All In This Together
Communication is the Key
The past week has seen our students across Year 7 to 10 return to remote learning until at least August 19th and from my observations there continues to be high levels of engagement. Thank you for your continued patience and support as we all continue to work together to deal with the realities of the coronavirus.
Keeping your mind in good shape is important in these times and for our younger students and families members, I have included a short video clip that provides some simple and practical ideas about how to deal with a few of the more common negative feelings that you may be experiencing in these times. The ability to deal effectively with worry, anger or sadness can be tackled effectively with regular communication and a willingness to share how you are feeling with parents or other trusted adults.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=KYfRzAIl7TQ&feature=emb_title
Don’t forget that there are many useful resources available on our RSC Wellbeing site too. http://www.rscwellbeing.com
Our senior students in Year 11 and 12 continue to fully engage with their education onsite and with so little else happening in the wider community, it provides an excellent opportunity for them to focus on their studies and make the most of the time that is available. It is certainly one of the things that our students can control when there are lots of other happenings about which they have little influence. I must say how impressed I have been too with the attitude and practices being demonstrated to the changed regulations by our students.
This week we have also been delighted by some of the kind community gestures experienced by our staff and students. This morning, QIC (Eastland) provided a takeaway hot drinks van to dispense free hot chocolate, coffee and teas to our students and staff onsite. Earlier in the week, Dustin Halse, our local MP delivered morning tea for staff too. It was a lovely recognition and consideration for our teachers, support staff and students. THANKYOU.
A reminder that the normal routine of school still continues with the news that one of our Principal team members, Eleni Stathatos, has been successful in gaining an appointment to the position of Acting Principal at Emerald Secondary College for the next 12 months. As a College community, we heartily congratulate Eleni and thank her for all of the leadership and hard work that she has provided in so many different roles over such a long period of time at Ringwood Secondary College. I am sure she will be very successful in this new role and best wishes from all of us as you take on this new challenge.
Upcoming important College events include Parent , Student and Teacher interviews to be held online next Thursday and the course selection process for students moving into Years 10 and 11 in 2021. The information sessions are being recorded and are available after each event.
In some other exciting news, the Senior School building is getting closer to completion with all internal works apart from floor coverings complete. We have started working through the defects list. The external civil works including paving are now two thirds complete and a handover date in August is looking very promising. It will be a great addition to our physical environment in the very near future.
Michael Phillips OAM
Principal
Connections and transformations
It is with great fondness that I remember the years I have spent as teacher, leader and Assistant Principal of Ringwood Secondary College.
From 1989 till now I have worked incredibly hard to inspire students in their love for learning and teachers in their passion for curriculum and pedagogy. I have worked with people who are bright, ethical and responsive to the needs of students. Very fortunate indeed.
With this being my final message to you as Assistant Principal, as I am taking the position of Acting Principal of Emerald Secondary College beginning Monday 27th July, I want to wish:
my students - and every student - continued success as they navigate these special circumstances, colleagues - resilience and connectedness to get through the next months, school council members– all the best for their transformational agenda and the whole community for a safe and manageable time ahead.
Thank you so much for your support,
Eleni Stathatos
Assistant Principal