From our Principal
Dear Parents, Students and Friends,
By my estimation at the end of this week we mark 18 days of remote schooling. There are no two ways about it, these are tough times for all concerned, but as the saying goes, “when the going gets tough, the tough get going”. I cannot help but wonder whether one of the outcomes of these times will be a more resilient and independent learner, two qualities we wish to see developed in our young people no matter what the context.
Student Feedback
Speaking of our young people, we were very much interested in gaining feedback from students around their perceptions of engaging in learning remotely. Over 1,000 students participated in the survey. From the senior students perspective the following is a summary of the results:
- Students are understanding the learning intentions well
- Instructions are clear and easy to hear when using Zoom
- A combination of delivery methods works best, ie a combination of Zoom, completing problems from textbooks and using online learning platforms
- Students prefer reading material off-line to reduce screen time
In respect to senior students the major challenges they identified include:
- Lack of motivation
- Difficult to concentrate for so long
- Are given a lot more work to do
- Too much time on their digital device
Whilst these are perceptions, it provides us with critical feedback. We now take this data, review it and make the necessary adjustments to ensure learning remains relevant and stimulating. An interesting finding was that 83% of students (Years 7-12) agreed that teachers were using a range of different learning activities always, most or some of the time.
Students (Years 7-12) identify the main benefits to on-line learning as inclusive of the following: more control over their breaks, less distractions in their virtual classroom and more time to do work. Not surprisingly the thing that students miss most is friends. The second most important thing they miss is the school routine.
It was stated at the very beginning of this remote schooling experience that the learning space we are creating will be fluid and will involve change along the way to ensure the best possible learning environment is created. This data will help determine what “tweaks” need to be addressed.
Whilst we are receiving much positive feedback it is now time to seek a parent’s perspective. To this end a survey will be distributed to parents today. We would appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedule to complete this short 10 question survey to gauge both the positives and the challenges of remote schooling from a parent’s perspective.
As always we invite and encourage parents to make contact with the college if there are matters of concern to raise.
High Achieving students
Congratulations is extended to Poppy Gardner, Year 10 (CRA) who made the under 15 Victorian Cricket Team and from that National Championship the Australian selectors selected a squad of 20 girls. Poppy subsequently was lucky enough to make it into the under 15 Australian Squad. Well done Poppy.
Poppy Gardner
U15 Victorian Cricket Team
Mother's Day
Finally, I’d like to take this opportunity to offer all our mothers and those undertaking mothering duties a very special Mother’s Day wish. My hope is that families can find ways to recognize and celebrate with their mothers this Sunday. To students I ask you to take some time to reflect on the significant contribution your mother has made in your life and find ways to say thank-you this coming Sunday (and everyday).
Enjoy the week ahead and stay well.
Mr Chris Black
Principal