From the Executive

From the Dean of Senior Students

“You may not always have a comfortable life. And you will not always be able to solve all the world’s problems all at once. But don’t ever underestimate the impact you can have, because history has shown us that courage can be contagious, and hope can take on a life of its own.” — Michelle Obama

An inspirational first Lady, Michelle Obama, wife and mother who has captured what I have felt this past term in a few words of wisdom. It has not been a comfortable life for many of our senior students. Learning remotely has had challenges for all key stake holders. Motivation, organisation, isolation from their peers and friends, lack of exercise and for some the routine of juggling school and sport has been missing from their lives. Some have flourished whilst others have fought a battle. I probed my senior captains and vice captains about their feelings regarding the changes they have faced and their responses are given below. It makes a good read!

“Upon reflecting on what has been an unusual time for everyone, I have seen the benefits of remote learning for my individual organisation and independence. Personally, I found it very easy to complete set tasks in my subjects, as well as going ahead with other work, putting me in a position where I was very relaxed in the comfort of my own home. No travel time to school at all, meant more sleep which is always a bonus. I had time to exercise, study, do work and of course stay in touch with friends. With both my parents still working during this time and my brother in year 9 also participating in online learning, the household was not as chaotic as one may assume, but rather quite peaceful. Overall, the experience was worthwhile for me.”

“In this new and challenging environment of online learning, I have been very grateful for the support coming from the College and my teachers. Although it was not how any of us expected to spend a large chunk of our final year at Mazenod, I believe that many of us have been able to find silver linings to the experience. I know that personally I have found it easier to be productive during classes, as I am able to have greater time management than is afforded in a standard classroom. Personally it has been challenging without sports, (which seemed to govern my life prior to the virus) however by ensuring that I have still been exercising regularly this has in some ways been a welcome break. Needless to say, I am very eager to return to school and regain some normalcy and hopefully a return to all aspects of normal life is on the horizon.”

“Isolation provided us with a well needed break. The extra week of holidays at the end of the 1st Term as well as the relaxed uniform rules during the online learning phase allowed myself and other students a rare opportunity to experiment with growing out our facial hair. Preparation for the educational aspect of online learning already began before the end of Term 1 with teachers swiftly acting to provide us with lesson plans and instructions on how learning will commence. It is definitely a unique time in the history of schooling and one that the school community handled well.”

“Remote learning, although at first challenging, has been rewarding in the sense that it has provided me with a much calmer and more self-directed approach to Year 12, helping me focus on my studies. Whilst I can’t wait to see everyone again, I will definitely miss sleeping in and the freedom we get at home. “

Everyone I’m certain has enjoyed the flexibility of working in their own homes. No driving in traffic, no dressing up in school uniforms and sleeping in till the very last minute prior to homeroom. However, the reality of imminent assessment and progression in subjects, has been a lingering consciousness that many have struggled to face. Returning to school will not be easy, as we have all become accustomed to a relaxed life at home. Our situation that we live in may have changed, but my advice to all our senior students is, to not let their fear be an obstacle that stops them from being the best they can be. Our students have faced unprecedented events and have survived. I am proud of them. Returning to normality will be such a pleasure and relief, but I will not deny that this pandemic has enabled me to become more skilled in technology than I ever thought I would be capable of. So in every challenging situation good things will be found! My hope is that the senior students have also been able to gain some positives from their experience and learn new study practices that will enhance their final results and make them strong independent learners. 

Mrs Pier Bourne 

Dean of Senior Students