Assistant Principal

 7 & 8 

Dear Families,

During covid lockdown we members of the Principal Class were rostered to be in attendance onsite to assist families and supervise the on-site access to remote learning program. On those days when I was working from home, I found it extremely difficult to be productive and make best use of available time. And I am in the fortunate position of having grown up children who are not around our feet at home.

 Reflecting upon this experience I thought some learnings from over 40 years ago – in my Springvale High School biology class. Some organisms only come to life inside a cell, at other times they are dormant (I think I’m referring to viruses but I have to check with my colleagues!).  I felt like those organisms, not able to be as normal in the work environment that I love…the hellos and banter with students, supporting staff and parents and planning with colleagues. Nevertheless, it was the looking forward to getting back to this college and in a way that was safe for all that helped. So congratulations one and all for the commitment to online learning, and a great big welcome ‘home’ to the college.

I want to say that prior to the lockdown, there have been so many great things going on – incredible achievements at Interschool sport, wonderful art being created, solid work and revision for end of semester assessments, student leadership planning to make a better world, daily creative endeavours throughout the college. We now resume all of this, including rescheduling some of the school outings we have missed.

It feels so good to be back, and please reach out to myself or any member of the year 7 and 8 team should your family wish some assistance in encouraging students back to the daily routines of happy school life.

Timothy Cottrell

Assistant Principal 

Junior School