Head of Senior Years

Term 2 started well, with both students and teachers returning to school refreshed. We had all settled back into our routines and we found ourselves in lockdown again. Not what we were expecting at all, but all coped with the transition as well as could be expected with little or no notice. I was very proud of how the Senior Years cohort received the news and just carried on.

While appearing to get on with the situation, this does not mean that we don’t acknowledge that some will be finding this present lockdown difficult. Know that we are just at the end of a Teams or phone call, should anyone require help. It is so important to take care of your mental health and wellbeing. I encourage everyone to take a walk when you are able, go outside and clear your mind and breathe in some fresh air.

The following letter went home on Wednesday, 21 July via DIREQT message:

Dear Parents and Guardians,

This term may not have started quite as we expected but we are all learning to be flexible and are now able to adapt to Covid lock downs relatively quickly, even though we may not be very happy about it.

Today is a day for both teachers and students to take a breath and pause for a moment where possible. Most subjects will have a day where students will be working at their own pace on work already set, however, for some subjects this is not possible and face to face teaching will be required, particularly for VCE subjects. Students are still expected to be in class on Teams at the start of every lesson, this is when teachers will explain expectations for the day. Teachers are available on Teams, for questions and clarification, should it be required, throughout every lesson.

If you or your child is encountering any difficulties with their work or their wellbeing, please do not hesitate to contact the relevant PC teacher, Year Level Coordinator, individual subject teachers or myself. Clear and open communication is so important during lockdowns. We are here to support you and your family.

This is a great word of scripture to keep in mind during these trying times:

Casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

The GAT

The following statement has just been released by VCAA about the GAT 2021.

The GAT has been rescheduled to Thursday 12 August 2021.

The rescheduling of the GAT allows schools time to organise logistics and put COVID Safe protocols in place, so that students and staff can return onsite to participate safely.

It's important that as many students as possible have the opportunity to sit the GAT. The new date will allow students who may be impacted by school closures, quarantine and the need to self-isolate, to participate in the test.

Science News

Science week is coming up with lots of fun activities running. The theme this year is “Food: Different by Design”  August 6 - 20th.

Science Olympiad running next week, post lockdown.

A new Lab Technician joins our busy learning area, June Owili (from Good Shepherd NT) who will join Lisa McCarthy in supporting all the science provisions and activities.

Despite the lockdown, students across Middle and Senior Years science are still engaging in “virtual" dissections, chemical reactions and exploring all things related to forces.