Acting Principal’s Report

Return to School 

We are so pleased to welcome students back to face-to-face teaching this week. There has been a real buzz around the school as students have reconnected with friends, settled back into their classrooms, and enjoyed the easing of lockdown restrictions.

I know we speak on behalf of all staff when we say how grateful we are to be back onsite again. It is much easier and more effective to check in with students, interpret body language, and get a sense of how they are going when they are standing in front of you to have a conversation in real life!

We recognise that it can take time for students to readjust to the routine of onsite schooling again. We also acknowledge that this lockdown has been particularly challenging for some students. For these reasons, a number of wellbeing activities have been organised over these first few weeks, reinforcing our mantra of 'Care over Content'. Here are just some examples of activities your child may have experienced this week:

• 10,000 steps challenge with a chance to win a $50 voucher
• Question of the day during roll call
• Watching some of our Olympians win gold live on TV
• Class discussions on things we are grateful for, the importance of self-care etc
• Creating a playlist and listening to music as a class as they complete their work
• Having daily challenges to complete (e.g. acts of kindness)
• The famous Friday Quiz

I would also like to acknowledge again the sacrifices that our students, staff and MGC families have made throughout this COVID emergency. It is no small thing we have done (and continue to do)!

The Olympics

This year's Japan Olympics has had a great number of amazing stories; for an event of this size to run through our current climate is extraordinary, and for our elite athletes to be able to achieve their personal best through constant interruptions and uncertainty is inspiring. But my main inspirations from this year's Olympics have been societal and humanitarian:

• The inclusion of the Refugee Olympic team, allowing 29 athletes from 11 countries to compete has been a real highlight and a huge win for inclusivity and diversity
• The pushback against antiquated double standards in dress regulations, particularly in sports like Beach Volleyball and Gymnastics that will hopefully be a real turning point for equality in sport
• And the IOCs dedication to contribute to the United Nations 2030 agenda for sustainability shows that we all have a part to play in ensuring the long term sustainability of our planet

 I can't help but draw the parallels between these (and the many other fantastic highlights) to our MGC community values. Our students, staff and families are well regarded in our efforts to constantly strive to celebrate diversity, promote inclusivity and demand equality. It also shows that much like our world class Olympic team, when work together towards common goals we can achieve amazing things.

Have a great week!

Andrew