PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

Tamy Stubley - Acting Principal

The COVID-19 environment in which we find ourselves has impacted us in ways we have never experienced before.  As a school community I know we are determined to focus on our learnings, inner strength and to be inspired by the resilience, creativity and collaboration of staff and students.  

From the day I joined Surf Coast Secondary College it was clearly evident the high quality collaboration of teachers.  Now having returned to remote learning, our onsite activities have been replaced by innovative activities, competitions and collaborations.  Students continue to engage and participate respectfully and intentionally in Google Meets, meetings, online forums and interactive class activities. Students have learnt to consolidate their skills and knowledge with feedback delivered through Canvas, padlets, exit tickets and other digital applications. Above all, I continue to be so impressed by our student’s flexibility, adaptability, and resilience that has allowed them to achieve in ways that might not have been even thought of prior to this year of COVID.

As our VCE and VCAL students continue to work hard towards their personal goals, I would like to emphasise the significant work that is being done behind the scenes in the Department of Education to ensure that whatever the rest of this year brings, Victorian students undertaking their VCE or VCAL will not be disadvantaged. This is an important message for all students, as we acknowledge the different pressures that students this year are facing. I cannot be prouder to see students focused and unruffled, and I have no doubt that in navigating this current uncertainty, our students are building the social, emotional and inner skills and strength to equip them well into their futures.

Last week, schools were granted permission for VCE and VCAL students to attend school on-site to complete assessments that cannot otherwise be completed at home during Stage 3 restrictions. I would like to emphasise to both students and families that we will apply the strict and specific social distancing and hygiene controls mandated by the Department of Health and Human Services. 

There is no doubt that the impact of COVID-19 on school functions and events has been, and will remain for the foreseeable future, however, we are working creatively to find alternatives.  For example, the course counselling parent information nights that were unable to be held at the school, were streamed live, student led conferences smoothly transitioned online and we continue to think outside the box to consider our options for events such as our Valedictory Dinner. 

Thank you for your ongoing and unwavering support as we continue to make a difference each day.