From the Captains...
2020
2020 so far has been a bit of a roller-coaster. The last year of high school is meant to be one full of celebration, study and the last formalities of high school but… COVID.
With the announcement of COVID, these rites of passage have been replaced with remote learning and iso. Obviously, I can’t speak for everyone else, but personally I have found it challenging at times due to the lack of motivation and the inability to see friends or go to 18th’s etc. The insecurity associated with not knowing what the future holds is also frustrating (especially with exams, SAC’s and the GAT etc.) However, I am extremely thankful for the efforts made by my teachers and the Principal team, who have made the burden of remote learning a lot easier to handle, through their willingness to communicate and be available 24/7 and the establishment of tutoring and mindfulness programs.
For those that might be struggling, know that you’re not alone and that there is always someone who is willing to lend a helping hand. Together we can do it .😊
Connor
College Captain
2020 has presented itself with plenty of highs and lows for everyone, including me. Being in year 12 and currently completing my VCE studies in the midst of a global pandemic is certainly not ideal. However, saying that I couldn’t be more supported. Wantirna College has provided me and my parents with plenty of communication ensuring clarity and understanding by all in relation to my classes, my VTAC application and my exams. They have also implemented multiple TEAMS channels and chats to make sure that I still have the ability to have my say and relay my questions regarding my classes, extracurricular activities and even some designed to help me plan my future.
Remote learning is certainly different and challenging at times, that’s why I am really thankful for all the extra support that the school has set in place to help me not get overwhelmed by everything. Such as the VCE Boost tutors which are available Monday through Thursday between 3:30 - 4:30 to answer any questions I may have in a particular subject in relation to SAC preparation and exams. Or the Wellbeing Hub to help me focus on myself, helping me to concentrate better my classes as I know I have participated in activities that are not school or study related such as personal training or dance.
I know life especially right now can be very challenging, so we (your captains) want you to know that there is always help available to you if you need it, whether it be through your parent teacher interviews next week, your year level leaders or us captains, please reach out so you can perform to the best of your ability, and get the most out of your schooling in 2020.
Isabelle
College Captain
2020. It’s the year I have been waiting for my whole schooling life and has in no way played out the way I could have predicted. To be completely honest, no one expected this. It has been a whirlwind of emotions and adjustments for everyone.
I came into this final year excited to celebrate, and I was feeling well prepared to face the challenges about to be thrown at me. Looking forward, I already knew I would have a lot on my plate with VCE, extracurricular activities, the school production and College Captain responsibilities. We hadn’t even made it to the first term break when COVID-19 hit. Everything was put on hold and our teachers had to prepare for a very new way of teaching: remote learning.
Remote learning for the first half of term 2 was extremely stressful for both teachers and students. No one really knew what they were doing, but content had to be taught and SACs had to be organised. I, personally, found remote learning difficult. I am one of those students that rely on face-to-face teaching to make the most of my learning. It was even more difficult as it caused me to lose what I value most in school, my connection to teachers. To say the least, I will forever be grateful for the incredible teachers at Wantirna College. Without them, I do not know where I would be. They have provided me with so much hope and motivation, keeping me thinking positive. I can honestly say that my teachers and the Principal and Later Years teams are the most inspirational, passionate and determined people I know. Their ability to adapt, and look out for every student in any situation, while continuing to communicate so effectively, is amazing.
When we returned to face-to-face learning for the final four weeks of term 2 and the beginning of term 3, safety measures were taken. There was social distancing, face masks and much more awareness of the pandemic occurring in front of our eyes. Unfortunately, as case numbers climbed again, we were forced into remote learning for a second time. However, it was much scarier. As year 12 students we were heading towards our final months, final SACs and before we know it, our final exams. I was not prepared to return to remote learning but we all went forward knowing what to expect.
Prior this second remote learning period, I was lucky enough to be asked to represent Wantirna College in a virtual meeting with the DET (Department of Education and Teaching) and other year 12 captains around Victoria, discussing the impact of the first remote learning period and how schools dealt with the challenges faced. I was later presented with an unbelievable opportunity to represent our school district, speaking with the DET and Dr Michael Carr-Gregg about the impact of remote learning and what us, as students, were generally concerned about. It provided a true an insight into the incredible work happening behind the scenes to give us year 12s the best possible chance at a successful final year.
This whole experience has been a crazy roller coaster. Although I have found it stressful, it is much more comforting to know that we are all currently going through the same experience. Never in a million years would I have imagined that my 13th year of schooling would take place in the middle of a pandemic, but I am extremely grateful for what has come out of it. I am so proud of the peers I am working alongside with, and I could never thank my teachers enough for everything they have done. This year has been the biggest challenge I’ve ever faced but I hope to come out of it in a determined, positive mindset. I look forward to finishing this year on a high, with more than just making it through year 12 to celebrate!
Sam
College Captain
Wow! What a year it’s been! I think we all thought this year would be a little different to what we see a reality today. Actually, I think we all thought that it would be drastically different.
It’s been a tough year for everyone. For us as Year 12’s, in our final year of schooling, we have lost experiences that past Year 12’s would have said they made their year. For the Year 7’s, they’ve faced their 1st year of secondary school life that’s been full of unpredictability. I really can’t imagine how hard it must be starting at a new school the way they have, and they must be commended on their resilience to get through it. In fact, we all should commend the resilience of everyone in the Wantirna College community. From the students, to the staff and to the parents taking on the role of teaching from home, your efforts do not go unnoticed.
As one of the College Captains this year, I can say it has been tough, but at the same time it has been truly unique. We’ve had to adapt like never before, find new ways to get involved but most importantly, help keep everyone positive and motivated in a time where it is sparse. As a team, we have thrown ourselves at every opportunity made available to us and we will continue to do so, right until our very last day at the college.
On the remote learning front, it has personally been extremely tough. Having to juggle my learning as well as help my siblings learn with both parents at work. But like everything else through this time, you find ways to adapt and get through it. Having teachers that have been able to give me some flexibility in my work has been a huge help, allowing me to keep on top of my work.
The key point I want to end on is that eventually, this will come to an end. There will be a day when we are all back at school and work, back playing our sports on the weekend and being able to go to sporting events, but most importantly, being able to catch up with the ones we love most, our family and friends. But until that time, we have to stay positive, we have to stay resilient, but above all, stay safe and well!
Jacob
College Captain