Year 9  

Melbourne was once voted the world’s most liveable city. We now have the unenviable record for being the city that has endured the longest lockdown. The AFL Grand Final was played away from the MCG for the second year in a row, we experienced an earthquake, endured a curfew and managed restrictions on how, where and when we work, travel and exercise. We have closely monitored the daily COVID-19 numbers. We have all missed, cancelled, and postponed significant events, binge watched streaming services and concurrently managed school, work, health, friendships and our overall wellbeing. 

Families have been exposed to media reports about how remote learning has adversely affected students’ academic potential. Unfortunately, these reports demean the outstanding effort and resilience shown by our young people and the great work to support them over a long period by parents and school staff alike. 

Some students have struggled with academic content or had difficulty completing and submitting tasks. Perhaps school engagement has been low or mental health and wellbeing has declined as with face-to-face classes, teachers have worked to accommodate their needs. 

Other students have excelled in their studies, and many have responded positively to the extra time provided to gain a better understanding of material. Across the year level, attendance has been excellent, and results do not indicate a decline in standards. Perhaps more than ever, our students have been presented with an opportunity to develop a greater awareness and understanding of the vast and complicated world outside of school, the impact of mental health issues, the importance of community, work and gratitude for simple pleasures.

Whilst students are preparing for upcoming exams I want them to remember that this year has been like no other and it is important to show self-care and compassion. If they prepare adequately, they must remind themselves continually they are only expected to do their best and that their learning journey is individual, comparing themselves to others is not healthy. Run your own race!

We should all be proud of the way the Year 9 students have coped during a long period of adversity. I most certainly am, and I have enjoyed welcoming them back into the Kildare Centre.

It truly has been my absolute privilege to see the young women before me grow, mature and prosper over the past three years. I know their journey ahead will be an exciting one, filled with new, exciting and endless opportunities.

Leah Cristiano

Level Leader:

Year 9

Duke of Edinburgh Award 2021

As with many things this year our Duke of Edinburgh Award Program has also been affected by COVID-19 and therefore the Qualifying Journey, which normally takes place at Wilsons Promontory will not take place this year. We have had confirmation from the Duke of Edinburgh office that this year the Practice Journey will be accepted as the Qualifying Journey and therefore your daughter completed this component earlier this year. She now needs to complete her observations from this first camp in the Qualifying Journey section as outlined in one of the meetings held during the period of remote learning.

We have met with the College Business Manager about organising a $100 refund to each student for the cost of the final camp. Forms regarding the refund are due to Sr Lia in the Fees Office by Wednesday 17 November.  

We understand that it may have been difficult for your daughter to complete some of her other components due to COVID-19 but the Duke of Edinburgh Award office has been very flexible in allowing students to change activities so that they can still complete the award. We have been very impressed with some students' ability to 'think outside the square' and find another activity to do which achieves the same outcome of that component. Participants have until they are 25 years of age to complete the award and we encourage those who have found it challenging with the restrictions to finish the award as soon as they can.

We encourage you to have a conversation with your daughter to see how they are going with their participation and online recording of their logs.

Maree Clark and Joanne Wood

 Duke of Edinburgh Coordinators