Year 9

I trust that you are coping with lockdown and the challenges of remote learning. We are so excited that we have been able to source webcams for our Year 9 students.

We strongly believe that visual communication will create an increased sense of connection and accountability, fostering community, simulating in-person instruction, and making it easier for the teachers to identify students.

Whilst we understand the apprehension of some students, we strongly encourage you to discuss with your child the importance of visual communication. 

It helps build a sense of community within the classroom 

Students usually get to know their classmates as the year progresses by interacting with each other in class. With remote learning, however, building a sense of community within the class is difficult, especially when students see a grid of blank squares instead of the faces of their classmates. We believe the more students can leave their cameras on, the better, as it helps form those relationships.

When other people can see what you are doing in class, it forces you to focus

Having their cameras on compels students to reflect on the image that they are presenting. Chances are, students will want to present the best version of themselves. While this could mean brushing their hair and getting out of bed for many students, it could also mean putting their phones away, actively note-taking, following teachers’ instructions and minimising their distractions.

It sends a message that you are engaged in class

With cameras on, teachers can see exactly what students are doing in class. If they aren’t paying attention, this could be problematic. It’s also easier to respond to teachers with a quick nod rather than typing into the chat or unmuting.

Camera use allows teachers to better gauge the needs of their classes

Much of teacher-student communication is done through body gestures and facial expressions. Teachers rely on physical reactions to get a sense of how students feel about their class. For example, a classroom of students slumped in their chairs with expressionless faces might prompt a teacher to make their lesson more exciting.

Even when students might be agreeing that they think this is an appropriate amount of homework, their facial expressions may say otherwise. When a teacher cannot see their students’ faces, a valuable source of communication and feedback is lost.

I hope that we can work together to reiterate the same message and in turn achieve the best outcome for students during this very challenging time.

Pastoral Fun

A big thank you to our Year 9 Leaders who led a very enjoyable Pastoral Period this week.

The Year 9 level enjoyed a Pop Culture Kahoot!, some baking inspiration, a ‘Pass the Brush’ challenge where the teacher versed the students (below) and the best dressed teacher award.

I am sure the girls will agree it was a great chance to connect with each other and have some fun! 

A big thank you to Mrs McKail who organised some messages of support from two inspiring athletes Olympian Swimmer, Kyle Chalmers and Melbourne Vixen, Tegan Phillip who encouraged the students to continue to persevere regardless of how fatiguing and tiring lockdown becomes.

Leah Cristiano

Lever Leader: 

Year 9