“Not every cloud has a silver lining, but you can always share my umbrella”. – Sarah Barnett
Thanks for sharing our umbrella as, in the words of Bob Dylan, we “shelter from the storm”. In the face of difficulty, I appreciate the way students, parents and staff have together kept a sense of normality (and sanity) in a world turned upside down.
We don’t yet know what next term will look like. This is deliberate owing to the rate of change in external events. It does not, however, mean we haven’t planned for it. Our plans are predicated on remote learning occurring throughout Term 2. We are hoping to be back on campus sooner than that, but think it wise to plan for the worst and hope for the best.
We have sent a brief survey to Primary parents and are in the process of sending one to Secondary parents and students. Based on the feedback that we have (and will) receive, we are looking to make improvements as we enter the next phase of remote learning in Term 2. We remain convinced of the importance of connection between teachers and students, and students themselves. We are also keenly aware of the need to minimise the impact of remote learning on parents wherever possible. We acknowledge the need to keep our students moving and active. We acknowledge the importance of a balance between time working on-screen, and time working on-the-page.
In John 16:32-33 we read these words of Jesus to his disciples:
A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
Tim Watson
Principal
Week 11
Week 11 will follow the rhythm of Week 10. Unless the state government decides otherwise, students will be expected to continue their assigned work and activities, with the term ending at the end of the school day on Thursday 9 April. We acknowledge that others are taking different approaches. Our approach has been to focus, where possible, on continuity and routine as something constant and hopefully calming in the maelstrom of change.
Primary
In Primary, Monday and Tuesday will continue as per Week 10. On Wednesday and Thursday, each class will commence with their daily Conference, for each teacher to check in with their students and frame the expectations for the day. Activities will then be assigned to the students for independent completion during the school day. The teacher will conduct a check-in to conclude the day.
Teachers will farewell their students on Thursday afternoon with an Easter holiday goodbye.
Secondary
Lessons on Monday to Wednesday will commence with a Conference, or the sharing of relevant content in order to conduct a lesson within the scheduled times. Teachers will be encouraged to use their lessons on Monday through Wednesday to set work for their Thursday lesson, so that students can continue with their work without the need for direct teaching on Thursday.
Some Year 12 classes include synchronous teaching and learning on Thursday.
More specific details regarding Term 2 will be provided during next week and will be updated during the Easter holidays as required.