From the Principal 

Welcome to our Week 6 edition of the Newsletter. It continues to be a great way for us to showcase the amazing learning that is still taking place – even if it is from disparate places. 

We feel like we have settled back into the swing of things with remote learning, and everyone is doing an admirable job of staying connected and engaged – albeit in ways most of us find at least slightly less than fulfilling. Schooling is essentially a human and collaborative enterprise and we are all missing those real, joyful and interesting daily human interactions we usually have on campus. While we continue to find alternative online means to replace them, we are all feeling they are somehow less than adequate for prolonged periods. There is a real sense that we are all showing the resilience and grit required to just do the best we can. It is clear that more time is needed to slow the spread of the virus, so there is something to be said for pragmatism at this stage. 

It is important that each of us is taking the time to focus on actively maintaining our health and wellbeing. The incidental ways we do so in normal times are largely absent at the moment. Just one example is the amusing chats and laughs and the exercise we get walking to and from school and from class to class are absent, so we must try to consider new and creative ways to be social and active everyday. 

Make sure you’re taking breaks, stretch, chat with friends, do something fun – make sure you’re having a laugh. We hope that you’re participating in the Virtual Race Around Australia – every kilometre counts, and currently, even though there are comparatively small numbers of staff compared to students, the staff are well out in front. Surely, students, you’re not going to allow that to continue!! Go to this link to join in https://schoolbox.nhs.vic.edu.au/homepage/24687

Our TalkFest last Tuesday via Zoom was a huge success with about 280 household connections joining us. A huge thank you to Dr Clare Wright, Kate Grenville and our sponsors Neighbourhood Books and The Stella Prize. As I said on the evening, we were so pleased to bring our community something to nourish us – both as an escape from COVID-19 but also to come together and connect. Thank you also to Kerren Diamond, Jenny Tripp, Rebekah Keenan Mount, Katie Archibald and Kate Challis for their organisation and to Edie Simpson from 7L who introduced Kate Grenville.

I, as were the rest of the Principal team, completely delighted to receive community and student thank yous and tributes on 7 August, which was International Principal’s Day. Thank you to everyone who took the time. It was very moving. 

We will have further advice for our students studying Unit 3 & 4 Subjects as soon as the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) provide us with details. 

Until next time – take care, stay well, and stay connected.

Sue Harrap

Principal