How has Life Changed? Reflections from Students, Teachers and Parents

Teacher Reflections

Reflection by: Ms Chiuchiarelli (MySelf):

Since the start of term, I have seen some great innovations, engagement and communication from families, students and my colleagues. Teaching from home has its challenges, and I know we are all missing that genuine human interaction. However, I have found that some students are already finding ways to bring that joy and connection to the MS Teams online classrooms.

For instance, on Tuesday, my 7H DiSCovery class (thanks to the class leadership team), nominated Oliver S for asking great questions, sharing example answers and articulating how he had clarified a difficult instruction or activity. The fact that his own peer group wanted him to get a merit point for this goes to show how important it is to participate in the classroom –be it digitally or otherwise.

I also appreciate when students use the audio and chat function to share ideas and start discussions, or the ‘emoji’ function to indicate that they’re ready to learn.

I have an optimistic view that ‘student agency’ and ‘critical and creative thinking’ will only blossom as primary skills, amongst our Donny students! I can thank my VCAL students for this view. I’ve seen how much they have grown, since studying MY Future in Year 9, to now entering the work force.

I know some students are finding remote learning difficult but I also know that our young people always adapt to meet the expectations we set for them. Students will be successful during this time if they focus on their organisational skills, use the school planner to record reminders and reach out to their teachers via email if they need help.

We are here on the other side of the screen and we want to make sure we’re supporting you to find a routine that suits you, that helps you to build a love of lifelong learning, beyond the traditional classroom.

Reflection by Mr Josh Cowling (Humanities)

I've previously taught three students remotely when they needed help so I thought this would be easy! I had planned, prepared lessons and started to get used to the software we would use. My first lesson was Year 7 Geography and it was great to see and hear students after nearly three weeks! Then the questions started! Like a symphony that told me one thing clearly: the instructions in your lesson plans may make sense to you and work in a classroom but you really need to make some changes!

Reflection by Ms Gill McGuinness

I’ve definitely adjusted to working from home after one week of remote teaching. I think my lessons have been going pretty well and I find feedback from students and parents is helpful.

I’m definitely more tired after a day in front of a screen, even more so than when I’m running around during cooking lessons at school. While I am missing my work colleagues, communicating on MS Teams makes me feel more connected.

I try to incorporate a few things that perk me up every day. I always try to head out for a lunchtime walk and I’m taking virtual yoga classes. The thing I’m enjoying most though is a lie-on until 8am!

I’m reminding myself to remain positive and not to sweat the small stuff.

Student Reflections

Reflection by Ethan (11H) and Elina J (10H)

Q: How do you feel about remote learning so far?

A: I'm more productive and diligent but the internet cutting out is annoying. The number of deadlines has increased as teachers can’t check ongoing work in person. Some conferences can go for too long, which can mean you don’t get to move for 2.5 hrs at a time. A solution can be having a break in the last 15 mins of each class. That would allow additional time to ask questions if needed, move around, and just mentally reset before the next lesson.

Q: What are your thoughts on teachers?

A: They're doing a great job with covering the content well. They're available and doing really well in answering questions via different methods such as video tutorials, photos/screenshots, live meetings a nd messaging. They have stayed organised and their use of technology has been consistent and good across the board. They are keeping lesson plans up-to-date as well.

Reflection by Chrissy M (7C)

Q: What do you enjoy about remote learning?

A: Connecting with classmates and teachers, especially Mrs Katiforis, Mr Hollard and Miss McAarthur but I like all my teachers. I appreciate the video calls because it lifts my spirits when the teachers make me laugh. I also appreciate being able to ask questions.

Q: What are you missing about school?

A: PE, running around and seeing friends in person.

Q: What does your day look like?

A: I'm at my computer working most of the school day. During breaks I connect with friends. I try to go out for a walk after school and sometimes do some art.

Q: How is it going so far?

A: The first couple of days was a mixture of being excited to reconnect but also a bit stressed about keeping up with the work.

Reflection by: Courtney J (8E)

When I heard we were transitioning to remote learning, I was slightly anxious over how well I would be able to cope with the drastic changes, but remote learning isn’t all negative. I enjoy being able to study in a comfortable working space, having a more flexible schedule that leaves me spare time to exercise and practice my basketball. As soon as I get up, I log on to Microsoft Teams, click my first subject and join the video call. If there is nothing on Microsoft Teams, I check Compass. I find remote learning works well for me, and I have easily adapted. The only downside is that I miss face-to-face connection with my friends.

Parent Reflections

Reflection by S Parsons (Parent of Year 10 & Year 11 students)

As a parent I cannot thank DSC teachers and staff enough for their dedication, enthusiasm and support for our children at this incredibly complex and unpredictable time in our planet's history. No doubt staff are balancing all this with significant changes to their own personal lives and household schedules.

As a school community our DSC values of Respect, Responsibility, Resilience and Teamwork are shining brighter than ever before. Adapting to the impermanence and volatility that surrounds us, and acknowledging what truly matters in our daily lives, will hopefully see us through to the other side.

It has been fascinating seeing the kids excited to share their online classes with their teachers and fellow students, and learn such varied curricula from maths and French, to VCE Music and saxophone lessons, to workouts and yoga in sports science!

Reflection by K Taylor (Parent of Year 7 student)

From a parent's point of view, DSC has been fantastic knowing my daughter is getting so much support from her teachers - having all the work and resources on Compass makes it easier for us. We're both working from home so the fact our daughter is able to work independently and get help from her teachers is fantastic.

The staff are both professional and warm on the video calls, just like in the normal classroom, and having a routine is good for everyone. It's natural that it's going to take a few lessons to adjust and there might be the occasional delay in getting an answer to a question if someone is called away from their computer, but we really appreciate how hard all the staff are working.

When you think about how fast this has happened it's really outstanding to see how quickly staff and students have adjusted. I feel very lucky that our daughter is at this school.

Education Support Staff Reflections

Education Support Staff Reflection: Andrea Sprigg (Business Manager)

Remote learning for the most part has been a positive experience for Education Support Staff. We have had to think outside the square and reinvent the way in which we help support teachers in delivering their classes. Some of us are working from home while others are still onsite. We are an adaptable team!

Although we always love to welcome our students and families to school, during this time we would like to limit the visitors onsite for everyone’s safety. If you need to visit the school, your cooperation in contacting us ahead of your visit and booking a time with us would be much appreciated and will enable us to adhere to the social distancing rules.

Teachers' Pets

Meet the furry friends keeping DSC staff company at home!