From the Principal 

An exciting day

Well!! What an exciting day it has been for us!!

Today we had the joy of welcoming back our Year 11s and 12s. It was so wonderful to see everyone streaming in this morning on this chilly autumn day, and it is fabulous to hear the buzz of students in the corridors and classrooms. 

We cannot wait until Tuesday 9 June for the rest of the school to join us. 

At recess and lunch when I was walking around chatting to the students, the range of responses to remote learning were varied (as you would expect), but there was unanimous agreement about some of the positives – we could all sleep in a bit longer, eat whenever we want, and learn with a pet nearby. 

School will be a bit different, as we adjust to social distancing and enhanced hygiene measures, but so far everyone has adapted admirably.  Our arrangements for the return to school, including about parent and visitor access to the school, are outlined in the A-Z guide published last week (found on myNorthcoteHigh). I encourage all families to familiarise yourselves with this, as it contains important information about maintaining a high level of health, safety and hygiene at school.

This week we are taking things slowly, allowing students to share their experiences of working remotely, finding out where they are up to with their learning and providing advice on catch up or extension work. Of course, we will also prioritise identifying and supporting any students who may have additional wellbeing needs at this time. 

Thank you for your support of the few staff that have been unable to return on teaching onsite because of medical exemption. They will continue to teach remotely and classes will be supervised by replacement teachers. 

Even though both the transition to remote learning and the plans for return to school have been challenging and exhausting, I certainly have a much bigger spring in my step now that we have humans back with us. 

I am so proud of the staff and their adaptability and innovation and I am equally proud of the students for their hard work, persistence and resilience. 

Sue Harrap,

Principal