We are All in This Together
Reflections
At the end of term 2, I would like take the time to reflect on what has been achieved and provide a few words about what lies ahead. The nature of these musings is somewhat different right now in these “strange times”.
I have been so impressed by the unquestionable strength and character of our community. Like many schools living through the pandemic, we have all been encouraged by the support we have received - whether as a student or staff member. Parents and carers have provided enormous support and commitment too. The messages of gratitude, acts of generosity and words of encouragement have been powerful affirmations. For all of us, the positive energy has meant we have managed to navigate both remote learning as well as changed Return to School arrangements. Thank you so much.
So much has changed in a short period of time or to be more precise the last 14 weeks – the world around us, our neighbourhoods, local gathering spaces, the places where we work and call home. Life in the midst of COVID-19 has sparked fear, hope, frustration, humour, patience and anxiety all around and with varying doses of each.
It is easy for distractions, criticism and stress to creep in as we view the argy daily media grabs. But now, more than ever, we must focus all of our energy on defeating this sneaky virus and the challenges associated with it. Nothing is more important than ensuring the health and safety of our community and our workforce, but at the same time we cannot just live in a bubble. Life goes on and by making sensible decisions now we will see a faster recovery across our broader society.
The past week has been a timely reminder though that this pandemic is not yet over. I am confident that if we follow the rules, especially those that relate to personal hygiene and as adults, social distancing, that we will eventually “flatten the curve,” and suppress transmission of the infection. Everyone, at every age, needs to continue to play an important role in stopping the spread of this virus. We are still in this together.
As a College community, we are hopeful that sometime during the coming weeks and months, we will look back at this difficult time in the “rearview mirror.” When we do, it should be with immense pride about how we have individually and collectively, responded. I particularly would like to highlight our Year 12 students in this regard and especially acknowledge how well you have bounced back after the disappointments of missing out on some of the usual rituals associated with your final year of secondary school.
Please enjoy the term break, which I must admit I am particularly looking forward too. Keep calm and observe age appropriate physical social distancing norms as you gather in small groups or enjoy a short holiday. Thank you for your continued support. It means so much and by continuing to work together, we will get through COVID 19 and come out stronger on the other side. I feel lucky to be part of such a strong and supportive community.
Michael Phillips OAM
Principal
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The Appreciation of Face to Face Teaching
We have made it to the end of the semester! WOW!
The remote teaching and learning period has highlighted to many of us how appreciative we are of the live aspect of teaching and the power of the teaching craft on teachers and students. There is no doubt that while we all coped with the online environment for awhile in Semester 1, there are few people who miss it once we returned to school. In fact, the many students I have spoken to from Year 7 to 12 have overwhelmingly expressed their preference to be back at school with their friends and their teachers. It has been great hearing this appreciation expressed.
Socialising and learning collaboratively are two aspects at school that do not readily translate to the online context. This is what students missed the most. This is what I missed the most too. Collaborating with students to raise their knowledge and understanding and checking in with them every so often in every lesson to ascertain their progress. Reading their body language and facial expressions as they push themselves to extend their learning. Ensuring that they respond to the feedback for improvement and they reflect on their thinking and writing.
While we adapted quickly to remote teaching and learning, I am happy to see students back at school and learning spaces brimming with the joy of face to face teaching and learning.
Enjoy the break.
Eleni Stathatos
Acting Assistant Principal
School Resumes Semester 2
We look forward to welcoming students back to the College on Monday 13 July