Assistant Principals' Update
Learning and Teaching
Kilbreda Connect
Whilst our remote learning model provided opportunities for the Kilbreda community to remain connected as best as possible given the circumstances, it truly is a celebration to have all staff and students back on-site at the College.
This week, staff and some students participated in a workshop to reflect on the remote learning journey and, through discussion, discover the benefits and new understandings that this opportunity has brought us as a learning community. There is much discussion about ‘building back better’, and we are anticipating utilising our new-found knowledge to continue to build and develop further the quality programs that are already on offer at the College as well as potential new initiatives.
We will be gathering feedback from the rest of the community in the coming weeks and look forward to uncovering your insights into the experiences of students and families during the last few months.
Student Study Skills Series
Next week, students will participate in the third, and final, study skills session facilitated by Mr. Allen Dickson from RethinkPD.
The 20-30 minute video session will be linked to our wellbeing booklet and integrated into the homeroom and pastoral period.
- Session 3: Life H.A.C.K (Habits Aims Community Kindness)
Important Parent Information Session – Pathways Expo
Please note that there will be a live ZOOM event in place of our regular Pathways Expo this year.
On Thursday 16 July at 7.00pm we will be hosting a live event via ZOOM so that parents and their daughters can hear about the academic offerings in our senior years from Jane Ward (Assistant Principal: Learning and Teaching). Stephanie Smyth (Assistant Principal: Wellbeing and Engagement) will outline the pastoral and wellbeing program that is offered and Melanie Marsh (Senior Pathways Coordinator) will be speaking about Pathway options in the senior years at the College.
In addition to the live event there will be information supplied to parents and students with links to video clips for various subjects for you to learn more about what is on offer. A link to the course handbooks will also be provided prior to the evening in order for families to be fully informed about choices prior to subject selection.
This evening is recommended for all families with daughters in Year 10 and Year 11, as well as any students from Year 9 who are considering enrolling in an extension subject in 2021.
Further information regarding the details of the ZOOM meeting will be emailed to families closer to the date.
Student Free Days
A reminder that the last two days of Term 2 (Thursday 25 and Friday 26 June) have now been set aside as student free days to provide teachers with time for corrections, reporting and professional learning, as opportunities for this have been diminished during the period of remote learning.
Jane Ward
Assistant Principal: Learning and Teaching
Wellbeing and Engagement
What a joy it has been to have all our girls back on site. For most, being back in physical classrooms, learning alongside friends, is a great relief. We are very proud of the way our girls rose to the challenge presented by the COVID-19 pandemic with agility, flexibility and resilience. This experience has only further enhanced the strong enduring relationships that exist between students, staff and parents. I would like to remind parents and carers, if you have any concerns about how your daughter is readjusting to school life, please do not hesitate to contact her Homeroom teacher or her Year Level Leader.
Girls Struggling With Mental Health Issues
On 17 June, the Educator Australia published an article that stated that a new UK study had revealed that 40% of girls aged 14 to 21 experienced a deterioration in their mental health due to COVID-19 lockdowns. The study by Plan International UK research found that of those girls, half said they were worried about someone in their family or household catching COVID-19 (51%) or that they were worried about their future because of Coronavirus (50%). While there is no research from Australia suggesting that girls’ mental health has been impacted to the same extent as has been experienced in the UK, it has been recognised that everyone’s mental health and wellbeing may suffer during the pandemic.
https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/girls-struggling-with-mental-health-issues/271920
At the College, we have a range of support measures in place to support the mental health and wellbeing of our girls. This includes:
- Increased hygiene and social distancing.
- Re-introduction of Drama Club on Thursday at lunchtime and the Kilbreda Dance Company (KDC) on Friday at lunchtime.
- Promotion of the SCSA sporting challenges, the introduction of a Year 11 and Year 12 matball competition and Zumba after-school classes for our senior students.
- Re-imagining of important school events such as Reconciliation Week, World Environment Day, Refugee Week and Brigidine Day activities.
- The College has engaged the services of an art therapist who will facilitate a 6-week program for junior and senior students in Term 3.
- The Student Wellbeing Program aims to ensure that it encourages improved self-esteem and higher levels of psychological and social wellbeing across Home Rooms and Year Levels.
- The Year 7 Peer Support Program facilitated by our Year 10 and Year 11 students will extend into Term 3.
- The Student Wellbeing and Learning Diversity Programs monitor all students, and particularly vulnerable students.
- The Pastoral Care Program is evidence-based and age and stage appropriate. It will continue to work to foster positive psychology principles in our students during Semester 2.
- Our students are proactive in reaching out and really listening to their friends, building stronger connections and support networks.
- Our teachers work to ensure that each of our students is known, valued and cared for.
- Our Counsellors and Educational Psychologist are available to provide support to students and families struggling with mental health issues.
Stephanie Smyth
Assistant Principal:
Wellbeing and Engagement