The Year That Was 2020

The Year That Was 2020

There have been many changes as a result of the COVID – 19 global pandemic that will continue to have a significant impact on people’s health, lives and livelihoods and the global economy.

As with all challenges, there is always something we can take away. For me, the takeaway is the importance of relationships! It is about our families and the communities that we live within. It is about the everyday greetings, the incidental conversations we have with each other as we move about within our daily work / school / communities that are important. These interactions create a sense of connection and belonging contributing to something special.

It is in our learning that we are able to grow and prosper.

The global pandemic has changed the way teaching and learning occurred this year, with students spending much of the year online with remote learning. While there have been many changes to the way we live, there has been a significant shift in our teaching practice and the way we educate students. Our use of Google Classrooms prior to the pandemic was a contributing factor to our success during remote learning. Our staff and students embraced the need to quickly further develop their skills and knowledge with a willingness to explore opportunities to engage in the virtual environment we found ourselves in.

Our forced reliance on technology has contributed greatly to enhancing the way we interact with each other as educators and learners. A collaborative approach to curriculum & assessment design has promoted a consistent approach to classroom practice across the college.

Our teachers and Educational Support Staff are to be commended for their commitment to change, to delivering quality teaching and learning and for the care provided to the students and families during the year. We have learned much in the online space and will continue to build our capacity and explore methods for working in this area in the future.

Our students this year have faced many unexpected situations, COVID – 19 being the greatest of them and to their credit they have managed in such a resilient manner. The challenges faced have been personal and different for each, but 2020 has shaped individuals, who will be stronger and more resilient as a result of this experience and more prepared to stand in the face of future adversity.

In 2021, Teaching and Learning will become more visible as we step towards a more consistent approach across the college. Our Instructional Model is designed to create a positive Learning Environment in all our classrooms, where teachers take a consistent and collaborative approach to curriculum design, common assessments and the implementation of strategies to support student growth and a collective focus on continual improvement.

At the end of this year, we farewell the following staff and we say thank you for your service to the college.

Rachel Apps - (staff member 2020)

Genevieve Adams - (staff member 2019 - 2020)

Elizabeth Balint - (staff member 2020)

Kaye Baxter - (staff member 2020)

Gavin Bell - (staff member 2019 - 2020)

Caitlin Berry – (staff member 2020)

Susan Caleo – Retiring (staff member 1982-2020)

Stefanie Carmichael - (staff member 2019 – 2020)

Samantha Cody - (staff member 2020)

Nicky Coughlin - Retiring (staff member 2008 - 2020)

Ross Goode - Retiring (staff member 2004 - 2020)

Ben Hoban – (staff member 2009 - 2020)

Katerina Kougioumtzis - Retiring (staff member 1983 - 2020)

Michaela Lister - (staff member 2020)

Phoebe MacReadie - (staff member 2020)

Breanna Natoli – (staff member 2016 - 2020)

Ross Slater – Retiring - (staff member 1985 - 2020)

Lee Stringer - (staff member 2018 - 2020)

To our staff I thank you for your professionalism, passion for learning, and your commitment to our students. The work you do behind the scenes when no one is watching, the hours spent when others can't see the effort given, this is a testament to your character. For this Principal, the past year has spotlighted the immense commitment of our staff. It is my hope that during the holiday period you find time for yourself.

This year, our College Council has been incredibly positive, motivated and committed to support the advancement of the College. I have very much appreciated the positive relationships, valuable insights, expertise and diversity that our council members bring, all of whom are a pleasure to work with. I am already looking forward to working with them in 2021.

Special thanks to

College Council President - Mr Andrew Hall

Vice President - Ms Arabella Daniels

Council Members - Ms Sharon Tapner, Ms Mel Jacobs, Ms Debbie Feben, Ms Ester Yefet, Mr Rory Hall

Staff Representatives members Ms Sarah Low, Ms Katharine Balson, Ms Helen Page

Student Representative Member, Mr Wai Yan Moe

I would also like to acknowledge the following staff for their contribution to the College Council, Ms Brooke Matthews (Assistant Principal), Ms Lorraine East (Director of Student Wellbeing), Ms Jan Kuzmicky (Business Manager) and Ms Nicola Taylor (Assistant Business Manager).

Life is a journey; sometimes we are brought to destinations that we never thought would be part of this journey. I hope that you have been able to grow, survive or thrive throughout this 2020. The college recognises that there will be lasting ramifications of Covid19 and we will always be there for you if needed.

Over the Christmas break, I’ll be looking to setting an example by prioritising my time with my wife Catherine, and our young children and extended family. I hope you can do the same with your loved ones during this festive season.

Kindness, love, gratitude to you all. Wishing you a restful school holiday period.

Kind regards,

Karl Russell

Principal

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