From the Principal
Wellbeing – a prerequisite for all learning
Thinking back to what seems a very long time ago I recall conversations with the staff where we speculated about how we could possibly move certain subjects to an online format. We had quite a lot of fun coming up with humorous suggestions and scenarios.
That was then; now what seemed quite fanciful has been tackled and mastered in all manner of inventive ways.
Once again, this newsletter is testament to the incredible energy and imagination our teachers are using to bring together a rich and engaging series of learning experiences. More than ever we can appreciate the power of teachers working in teams, with their class partners as well as our team of specialists. There is no doubt that a collaborative approach, in a culture that encourages trying new things and experimenting, leads to vibrant and exhilarating learning for teachers and for their students.
A particularly exciting development is the experimental approach Talitha, Paul and Oliver have taken to adapting a PlayWorld built around Dr Doolittle to an online mode. Explaining why they were acting oddly in strange costumes in a park to a vigilant police officer, all in the name of educational innovation and deep conceptual learning, may well stand out as a highlight in our collected mythology of teaching in the time of Covid-19!
A continuing theme everyone at Arlington is particularly conscious of is the danger of having children locked into sedentary habits, sitting in front of a screen. While making classes available online has become more familiar and accessible, no child is well served by passive learning and a lack of physical activity, challenge and adventure. We know many families miss the Arlington gardens and grounds and that finding ways for children to keep active is an ongoing challenge of this time.
I have just been speaking to a parent who said her decision to have her children at Preshil has been vindicated by watching their independence and growing capacity for self-management. How satisfying to know our parents appreciate this fundamental value of the School; we encourage both parents and children to exercise their agency in deciding it is time for a run, fresh air and exercising in whatever way is possible.
Again, I invite all parents to continue to let us have their thoughts and suggestions of ways to improve the program for their particular family situation. We know ‘one size fits all’ does not work, and differentiation is much harder online than in face-to-face interactions, so please adapt, intervene and select in co-creating a customised program for your child.
We all need to escape the tyranny of the screen and to remember how closely aligned mental health is to a sense of physical wellbeing.
Marilyn Smith
Principal