The Hamilton and Alexandra College Newsletter

From the Principal

Each time we face our fear, we gain strength, courage, and confidence in the doing.             Theodore Roosevelt

 

How things can change in just seven days!  Last week we remained optimistic that we would continue to teach ‘face to face’; yesterday, we launched our Continuous Remote Learning Programme 2.0. And while there can be no doubt that the decision to move to Stage 3 Restrictions is correct, the impact is real.  We must prevent growing community COVID-19 transmission and we must protect our elderly in regional nursing homes.  Yet the thought of returning to remote online learning will make some people feel apprehensive.  That is okay. We cannot deny our feelings, nor should we hide our concerns, but I do have confidence that we have planned well for the weeks ahead. 

Why?

  1. We know what to expect.  This current plan is to return to class for the last week of Term 3 and we have experience in the challenges of continuous remote learning.
  2. We know RLP works.  Our past surveys suggested that most children enjoyed the opportunity to become independent learners. If your child did not, or they need more support; supervised study remains available on site.
  3. We have refined the timetable to make further improvements. Last April, there were challenges to sufficiently provide for the complexity of senior VCE studies, the needs of Years 7-10 and teach Myrniong students.  Subtle changes should ensure productivity for all. All timings are synchronized from ELC to Year 12.
  4. Finally, we all acknowledged there were many positives to the last lockdown, especially for families.  We all enjoyed life slowing down, family centered activity and quite simply spending time together. Please embrace this again.

In partnership, I remain confident that we will succeed if we keep perspective. Remind your child(ren) their time in remote learning will make up only the tiniest fraction of their school life (0.02% by Year 12). Encourage your children to make the most of every day, eat, sleep and exercise well and most importantly, stay connected. 

Please email me if I can provide further support at ahirst@hamiltoncollege.vic.edu.au 

 

Best wishes

                

Dr Andrew Hirst

Principal