Directors of Student Wellbeing
Students’ Return to School
We have been heartened to see all of our students back at school after our period of remote learning.
Throughout remote learning we had over one third of our students volunteered to give their insights into their learning and wellbeing. This was invaluable information that was used to focus our Professional Learning program to target ways that teachers could continue to build and maintain strong relationships with students, even thou it was through a computer screen!
While the phase of remote learning proved difficult at times it was a great opportunity for students to develop. Through the surveys it is noted that the following skills and understandings were acquired by students during Remote Learning period:
Became more independent and accountable learners
- More appreciative of the comforts of home (including fridges and pets)
- More understanding of the value of community and connection that the PCW community offers
- Ability to use technology for collaborative learning and to keep in touch with friends
- Grown in their relationships with family
Transition from Remote Learning to the Classroom
Students across all year levels provided feedback on how they were feeling prior to their return to school. In addition to informing our teaching practice during the transition period, this data also guided our wellbeing focus and helped us implement strategies to alleviate student’ concerns prior to the return. A summary of student’ responses is below.
Benefits of going back to school:
Seeing friends and having social interaction
- Connecting with teachers and being able to ask questions one-on-one instead of a group setting
- Less screen time
- Sense of belonging in school
- More routine and structure to the day
- Much more productive in classes
- No distractions or background noises
- Get to move around the school and learn in different environments, not just my desk at home
- Can separate school from home life
Challenges of going back at school:
Waking up earlier, especially in the cold weather
- Travelling to and from school
- Concerns about safety, hygiene and COVID-19
- Not being able to wear casual, comfortable clothing
- Worried about lots of SACs/assessments
- Lessons returning to 75 minutes again
- Getting used to being around others again
- Getting motivated and back into the mindset to do work
As soon as our students returned, it felt like they had never left. There have been a few minor bumps in the road but overall the transition has been a smooth one. This can be accredited to the resilience and adaptability of our students, but also to the dedication of PCW’s teaching staff, school officers and Leadership who worked hard to ensure our students stayed connected to our school community throughout remote learning.
Junior Leadership Opportunities
It is important that students in years 7-10 are given the same Leadership opportunities as our seniors. We are currently in the process of electing Junior House Leaders for the rest of 2020. Voted in by their respective Houses, Junior Leaders will be involved in implementing House incentives, advocating for student voice and much more. We are looking forward to hearing our candidates present their speeches to their Houses in the coming weeks.
Rory Godbold / Hayley Fraser
Directors of Student Wellbeing
