Principals Update

We are certainly living in unprecedented and challenging times. Who would have thought 6 months ago, students at Mornington Secondary College would be learning remotely, with teachers also at home, teaching. We have always encouraged and supported the use of digital technology to support learning but have never used it to this extent before. The learning for students, staff and parents has been enormous and everyone has had to learn at a pace also unprecedented. It has been a great test to our infrastructure as it has held up with the large volume of use.

As Principal of Mornington Secondary College, I am extremely proud of what we as a community have achieved.

I have listened to many students, parents and staff about the amount of work our students are producing. Students are trying their very best to keep up to date with their work and look forward to their lessons each day, touching base with their teachers and communicating with class mates.

I have often heard, one day rolls into the next. There is no delineation of the school day and home life anymore. Everyone is glued to their computer and the week day, looks like a weekend day. Work begins at 8.50 and doesn’t seem to finish.

As Principal of Mornington Secondary College, I have made the decision to have a ‘My Day, My Choice’ day this Friday 15th May. Students will have a choice about what they do for the day. No lessons will be scheduled on this day. It is a day for students to catch up on work, complete outstanding performance tasks, go outside and exercise, access the PE website, developed by Ben Hall, participate in the Home Bound Olympics, work all day on a SAT etc. (a suggested activity list has been provided with this newsletter). Staff will also have a choice. They will continue to prepare the next sequence of lessons, correct work, go for a walk at lunchtime etc. This may mean no screen time for students and staff for the entire day. This is a chance for everyone to catch their breath and focus on their wellbeing.

Suggested Activities for My Day My Choice

If a student needs some wellbeing support or you need any information to help support your son or daughter please click on the link below and fill in the referral form located at the end of the video. A member of the Wellbeing Team will be in touch asap.

Wellbeing Support At Mornington Secondary College

Each Friday a compass newsfeed for wellbeing will be uploaded onto Compass. Two documents will be uploaded today on diet and exercise.

For parents feeling overwhelmed with home schooling, I have provided a couple of links you may find useful:

Department of Education Learning From Home Page

Parentline: Support For Parents

No decisions have been made by the Victorian State Government about students and staff returning to school. Premier Dan Andrews continues to take advice from the Chief Medical Officer, Professor Brett Sutton. There are many factors to consider before this decision can be made and schools may not resume for some time. All the more reason, we need to look after our wellbeing.

Finally, thank you for your outstanding support during this time.

Linda Stanton

Principal

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