Term 2 is complete and we persevered through many hurdles to finish well.  The beginning of the term saw everyone coming back into the classroom for all year groups on a staggered system that finally had all students back face to face with their teachers. I’m so proud of how students settled back into their ‘normal’ routines despite the added measure of safe hygiene and the extra cleaning to ensure we are all safe while continuing high-quality learning.

Changes in how we were learning were ‘back to the norm’ but we gained some valuable understanding in how we can move to a more blended learning style to ensure we are using our best resources and maximizing learning for all students on their level. After the Earthquake of Christchurch in NZ, John Hattie commented about learning for all students, even though they might have lost some time in learning during the recovery process, the resilience in students’ overall achievement demonstrates how fast they actually caught up that time once back into the classroom. They had no trouble getting back into their learning journey while utilizing tools they gained during time away from the physical classroom, undertaking new manners of learning.

All Year groups have done well re-establishing their learning back in the physical classroom. While their ‘normal’ learning was disrupted, their learning has been seamless with the Teams online lessons and the number of possible learning opportunities on SEQTA and other resources that teachers have been working so hard to provide. Well done to students, families and teachers for supporting students learning during this difficult time.

Senior students, Years 10-12, have just finished exams and Lower Secondary have just completed final assessments of the semester. This is a time of reflection and to re-evaluate learning goals for semester two. Parent/Student/Teacher interviews would have been this past week for Years 9 and 12.  Monday, 20 July is the next set for Years 7-8, Years 10-11 where students and their families can discuss achievement and how to move forward into semester two.

Also, Curriculum Selection Evening is coming up on 28 July. This is an important information evening for families to speak with teachers, Heads of Learning and the Curriculum Team to make decisions about subjects and courses students will take in the 2021 Academic year. This evening will be an opportunity to get more information about the process of choosing subjects and courses as well as gaining information concerning the journey to WACE. More information to come in the coming weeks.

All the best, enjoy the break and be recharged ready for Term 3!

Warm regards

Kimberly Eyre

Dean of Studies