Principal Report

Principal Message Week 7 Term 3

It is hard to believe that there are only another three weeks left of this term. As the weeks go by it has become increasingly clear that whilst we may have adjusted to our ‘new normal’ there are some things that get just that little bit harder.

Over the past few weeks, I know staff have been in contact with you and overwhelmingly the social aspect of school is something that everyone is missing. The remote learning experience itself is now well established and the children have adjusted. But what can’t be replaced is the day to day interactions that physically being at school creates, allows and provides. Whilst we are still very much connected, it is the subtle nuances of our relationships with one another that does not quite translate onscreen and in fact means we have to work that little bit harder to set up the conditions that mimic the classroom, the playground or any other social setting for that matter. 

On Tuesday night I attended a webinar titled Managing the Corona Coaster facilitated by renowned psychologist Dr Michael Carr – Gregg. During this session, he spoke about the challenges facing families during this time. Dr Carr- Gregg reminded us that we the adults are the ones who set the emotional tone and of course provide that sense of hope and optimism – this will end and things will return to some sort of normal. One of the key points of the evening was about the importance of maintaining social connections for our children particularly our adolescents (10- 24 years). Whilst concerns about screen time are valid we are in stage 4 restrictions during a pandemic and access to technology does provide the opportunity for children to connect with one another, their wider circle of friends and with family. 

I particularly liked the following:

The main point is that maintaining connection is key and yes we are spending more time on screens then we normally would but with the desire for connection and social interaction so strong it is our responsibility as adults to be discerning and to enable the conditions for this to occur.

So, with this said we are so lucky that during this time we have the technology that enables us to continue to provide at least some connection to one another, to school and our wider community. For this I am grateful. In response to the feedback during the recent catch-up calls between staff and families, I know staff are considering the options available to them to include more social interactions for class groups and cohorts. Some classes, the middle and senior school in particular, are including extra social zooms to provide the opportunity for children to connect and just talk to one another and have in place study buddies. In junior school, there is extra time built into current zoom sessions for sharing and talking and wellbeing social zooms have been included in the week. As a school, we are trying to incorporate opportunities for children to connect and maintain social connection with their classes and the school that has a fun element. Our Super Friday a few weeks ago was an example of this and this week we have live Hip Hop lessons with Brad who always works with us during Community Arts years. Next Friday we will have a super team sports day that has been organised by our Year 6 leaders and we will definitely not be passing up on our annual Footy Colours Day on the last day of term.

Having something fun to look forward to goes a long way in keeping us that little more connected to one another and I know will help make our return to school all the more special.