Assistant Principals' Report

Emerging from Lockdown

On Wednesday 9th June, our Wellbeing Coordinator Drew Hanna invited staff, families and students to come together as a Wellbeing Action Team and share their experiences of lockdown and remote learning this time around. 

It was clear that it was both more and less challenging, in different ways, to last year’s experience: families communicated to us that the processes were familiar and therefore it was easier to fall into the remote learning routine, but also shared that there was a level of fatigue this time that was challenging to overcome. 

We’re also keenly aware of the mixed responses of our students. The announcement of the lockdown was for some a relief and an opportunity to retreat during a busy time of year, while for others it evoked memories of last year’s more extended lockdown and the uncertainty and isolation that it brought. 

As lockdown ends once again and students return on-site, what is different for all of us this time is that we have learned. As a school, previous experience has taught us that students need to re-learn how to operate in respectful and safe ways in the classroom and schoolyard. Trying to catch up on knowledge and skills is unlikely to be effective until students have redeveloped emotional regulation and re-oriented themselves within their social groups, all things which take up an enormous amount of attention that simply can’t be redirected into traditional learning straight away. 

Therefore, a key focus for the remainder of this term, and this year, is the development of each student’s personal and social capabilities. Self-awareness and self-management involve their ability to manage themselves as a learner through core learning behaviours such as arriving on time, bringing the required materials to class, focusing on learning and organising their time in order to meet assessment dates. Meanwhile, social awareness and social management refers to their ability to connect with others demonstrating empathy and respect. 

This includes making sure our students recognise our community as a place where all members of our school community are welcomed, accepted and treated equitably and with respect. This commitment to protecting the human rights of all of our students, regardless of their backgrounds or personal attributes such as race, language, religious beliefs, gender identity, disability or sexual orientation so that they can participate, achieve and thrive at school, is enshrined in our Inclusion and Diversity Policy, our school’s Statement of Values, and directed by the Department of Education’s Equal Opportunity and Anti-Discrimination Policy.

As parents, carers and kin, you can help us to reconnect our learners by: 

• Monitoring their progress and supporting them to have the required materials, pack their school bag effectively, check their planner with them to identify homework requirements and upcoming assessment, and supporting them to arrive on time
• Encouraging them to share about their challenges and wins each day, and helping them to identify positive actions they can take to create a balance between their relationships, their health, their interests and their learning
• Having conversations with your child about their social interactions at school and helping them to reflect on the feelings of others in their interactions
• Modelling and communicating clearly about community values such as human rights, equality and acceptance

Elisha Sadikay

Assistant Principal

Return to on-site learning

With the return to on-site learning for all of our students, it is important that we all practice excellent hygiene and comply with the legal requirements of our current situation.

Face masks

As of Friday, the State of Emergency legally requires our community to wear a clean fitted face mask whilst at school (unless an exemption applies).  This means students and staff need to have their fitted face mask over their mouth AND their nose.  The newest restrictions require this whilst on site – inside AND outside. We should remain 1.5 metres apart when we need to remove our masks to eat or drink.  We encourage students to spread out and give each other space wherever possible.  

It is acknowledged that this is one of many strategies to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 and our application of multiple strategies will give our community the best chance of avoiding this illness.

Hand Hygiene

Students and staff need to sanitise their hands thoroughly on entry and exit of spaces.

Ventilation

Airflow should be increased indoors, so expect that classrooms may be colder than usual. Dress according to this using base layers and school uniform to remain comfortable in reduced indoor temperatures. This will also reduce the problems experienced by asthma sufferers who are affected by the change from cold outdoor temperatures to overheated rooms.

Doncaster Secondary College is the workplace of approximately 140 staff and 1500 young people. It is essential that we maintain a safe workplace for everyone and families are encouraged to discuss this with their children to ensure we are able to remain safe at work.  Students can maintain a safe workplace for themselves, their teachers and education support staff by following the rules; wear a mask properly, sanitise hands and be considerate when coughing or sneezing by remaining at a safe distance from others.  

We are all in this together and we appreciate the respect shown by our community for its members.

Gina Carroll

Assistant Principal

Feedback on Learning Tasks: how is my child going? 

At Doncaster SC, we provide detailed feedback about specific tasks to parents and students on the following key dates.

Flagged Tasks:

June 25, Aug 20, Oct 15 & Dec 10. 

Student Led Conferences: 

August 27

Semester Reports: 

December 15

Parent Help Finding Feedback on Learning Tasks

To see more information about the tasks our students are completing, follow these steps. 

Gary Rule

Assistant Principal