In this ever changing world that Covid-19 brings, many of us have had to deal with worry, uncertainly and doubt. Navigating this space throughout the past 18 months, I am often reminded of the following passage;

Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

With this in mind, I find it a little easier to change my mindset and look at some of the benefits that the restrictions have brought to my life. Working from home has meant I could sleep in a little without having to travel to work. I am more conscious about the wellbeing of my family and friends, so I stay in contact more regularly via many social media platforms. I have tapped back into my passion for painting and I have created space for self-care. I am also more aware of those around me who need support, whether it be financial, lending an ear or simply being there to share a laugh.

And so it got me wondering…. How have our Year 12 students been coping throughout the past two years of restrictions and lockdowns, stresses and changes. I reached out to Mr Bratovic and asked him to reflect on how he feels this amazing cohort of College leaders have managed during this time. He writes:

I would like to take this opportunity to salute the Year 12 students, who have continued to focus on their studies in this very challenging environment. We can all recognise what has been missing and what has been lost, from classroom and playground interactions, to face-to-face learning from a teacher, to the “usual” rites of passage, to 18th birthday celebrations. And what have these been replaced by? Google Meets, emails, uncertainty and anxiety.

Nevertheless, this year’s Year 12 cohort has largely shown resilience and have stayed connected with each other and to their teachers. I am not discounting the impact that the pandemic has had on the wellbeing of the students and indeed on the parents, many of whom have struggled a good deal through these lockdowns. Furthermore, it must be acknowledged that this cohort have had to endure a lockdown, and learn remotely, for a part of every term of their VCE experience thus far.

In some ways, the lockdowns have given us time, time with fewer commitments – time to explore things, hobbies, reading, cooking, the outdoors (within our 5 km radius!) and to connect with family and friends in different ways. Also, as Julia Knight suggests, “it could be that this pandemic is presaging the type of curriculum and skills we’ll need for a future in which resilience, critical thinking, leadership, courage and bold decision-making will be needed more than ever” (https://www.teachwire.net/news/covid-19-what-positives-from-the-pandemic-can-schools-take). In some ways, the students are possibly, being better prepared for a rapidly, ever-changing future.

With only five school weeks left at Marian College for the Year 12s, it is important to acknowledge and celebrate all that they have achieved so far and to continue to encourage them in the final leg of their journey, in this year of wonder.

Adrian Bratovic

Senior Level Leader – Year 12

Therefore, in light of our resilient Year 12 cohort, when we feel things are getting tough, we are reminded to stop, take a breath, reflect and pray, then release all the emotions that really don’t have any positive effects on our lives and surrender these to God.

“Consider it pure joy, my sisters and brothers, when you are involved in various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But you must let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:2-4

Bernadette Casey

Faith & Mission

Student Wellbeing (continued)