Year 8

Thank you to all of our Year 8 students for their acceptance and support of our changed circumstances as we commenced Term 3.

Thank you to our amazing Year 8 staff who have once again demonstrated their adaptability and flexibility in moving into our remote learning program. Much has been asked of teachers and support staff this year, and their response has been nothing short of extraordinary as our learning programs continue whilst being presented with the challenges that the pandemic presents.

Lastly, thank you to our parents and carers who, under difficult circumstances, are supporting their daughters’ learning by providing a home environment that facilitates the remote learning model, guided and directed by the teaching staff.

We are experiencing challenging times, yet our learning programs continue to be very effective. I encourage all Year 8 students to be actively engaged during class and get involved in the elective clubs that are on offer. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet new friends and have some fun!

A number of teachers have expressed concern regarding the number of students who often say, “I haven’t checked my emails”. I explained to students at the commencement of Semester 2 that it is incredibly important that students are checking their emails daily, preferably prior to Homeroom. Teachers will often communicate via email and it assists in keeping up-to-date with assessments and class work.

Over the course of Term 3, I will send an email to each Year 8 student to check in and see what they have be enjoying or perhaps, what they are finding challenging, about remote learning this time around. I look forward to hearing about their remote learning 2.0 journey!

I have been following year level attendance carefully and I am concerned that some students’ attendance during the day is sporadic. Some students are presenting at the start of the day and then they are not online for Period 4 and 5. If students are experiencing technical issues, they are encouraged to contact our IT department. They can be reached at helpdesk@kilbreda.vic.edu.au or on 9581-7803. If there is a reasonable explanation, students have been advised to email their subject teacher to explain. Similar to last semester, if it is not a parent approved absence then I will be following up with an email/phone call to parents.

I am aware remote learning is challenging for some. It is important to understand that we are doing this to improve the situation for all Victorians and hopefully after six weeks we can resume to some normality. Rapidly changing situations call on our capacity for self-care and care for others.

The following tips for remote learning may be of interest to you and your daughters.

Wake up an hour before you have to be online (and mentally prepare)
Make your bed
Spend one minute exercising before you start your day (exercise boosts brain power!)
Be early
Keep your room clean and tidy
Create a pleasant environment (to boost learning)
Have a dedicated study space
Go outside for recess and lunch

The reasons for each of these tips and ideas (and more) are listed in the following article; please take the time to read it. https://www.thehopefullinstitute.com/successful-online-learning-strategies/

Take care and please feel free to contact me if you have any queries or concerns.

Leah Cristiano

Level Leader: Year 8