From the Middle/High School Principal

Getting Back to School

It has been a real treat to have our students back on campus after the long summer break and several months of Virtual School. The kids have been very patient as they follow the new routines and practices that we have on campus to try to keep everyone as safe as possible. Teachers have worked incredibly hard in redesigning their approaches to delivering content and developing skills and it is clear parents have put time in at home preparing their children for the new systems in place. The relatively smooth start to the year and successful return has been a real community effort.

We are trying to give students as rich a learning experience as possible but Victorian style classroom arrangements, zoning of year groups and postponed trips mean things look different to this time last year. The students have impressed me with the mature attitude they have shown this week and willingness to follow guidance. Earlier this month we were able to keep our promise to the graduating class and run a live, but audience-free, ceremony that was shared with families and staff digitally. Undoubtedly this was an emotional time for our students but I am pleased they managed to save their hugs for their families when they got home and honoured expectations on masks and social distancing whilst in school. 

Our revised schedule should have seen the students enjoying their longer lunch break with more recreational activities available. Students are enjoying their 45 minutes of downtime in the middle of the day but with no footballs to chase or volleyballs to spike for the time being, it may be worth sending your son or daughter in with a book or individual game (Rubik's Cubes seem to be making a comeback). We remain tech-free at lunchtime.

We will try to keep as many 'regular' activities going as possible and will run the Open House later in September online. The MS Activities Week has had to be postponed to next semester and the HS Activities Week in March will be a more local affair than in previous years.

Once again, thank you to those of you that have been in touch with supportive words or to suggest areas for improvement. We are all finding our way through this precarious situation as best we can but I hope at the very least our students are enjoying being back in the building and seeing each other face to face again. I know I am delighted to see them.