Assistant Principal
This current lockdown has created levels of anxiety and uncertainty, almost different to previous lockdowns. Aspects of remote learning are very tiring, and we have all found new ways of logging off when we need to, to check in on energy levels and check in on each other!
The high levels of media coverage have also drawn so many people into the debate, with so many differing opinions and discourse associated with same. We switch on hoping that the Premier will end lockdowns, or to hear the PM announce large amounts of vaccine, or someone has developed a cure overnight. Sometimes, we can all be exhausted by this hope, but never be exhausted by being less hopeful.
We need to focus on the impact of all of this on our motivation, relationships and indeed, our health!
Know that this will end. Because it will.
Ask what can you do today that positively impacts your motivation, relationships or your health? And do that instead.
Have you considered:
- Reaching out and displaying gratitude and thankfulness to someone who is important in your life?
- Ever thought of random acts of kindness to fill someone’s bucket?
- Get moving! Exercise regularly, eat good, healthy food and even treat yourself!
- Chatting to friends or relatives on various social media platforms – or…connecting with others over the fence!
The students too have demonstrated that they are crucial in supporting each other by reaching out when a colleague misses a class or is not their usual chatty self. Together we provide the support for each other.
Routines are important in creating a sense of predictability and control. Something simple like eating at the same time, planning for a phone catch up after your daily exercise all create something to look forward to and create a predictable rhythm for your day.
The Principal Leadership team would like to thank and acknowledge our students for the work and effort that they continue to put into their learning and maintaining a connection with their school. The feedback from our teachers is that some are flourishing and, for the most part, those that need extra support seek it willingly. Well done and congratulations to the Year 12 cohort, who continue to push through. They have stayed motivated and on task, including the mastery of online SACs, that will pay dividends soon.
Thank you to our parent community, who continue to support their children with remote learning, often whilst juggling multiple demands, including their own work at the same time. Your ongoing support is invaluable, and we appreciate the support and direction you are providing to your children at home.
Finally, to our staff at Ringwood Secondary College, both teaching and non-teaching, who continue to put our students first and who are working extremely hard to ensure all students have the opportunity to remain connected to their school, continue with the learning and engaging curriculum and continually monitor the health and wellbeing of our students.
Progress reports
With the progress reports published this week, it is a time to reflect on the work through the term and set some tangible goals around RSCs 8 positive learning behaviours. Whilst some students have found asking questions easier on-line, others have to develop that skill and make asking targeted questions a goal for improvement. It is useful to set a visible goal for 6 weeks to make it into a habit so making sure that all class work is submitted by the end of a lesson may be an interesting goal to set for the next term.
Parent – student – teacher interviews will take place in Term 4 and the date will be communicated as soon as practicable.
From the Assistant Principals
Maria Allison, James Barut, Matt Tucker and Agatha Fedrizzi