English
Student Writing
Below, Hannah Kotow in Year 9 has reflected on the challenges presented by our current circumstances and suggests that focusing on the unexpected benefits of spending more time at home can reap a number of rewards. We hope you enjoy and take inspiration from her ideas!
Kim Elliott
Learning Leader: English
Are the negative aspects of quarantine affecting you? While having to keep your distance and not go out with friends can be challenging, there are certainly many positive parts to focus on. Below is a selection of just some of the positives.
FAMILY CONNECTIONS - To begin with, many people are spending so much more time with their families. They are building tighter, stronger bonds with each other as they get through this time together. With the time saved from commuting to and from work/school, some families are sitting down and eating dinner together, having proper conversations over the table and maybe even dusting off that board game that has been sitting on the top self for who knows how long. The best part is, that it’s not just immediate family members building stronger connections, it’s relatives from every side! With video calling now almost considered ‘the norm’, people are beginning to speak more with those they may have only really spoken to twice a year. Maybe consider picking up the screens for a meaningful reason – video calling a relative?
THRIVING ENVIRONMENT - Obviously, we cannot forget how much the environment around us is thriving. Here in Australia people are gradually beginning to liven up their gardens. No garden? No problem. People are finding ways to work around it, whether it’s a vertical garden on your balcony or a few pot plants scattered around the house, it’s something to do to help the environment and maybe even brighten up your living area. Why not give it a go? For all you know, you may just enjoy looking after your very own plant.
BINGE WATCHING - Another positive is something that A LOT of people have been doing lately - binge watching Netflix! Who doesn’t like settling in for the evening with various snacks and their favourite series? There are so many choices, from action to romance and drama to comedy. There is something for everyone and you can even stream your favourite shows with your friends! It is the perfect way to spend your time in quarantine.
TOGETHER AS ONE - Seeing everyone come together to support each other during this time and celebrate one another’s achievements. People have been helping their elderly neighbours who are self-isolating by collecting their groceries for them and doing other small but helpful everyday tasks. Although a significant number of people began to panic buy, everyone has begun to calm down and be more considerate about what they buy. If they don’t really need it, they aren’t buying it. Another big thing is having to celebrate your birthday on your own now. Sounds a little lonely right? However, there are ways, like video calling and messaging, that still allow you to wish each other ‘Happy Birthday’ online.
STAYING SANE - Although staying indoors for the majority of time can be difficult and may begin driving you insane, there are still ways to stay entertained. Fitness can still be achieved at home with minimal space required and there are numerous other hobbies to pick up. Drawing, painting and cooking are just some of the hobbies you can learn from home! No space? Don’t worry, rooms can be transformed into more useful areas during this time, like hallways into bowling alleys, spare rooms into studies and maybe even a fitness room!
During this time, it is important to stay connected; stay informed and most importantly, stay creative!
Hannah Kotow
Year 9
Kilbreda College Anthology
Along with my VCE Literature class, we devised a plan to create an anthology of writing from Kilbreda students whilst in isolation.
As we experience this unique time in history, we invite all students, if they wish, to create a piece of writing that expresses their experiences of Remote Learning and their thoughts and feelings of being isolated from friends, family and loved ones.
Pieces can include poetry, photos, essays, songs, art or stories.
We hope to publish this piece of work once we have all of the contributions. This will also be a fantastic document to add to Kilbreda's archives.
You can still submit any ideas or pieces of writing to charlotte.thomas@kilbreda.vic.edu.au
Nicole Everett
Literature Teacher