Principal's Report
Term 3 Reflection
It is commonly reported that young people lack resilience and are less able to recover from adversity that their predecessors. Resilience does not mean that you are not affected by the situation that you find yourself in, but rather that you demonstrate the ability to bounce back and start to recover readily from any setbacks. Over the past 18 months this generation have faced more adversity over their teenage years than most; time and time again they have impressed me with their resilience. Lockdowns are challenging, we all struggle with motivation and the lack of social connection. The innovative ways that our students are finding to keep these connections and continue with their studies throughout this time has shown great determination, creativity, and perseverance.
In my principal’s report at the end of term 2 I spoke about how the school was returning to normal after a period of lockdown and that term 3 was forecast to be very busy. Little did any of us know at that point that our students would only spend 11 days of term 3 in face-to-face learning. This has unfortunately led to the cancellation of many events that students had been looking forwards to and preparing for, such as the Year 12 formal, our whole school Presentation Evening and the annual House Chorals event. Whilst this has been very disappointing it has been impressive to see how well other events have adapted to be run online and maintain student connections and engagement. In addition to our regular assemblies and home group sessions a wide range of online activities have run throughout term three. Online values cards that recognise students who are meeting the school values of respect, aspiration and contribution whilst working remotely have been awarded to large numbers of students. A wide range of extra-curricular activities have also shifted online, including debating, an inter-house rubrics race and lockdown sports bingo.
As we turn our attention to the remainder of the year and await a plan for returning to face-to-face learning I know that some families are concerned about their children, and others, being vaccinated prior to their return to school. Whilst we have not been informed of any requirement for staff or students to be vaccinated, an informal survey of school staff and senior students indicates that our community has been very active in seeking out vaccinations when eligible. Based on this self-reported survey, by the proposed date of the GAT (5 October) at least 70% of our school staff will be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and 99% of school staff will have had at least one dose. Amongst our year 11 and 12 students, who have only been eligible for a short period of time an impressive 85% have already had their first vaccination and by the GAT this is expected to have risen to at least 96%. This gives us the confidence to anticipate being able to reopen safely and support a return to face-to-face learning in term 4. I look forward to (hopefully) being able to reopen the school early in term 4 and once again seeing the students respond with flexibility as the integrate back to being a physical community.
Martha Goodridge-Kelly
Acting Principal
Contact Us
Phone: (03) 8734 2800
Email: suzanne.cory.hs@education.vic.gov.au
School Website: www.suzannecoryhs.vic.edu.au