7-9 Campus News

Pivoting – “to swing around.”

The pandemic has certainly brought the use of a collection of new phrases and words to our regular vocabulary.  The use of ”unprecedented” during this COVID-19 pandemic is certainly unprecedented, as are such words as social distancing, lockdown, flattening, elbow bump and of course, pivot, (which used to be a term also often referred to when there is a switch in business models!). 

With the continuation of lockdown, I would like to join with my Principal Class colleagues in congratulating our students and staff for their amazing resilience when it comes to pivoting in and out of lockdown. Every member of staff has worked so hard with our incredible students to adapt to the ever-changing requirements and expectations that we have faced. Staff have efficiently and effectively moved from face-to-face learning to Online Continuous Learning (OCL) with a minimum of fuss, as well as often very little notice.   We are also so fortunate to have such a supportive college community that has the confidence in our school to believe in what we do and know that your child’s education and wellbeing is our highest priority. They are at the forefront of all  the decisions we make. 

Whilst restrictions and lockdown have meant the postponement or cancellation of many anticipated presentations and events, we look forward to coming out of this time stronger, even more resilient and ready to move forward into the future with a positive mindset. We know that our students will be feeling twangs of disappointment at the postponement of Dance Showcase, College Production (High School Musical)  and Music Performances, but rest assured that all members of the Performing Arts and Principal Team are working together to devise alternative plans to get these or other opportunities up-and running again as soon as is possible and practical. 

We have had many new students join our college in recent months. It is quite difficult for any person to engage with their new school and make new friends with so little time in the physical school environment, so I would like to congratulate them on their efforts to engage both at school and online with their teachers, peers and their schoolwork. A big thanks to the wonderful students who have helped these new members of the college community settle in so well and look forward to seeing them back at school soon.

With the school term rapidly coming to a close, I would like to remind all parents and carers that summer uniform must be worn in term four. Whilst our second-hand uniform shop cannot be open, please feel free to email our uniform shop coordinator, who can liaise with you regarding your needs

uniformshop@sandringhamsc.vic.edu.au

Our Uniform supplier, Bob Stewart in Mentone, is also open for click and collect:

Website:  https://www.bobstewart.com.au/

Whilst the official opening of our Indigenous Garden has again had to be postponed, this has given the garden more time to flourish and is looking fantastic at the front our Bluff Road campus. It truly is a celebration of the Indigenous 7 seasons. Thank you to Edwina Jenkins for all the work she has put into this project, supported by PTF President Michelle Jeavons. We look forward to having our official Opening Ceremony to open the garden early in 2022. 

As is normal in any school environment, we have had some changes in staffing this term. We welcome back Lynne Laursen, an exceptional Maths teacher who has been on Leave during semester one. We also welcome Alumni Zoe Yang, to the Maths faculty. It is fantastic to have Zoe back at the college, now in a teaching capacity and she has already “hit the ground running” doing an amazing job with her classes. Thank you to Teresa Putzka and Katherine Ernst who are relieving until the end of term when the highly regarded Chin Huan joins us in the Maths/Science faculty. Amy Porter has emailed families whose children have been impacted by these changes. 

Take care out there and stay safe. 

Vivienne McElwee

Campus Principal