College Head of Learning

This term has undoubtedly been amongst the most challenging our community has ever faced.

We should all – every single one of us – feel a sense of accomplishment at making it through to the end of term. This is especially important for the students in Years 3 to 10 who are still facing an unknown period of time in Home Learning in Term 4. 

We all deserve to feel a sense of pride in our efforts to make Home Learning effective. While remote learning has not been our preferred option, our students have, by and large, remained connected to the school and their learning, for which I am very grateful. I have been very impressed by attendance rates, work submission rates and the quality of classwork throughout the term. Despite all of the challenges of 2020, the Aitken College community has persisted and, in many cases, flourished.

It’s important now to take some time to rest and rejuvenate. School in Term 3 has taken more effort, more determination, more persistence than it usually does, and our reserves of energy are depleted. We need a break in order to be ready to begin Term 4 with the enthusiasm and energy that it will require.

For the vast majority of students in Prep to Year 10, there should be little or no schoolwork to complete over the holidays. For those students who may not have completed everything in Term 3, it’s important to be given the chance to begin Term 4 with a clean slate, rather than still facing the consequences of mistakes made or time squandered in Term 3.

Please don’t feel that you need to push your child to work harder or do more at this time. Instead, take the opportunity, if you are able, to allow them time to enjoy some board games, do some jigsaws, catch up on some movies, spend time cooking or crafting, indulge some hobbies, read some great books, and enjoy the Spring weather in a park (while obeying restrictions, naturally).

Term 4 will roll around soon enough; for now, please enjoy the respite of the holidays.

Ms Kerri Batch

College Head of Learning