Principal's Report

August 2021

Semester 2 Update

I am determined in this Principal’s report to write on other issues apart from the pandemic, hence I would like to mention the following:

Given that we are at the end of August, it is important for our Year 12 students to be aware that they have only approximately 7 weeks of school left. These weeks are ALL very important and students need to make the very best use of this time to put themselves in the best position for their future.

For those in Years 9 to 11, the next month will provide you with the opportunity for online course counselling and information sessions to occur, which I know will provide students and families with the knowledge to select appropriate subjects and pathways for 2022. For those needing some extra professional advice, please take advantage of the expertise that the college has to offer by simply contacting us and we will direct your need to the appropriate person.

End of semester reports have been made available to parents, carers and to students via COMPASS. It is important to discuss the report with your children and to have them develop goals and aims associated with their performance.

Synchronous Online Learning via Microsoft Teams

At the beginning of Lockdown 6.0 we provided our college community a link to a video that explains how we will use Microsoft Teams for real-time teaching and learning as of this week and for any future Lockdowns. This link can still be accessed from our website if you haven’t seen it as yet.

I know that some staff were already engaging with their classes this way however, it is now an expectation that part of all lessons are in real-time for every subject, including Home Group. Normal school hours apply and students must be present for each class on time. Every student is expected to be up and dressed in suitable casual clothing for each Remote Learning school day. They are to be be working in a space that is suitably supervised, and if a desk is in a bedroom that the student will ensure that the background is not visible or identifiable as such. We expect videos to be enabled and microphones muted unless a teacher requests otherwise.

We have asked students to enable and have the video function on during all real-time classes. We feel it is vital for staff to see their students so it mimics regular onsite learning because it is a core function of their work; they are able to gauge the progress of the students, look for signs of confusion, concern or questions. They are able to read the non-verbal cues and act on them appropriately.

Moreover, teaching and learning is such a close and personal process. It relies on peer and teacher relationships, collaboration, a smiling face, connections and so much more. It is important that our students have the fullest experience of online learning because just seeing others, and having that sense of connection and community is a substantial boost to mental health and wellbeing.

Our normal college values of Respect, Achievement, and Responsibility are to be adhered to at all times.

I am pleased to say that in the first few weeks of this new way of working we have seen our attendance and engagement numbers improve compared to the previous lockdown. Already the college has received positive comments about how synchronous/real-time learning is helping their children greatly. Staff have worked hard to set all this up in a short span of time and they greatly appreciate positive comments of support.

All our students, parents and staff should be congratulated on how quickly they have managed to transition across to synchronous online learning.

Well done.

Covid19 update

I have written to families many times over the last few months as the College has managed the difficult task of providing support to students and families, both in their learning as well as their wellbeing.

Once again, all our students, parents and staff should be congratulated on how well they have supported all the measures that the college has in place.

We are very grateful for your understanding.

John Mitsinikos

College Principal