3 minute read
Deputy Principal
Julie Feeney
Prof. John Hattie
Throughout successive lockdowns, there has been much talk in the media about how difficult these times are for our students and that is certainly true. We know that for quite a few of them, time spent with friends and peers can be the best thing about school. We also know that the routine and structure of the days, the regular interaction with other adults apart from family, and the challenges and opportunities afforded by new learning, are vital aspects of adolescent development.
Whilst the online environment has its limitations and will never replace face-to-face communication, along with their teachers, our students have been so impressive this year. Contrary to the negative stories about what students have not learned and in what ways they haven’t developed, they have once again mostly just got on with things. Last year we noted that they were courageous and creative, adaptive and versatile, and this year has been no different.
Students were asked in a routine Pastoral survey to nominate three things in the time of lockdown of which they were proud. Their responses varied from “I’m proud that I have still been able to complete all my schoolwork even though we are not at school” to “I am most proud I have been able to have enough motivation to come to classes every day” to “I’m proud of just making it through”. Many students noted increased personal capacities such as staying motivated, developing a routine, looking out for friends online, regular exercise, practising resilience, contributing actively to family time, and generally trying their best every day. Reading through the responses was uplifting and affirming.
Some life lessons are straightforward and learned easily - others, not so. Living with uncertainty has challenged us all, but our students have exemplified that we are often capable of more than we know.
Director of Curriculum
Collette Bond
What does learning look like? Perhaps if we’d asked this question in early 2020, our thinking would have been centred around learning spaces filled with students working individually or with peers and teachers, to acquire knowledge and skills.
However, our shared experience over the last two years has forced us to rethink many aspects of our lives, including learning. In our current context, we might reflect on our experiences with zoom classes, breakout rooms, online study groups, Kahoots, virtual incursions, Padlet, Canvas, and the list goes on. But despite the many and varied platforms that have supported learning continuity, at the heart of our response to this challenge has been the willingness of school staff, parents, and carers to work together to support students in their learning and ensure that we are able to provide 'educational programs relevant to (their) individual needs' (Mater Christi College Mission Statement). So, what will learning look like post-lockdowns and the need for remote learning? We know that our students enjoy learning together and having the support of their teachers in the classroom, so some aspects will look quite familiar. But as we move forward, we will take all we have learnt from this experience of remote learning and apply the very best elements of it to teaching and learning onsite, together. We have discovered different ways of doing things, and this presents a unique opportunity to consider new structures for learning - what to teach, how to teach, where and when to teach. To reimagine what learning looks like in a way that continues to ensure our programs are relevant to the needs of our students, so they can approach the future with courage and hope.
