Across the Principal's Desk 

 14th May 2020.

Flexible and remote learning

It has certainly been a very different experience for all of us this term. If we had been talking a year ago about the possibility of finding ourselves in the situation we are in now, then I think we might have thought that it wouldn’t be possible. However, we have been faced with very challenging circumstances due to COVID-19 and I’m pleased to make the observation that although it has been difficult, we are doing well! Not just Beaufort Secondary College but as a country. I have been pleased with the way in which people have responded with care and respect for each other. I know this might not be in every single situation but in general I have seen people being considerate and looking out for each other. I think it has brought out the best in society, as we have all had to face the challenges together.

Our teachers have been working very hard and learning many new skills in order to navigate their way into remote and flexible learning. It’s been a steep learning curve in an incredibly short period of time. The way in which our whole staff has taken this on has been nothing short of impressive! It has also been terrific to see the way in which students and parents have been understanding of the challenges faced by our school staff and forgiving of the mistakes made along the way, as well as being supportive in embracing the changes and new learning together. There has been an improved sense of partnership in the learning process. We still have more to learn as we do our best to deliver educational opportunities to our students. We also encourage all students to engage in their classes and to see it as an opportunity to learn in a different way – it won’t be forever, so give it your best shot! This style of learning suits some students and not others in the same way that learning in a school under normal circumstances suits some and not others. However, education is very important in determining your future outcomes – so make the most of every opportunity.

I’ve enjoyed seeing and participating in the many creative ways our teachers are engaging with our students. This morning I joined our ‘Wellbeing Zoom Room’ where students can choose to drop in to an online link up with our wellbeing team just for a chat really – just to connect. Many of our students brought their pets along – we even had a camel! You don’t see that every day. Some interesting topics are being covered during Form Group Meetings, which have been entertaining, resulting in lots of laughter and banter – again a great way to connect and maintain relationships in a time of social distancing. Our teachers and students have become very adept in the use of online platforms for lessons that provide the opportunity to speak directly with the teacher and learn through discussion and questioning with other students. We’ve been able to gain feedback from students about what works and what they would like to do differently. We’ll do more of this, but it has been useful in making some changes to the way we structure the learning. We have also maintained a strong focus on the wellbeing of our students with a great deal of follow up to ensure everyone is tracking as well as they can. Please let us know if you need any assistance or support.

A return to on site learning

Following the government announcement on May 12th, we now have some confirmed dates for a return to school:

Tuesday June 9th – Year 7-10 students return on site

(please refer to Compass or our website for a letter to parents with more details regarding returning to school)

We will continue to do our best in delivering education in a remote and flexible format until we can do otherwise. We really do miss our students and we look forward to having everyone back when it is safe enough to be able to manage that in a school setting. In the meantime, be kind to yourself as parents and students – learning from home isn’t an easy scenario for some families. 

School Council

We ran School Council with a difference at our last meeting. We used an online platform to link everyone in as we delivered the Annual Report for 2019, followed by the election of office bearers and then the first meeting of the new School Council. I must admit, I wasn’t sure how that would go in a virtual environment but we seemed to manage it all without too many issues. The Annual Report highlighted the positive results we were able to achieve in 2019, particularly with the gains in learning growth for our students.  We have had a good run of very positive reports over the last 5 years and this resulted in us gaining the classification of an ‘Influence’ school in our School Performance Report from the Department of Education and Training. Colin Gerrard was elected as our School Council President and I would like to thank him for taking on this role once again – his commitment and effort is greatly appreciated. I would also like to once again thank all members of our School Council, as it is an important role in the governance of our school. 

ANZAC Day 

ANZAC day is an important time of the year because Australians come together in remembrance of those who served our country, many of whom lost their lives. 

I think it is vital for our young people to understand what ANZAC day means and to carry on the traditions and be part of this proud, respectful culture we have created in Australia. Our School Captains march every year in Beaufort and although that couldn’t happen this year due to COVID-19, we felt it was still important for us to pay our respects. Matt and Jaelyn were keen to be involved and continue with tradition. So, we chose a quiet time on Friday afternoon when we could safely lay a wreath at the Cenotaph in Beaufort. On behalf of our school community we paused to reflect, to remember and to say ‘thank-you’.