Wellbeing

As our Year 12’s come to the end of their secondary education, it is a good time to reflect on the last six years of their educational journey. Every individual will have his or her own story and every individual will take away his or her own unique learnings. What the College has tried to do along the way is provide a range of opportunities across a broad spectrum, that taps into the holistic nature of each individuals humanity. Central to this of course is our Catholic and Josephite context. We wish them the very best for their future endeavours and look forward to walking alongside them as they finish their last formal week of classes next week.

The return to the classroom is a big relief, but many students will still need support both academically and social emotionally. Although we have not faced the same restrictions as other parts of our state, some students will suffer from ‘lockdown fatigue’. This is a state many of us know too well, a particular weariness from being faced with everchanging restrictions for months, nervously retreating from the world and its pandemic, while parents attempt to become teachers and homes morph into quasi-schools.

If you are concerned about how your child has transitioned back to onsite learning, please do not hesitate to contact the College to discuss a range of support strategies that can be implemented.

We have been heard some inspiring stories from our Remote Learning Program my thoughts have turned to reflecting on the extent to which online learning fits our College framework. While there can be little doubt that onsite learning is the overall preferred option for a range of reasons, online learning, for a period of time, provided many opportunities for skill development, independent learning, initiative and creativity. These things are enormously valuable as tools which can enhance outcomes for both students and teachers. They are also an integral in the development of our ability to Take Ownership, Make Connections, Think Deeply and Be Courageous in all facets of our education. 

The morning of Monday 12th October was spent in Pioneer Hall welcoming all students back to face to face learning. There was an air of excitement, mixed with some trepidation as to what the day would hold. Mostly, I felt the children and young people were glad to have some normality back in their lives.

During the day I spoke with several students and asked them about their experiences of the Remote Learning program. Please find below a few of the common responses. 

Firstly I ask what were the positives of working from home? A mixed range of responses ensured from; 

• “I really enjoyed mum cooking me lunch every day and looking after me! 
• “I could sleep in longer and I didn’t have to wear the uniform. Also Mum and Dad are smart and remember a lot of stuff from school!” 
• “My teachers were so helpful and I really learnt a lot. I also learnt a lot about myself and how I can cope with adversity and change”

Secondly, I asked what some of the challenges were: 

• “I missed my mates and just hanging out and talking”
• “Trying to stay motivated, especially when I was home on my own”
• “Doing my work and understanding Maths”
• “Computer games!” 

Nearly every student that I spoke with mentioned that he or she had missed school and it was great to be back. They all valued their teachers and the way they supported them during the Remote Learning. There was a real sense of appreciation. I believe being on campus has given a renewed sense of purpose to our students and I can only hope that in a week, a month, a year, they look back on this time and are grateful for the opportunities and what we have been blessed with.