Year 8 Pastoral Guardian

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

       I took the one less travelled by,

       And that has made all the difference.”  - Robert Frost

The choices we make lead us down the different ‘roads’ of life.  In 2020 some of the choices we have made – or had made for us - have contributed to this being a truly unique year, similar to a roller coaster ride. 

In 2020, we learnt that nothing is better than a good friend to accompany us on the journey.  For some, our friendships have forged ahead and strengthened while, for others, our friendship groups have been more fluid or changed.  Through our friendships, we have learnt more about ourselves and others.  However, just as importantly, we have learnt how to problem-solve and negotiate, about what is really important to us, and the significance of the real glue in friendships: loyalty, empathy, and laughter.  Through laughter and tears, our friendships in 2020 are things to remember. 

The unexpected turn to Learning from Home during Term 2 allowed Year 8s to grow in a different environment.  Through laggy Teams calls, sleep-ins, and school in pyjamas, Learning from Home provided unique – and hopefully not to be repeated - opportunities to learn.  Learning from Home taught us many things including patience, independence, and self-discipline.  It is true to say that, after our Learning from Home experience, we were very eager to be back at school, to return to our familiar and interactive learning environments.  It is also true to say that through Learning from Home – and for the rest of our learning over the year – we have all gained a fuller appreciation for the gifts of teachers, friends, and cocurricular activities.

This year the Year 8s had fewer opportunities for cocurricular sporting, cultural, and outreach opportunities.  However, not being able to participate in the wide array of opportunities only made us more determined to join in what was on offer for Semester 2. We came back strong with loads of enthusiasm, spirit, and positivity to find ways to connect with each other and to try new activities and, along the way, achieved great success.

The highlight of the year was our Year 8 Outdoor Education experience.  The outdoors gave us a new learning environment to understand our connection with each other and our world.  We will never forget the hike to and from our campsite, those never-ending hills, or the songs that kept our minds off our aching muscles.  Nor will we forget the sheer jubilation and sense of accomplishment for truly pushing ourselves to achieve individual and group success.  

So, as we continue our journey over the next two and a half weeks, we are working with determination to end the year well.  From where we stand now, we know we have grown and have so much for which to be thankful. 

Thank you to everyone who journeyed with the students of Year 8, 2020; we could not have done it without you. 

2021, here we come!

Amelie Rolph and Inde Basche

Finally, I would like to thank all parents and carers for the way you have supported your child throughout 2020.  Thank you, also, for the ways you have worked with me over the past two years, as we have guided your daughter through Francis School.  It has been an absolute pleasure to be her Pastoral Guardian.  Best wishes for a very safe, holy. and restful Christmas season.

Jeni Barlow