Student Life During COVID-19

We've asked students from right across the College - from VCAL to VCE, Year 7 and the International Program- to share their reflections about remote learning at DSC.

 VCAL Student, Gracen P (12V):

Online schooling has been many things to many people. It’s hard to describe the way it feels when it’s something no one expected would happen. Going from catching the bus and being surrounded by new faces, having a routine to follow and seeing your friends around the school - to then being isolated at home, sitting at your desk and only hearing or seeing faces though a computer screen has been a huge change.

In the beginning, I struggled as I am a visual learner and always seek extra assistance with schoolwork. I found it difficult to not have a teacher physically standing by, guiding me though questions I didn't understand. But as the weeks passed, online classes became easier, and I'm now more independent and focused.

Not having to wake up at 7:00am in the morning to get ready for school is a beautiful feeling. Being warm inside your home and having access to a great deal of food and being able to wear whatever you want feels amazing, but not having face-to-face contact with your teachers and friends from school is not so amazing. 

As this has been such a dramatic change for the teachers, I would like to thank them for all their hard work. Each teacher has put a great amount of time and effort so that students are still given the amazing education they would be given back at school.

Year 7 Student, Mahan H (7A):

Remote learning has been very fun and enjoyable so far. What I really enjoy is that I can keep learning while staying at home.  

The big difference between staying at home and being at school is that you don’t see your teachers or friends face-to-face.

There are also some challenges with remote learning. Sometimes the internet drops out, causing you to leave the class call. Also, OneNote sometimes doesn't let students in to see what task the teacher is talking about. The good thing is that teachers leave a copy of the task on Compass, so you still can easily access the information you need.

International Student, Berry E (9E):

As an international student, remote learning has been an opportunity for me to have a closer relationship with my home stay family.

Online learning has inspired new passions for cooking, knitting and photography. I have learned how to organise my time and have become more responsible for my schoolwork. However, I still prefer being in the classroom with my peers where I am able to ask the teachers questions and receive feedback immediately. 

I miss spending lunchtime with my friends and sharing my experiences with Year 7s. 

During this time of remote learning, all my teachers have been asking how I'm going. They contact me as soon as possible if I'm either late or absent. This makes me feel very well looked after and cared for.

VCE Student, Jess R (11B):

As a VCE student, I think I can speak on behalf of other VCE students in saying that remote learning hasn’t been ideal. However, for what it is, I think we should all be proud - as students, teachers and parents - of how we’ve shown great responsibility, teamwork and especially resilience during this time.

Remote learning does have its perks! There is more flexibility in terms of not having to wear uniform for example. It also means I’ve been able to spend a lot more quality time with my beautiful family (and my dog Bella), who I see a lot less of when I’m at school.

I miss seeing everyone at school, which I’m sure everyone does! It’s been hard when the best way to communicate with friends, peers and teachers has been via video call so I can’t wait to see everyone in person.

On the bright side, my teachers have been amazing! They have been really transparent and great at communicating information. It's also been really comforting to know that teachers are genuinely concerned about our wellbeing, and it’s been nice to see another side to our teachers lives (and getting to meet their pets!).