During school closures it is easy to lose touch with our school communities in the way we would normally be engaging. It's really changed the way we are now focussed on our family as community and as we know, parent engagement begins in the home as we interact and learn from each other as a family.

While at home it's a perfect opportunity to explore your role as a family who is engaged in a Catholic learning community. Reflecting on what this means for you as family. What rituals and routines do you have as a family to share, to reflect on your experiences each day. Do you take time out to pray together or to be still in your own company, to share in a meal or to talk with each other about how you are feeling?

As parent leaders in your own homes you have the opportunity to create your own rituals and traditions, just as these exist in Catholic parishes and learning communities. There are also opportunities to continue to connect with other families from your school, to ensure your children's friendships continue to thrive, to reach out to others who may be struggling or to reach out yourselves to know you're not alone. Maybe you'd like to send some support to the teachers at your school and let them know they are doing a great job with your children. We'd love to hear your stories if you have some to share. Email Rachel at executive@cspv.catholic.edu.au.

Perhaps until recently, you were attending Mass and you'd like to continue a routine of attending a mass ceremony online with your family each week. Technology is enabling us to continue to build Catholic Community in so many ways. Many schools are holding events, movie nights, reading together and other gatherings online to continue to build community so that when children return, there is a sense of beloning and being together through all life's challenges and supporting each other through difficult times. It is quite amazing what humans do and how we come together when faced with challenges. Let's continue this and support each other.

What does it mean for you to be engaged in Catholic Community during these times?