Senior School Report

by Director of the Senior School, Mr Hamish McCrum

I think by now we all have a strong sense of déjà vu.  We are in lockdown and remote learning.  The GAT will once again be postponed so August 12 will now have online classes for all year levels.

At this point in time many students across Victoria are tired.  Sometimes when we are tired and the going is tough we just have to focus on putting one foot in front of the other.  A lot of miles can be covered in this way and when we look back we can be amazed at how far we have come.  So it is with your school work.  It is alright to feel tired, it is alright to find the going tough, and if you just keep putting one foot in front of the other you will be OK, and you will go far.  Putting one foot in front of the other in this sense means doing all the things listed below even though you may not feel like it.  And having got through each lesson online, give yourself a pat on the back and go again.  Focus on the what you should be doing at each point in time.

Students are encouraged to:

• Log into each class on time, expecting to learn something.
• Use the class-time allocated, at that time, to complete the work set for that time. (Later has such a knack of turning into never.)
• Do your work away from the screen if possible (hardcopy book rather than pdf)
• Put your phone in another room when “in class”
• Still do extra homework which is outside of scheduled class time
• Ask your teachers for help and or clarification
• Set up your work area at the kitchen table if you know you will get more done there than in your bedroom

At these times it is also very important to choose other activities wisely.

• Get outside every day, get some exercise, be it a walk, ride or run.
• You can exercise with another person: this is also an opportunity for some real social interaction which could help your mental health.
• Do something good for somebody else: encourage them, say something kind, cook a meal for the family, say a prayer for them (& one for you)
• Avoid anything addictive: drugs, social media apps and computer games. (See the last edition for why this is important).
• Get enough sleep by getting to bed early enough and getting up at the same time each day (at least 8 hours for teenagers)

We are hoping the lockdown only lasts a week, but we are also prepared should it be extended.

Take care of each other.