely
Dr Rob McEwan and Mr Gene Phair