Acting Principal’s Report

Andrew Arney

As we are thrust into yet another lockdown, I wanted to express my awe at the way that our students, staff, and families continue to show strength as we move in and out of remote learning. Although this has been beyond challenging (and will continue to be so for the foreseeable future) each day we see the green shoots of hope in our students as they build the resilience that will keep them well-armed for whatever the future throws at them.

 

A fabulous example of these green shoots was made evident on Thursday afternoon after we had received confirmation we would enter another lockdown. I spent period 4 going into classrooms and checking in on both students and staff, ensuring that everyone was aware of the situation and were taking steps to prepare themselves for remote learning.

 

Most classes had questions for me, however without fail the first question year 11 classes asked was about how the senior school team were coping with the postponement of the year 11 formal. That their care and empathy were immediately projected to Ms. Tudor, Ms. Trujillo, Ms. Demirova and the senior school team rather than focusing on their disappointment speaks volumes about the character of our MGC students, and I couldn’t be prouder of them for it.

 

Throughout all five lockdowns, MGC staff have worked hard to incorporate a focus on wellbeing into every class. Our mantra of 'Care over content' is recognition of the idea that wellbeing is the foundation upon which all other learning is built. We know this approach has been greatly appreciated by our students and families in past lockdowns, and we commit to continuing this approach that has been so successful to date.

 

As parents, managing our day to day work through remote learning (often while assisting a 9-year-old with number arrays and unpacking the themes in Rosie Revere Engineer - a fabulous book about pursuing your passion and pushing through failure to succeed) is not always smooth sailing, so as parents and carers we must continue to look after ourselves as well. Be sure to stay connected with your family and friends and put aside time where you focus on yourself - I can heartily recommend a zoom session with good friends coupled with a cheese board as a way to refresh and revitalize.

 

Let's hope we can see each other in person again soon!

 

Andrew Arney

Acting Principal