Acting Principal - James BarutCollege Council President - Heike ReichAssistant Principal - Jonathon RogersAssistant Principal - Janine McMahonBusiness Manager - Jayne Thompson

Emerald Secondary CollegeFortnightly NewsletterEmerald Secondary College is a Learning Community

Term 2 - 2020:29th May 2020 - Issue No. 5Important Dates:Every Thursday: Homework Club - Help is on Your Way 3.20pm - 4.30pm in the Library

JUNEMon 8th: Queen’s Birthday Public HolidayTue 9th: First day of school for Yrs. 7-10Fri 26th: Last day of Term 2

In this Issue:• Principal’s Report• Assistant Principals Report• Remote Learning in the Senior School• Remote Learning from the Middle

School• Remote Learning with the Junior

School• Art in Isolation• Remote Learning Revelations• Wellbeing• Science Acadmemy - Applications

Open for Year 7s in 2021• Homework Club• Rotary Club Debutante Ball 2020

Postponed

Principal’s ReportTHE SOUND OF AN ECHO

Shakespeare once wrote:

‘I would applaud thee to the very echo, That should applaud again’

This poetic description of a continuum of a sound and the affirmation of an event occurred this week as our senior students returned to on-site learning. Yours truly and the Assistant Principals were there to greet our students as they stepped out of a world of Compass, Webex, Microsoft Teams and (at times) unstable internet connections. There were many, many cheery greetings and (I believe) a spring in their step.

There is, without doubt, the need to acknowledge that this was a different experience for all of them. There is, without doubt, the need to acknowledge the heightened levels of anxiety and acknowledge the disruption not normally associated with the final year/s of schooling. But….from this understanding and acknowledgement there needs to be a realignment and focus of what is ahead.

Our students, our teachers and our parents must be lauded for the way they have kept it all together. New routines surfaced, flexibility and creativity surfaced, a new ‘remote savvy’ learner surfaced, hobbies and connections surfaced. Granted, for some families, remote learning was disruptive, and adjustments were challenging, but a new resilience also surfaced as new learning horizons unfolded – the school remained open and the teachers were always available.

Indeed, there were ambiguous reports in the media about the potential loss of learning growth during remote learning, then, as back to on-site for all students is nigh, media reports were lauding remote learning as the best thing since isolation baking!

In an earlier Compass Newsfeed, I attached an article that focussed on Professor John Hattie’s research that measured learning growth in students in New Zealand, after the Christchurch earthquakes. His findings concluded thus:

According to Professor John Hattie, then the adviser for the New Zealand Qualifications Authority, the difference was teachers focused on “what has to be learned” instead of getting through a lot of curriculum. Professor Hattie suggested that it was a similar story after Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans in 2005, when students missed up to seven weeks of school. Again, students “recovered quickly and actually began to see gains in test scores”. So Professor Hattie’s message to parents is, “Let’s not get stressed about it. When we get back to the old normal the recovery will be reasonably quick. You have to be amazed what teachers have done to turn the whole system around so that kids can work at home doing various things”.

Source: http://www.ibe.unesco.org/fr/news/will-missing-term-school-due-covid-19-really-matter-reflections-student-performance-following

As I pen my musings, Years 7 – 10 are still undertaking remote learning. They, too, will see the pictures that adorn this newsletter and feel excited to return to be with their friends and experience face to face learning with their teachers. Our college creates an environment of care, respect and productive relationships…it’s visible every day.We eagerly await the 9th of June…

OTHER MATTERS

i. The canteen has reopened, catering for lunches online. This is important as we continue to enforce safety measures to keep everybody safe at our college

ii. Please go to www.boccafoods.com.au to access their ordering and online payment provision. Snacks and other sweetmeats are still available (including hot food), but quantity and variety is limited. Our wonderful canteen staff would prefer eftpos, but will deal with cash

iii. Movement in the canteen is limited and whilst social distancing is not in place for students, it is in place for all staff

iv. School photos have arrived and are in the hands of your son’s/daughter’s Homegroup teacher. For Years 7-10, they will be distributed, first day back which is the 9th of June

Thank you – as a community, we have come together to support each other. Here’s to a smooth transition for all and a continued, concerted effort to flatten this virus once and for all.James Barut - Acting Principal

Assistant Principals ReportThe Journey ContinuesWhat a unique experience we have faced! In the space of 9 weeks student have had extended holidays, navigated new digital platforms, adjusted and settled in to remote learning and now started to return to face to face teaching. For staff there has been a significant amount of pedagogical change, change which I hope will help revolutionise teaching and learning.

Personally, I was very excited to welcome back our senior students this week. We were met with multiple smiles and, although some students were clearly tired from different sleep patterns, the general feel about the school has been very positive. I am looking forward to when the younger year levels return soon.

Thank you to the teaching staff for all of their amazing work, thank you to the students who have engaged with the lessons and thank you to our parents/carers who have done their best to support us in flexible, remote learning.

PhotosSchool photos were delivered to the school during the flexible, remote learning period. Home group teachers will continue to distribute these as students return to school. There was an issue with Compass not displaying the updated photos, this has been addressed. If any parent/carer did not order photos, you can still contact MSP and order them online.

Buildings Grounds and OHSDuring the period of time that we did not have students at school a large amount of work was completed. We have been fortunate to be able to address some concerns that had not caused problems yet, but may have in the future.

Completed works included:• Replaced railing on external G block stairs• Replaced decking between D block and G block• Replaced carpet in B1 and B2• Constructed pathway above the oval to reduce tripping hazards• Replaced hand soap dispensers and installed automated hand sanitiser units• Replaced air conditioning units in B 1 and B2 with split systems• Replaced multiple tables and chairs in classrooms

This list does not cover all completed or planned tasks but hopefully gives you an idea that we are continually looking at ways to improve the conditions for students and staff.Jonathon Rogers - Assistant Principal

It was a wonderful morning on Tuesday, as we welcomed our Year 11 and 12 students back to school. We were greeted by many smiles from students as they expressed their pleasure in returning to on-site learning. The corridors were a buzz with chatter as students reacquainted themselves with each other. The students have quickly become accustomed to the hand sanitising stations at the doorways of each corridor, the use of the drink taps for filling drink bottles only. We look forward to welcoming our Year 7-10 students back to the College on June 9.

Semester 1 ReportsSemester 1 reports will look a little different this semester due to the period of flexible remote learning. There will be two noticeable changes:

1. Teachers will be reporting on work habits for on-site learning and also work habits during flexible remote learning. This will allow a distinction to be made between the two and also indicate how the students have adjusted to the flexible learning environment. Examples of work habits that will be reported on can be seen below:

a. Work habits during on-site learning: i. Effort ii. Behaviour iii. Homework and Preparation

b. Work Habits during COVID-19 Remote learning i. Engagement in remote learning ii. Completion of set tasks iii. Ability to work independently and/or collaboratively as required by the teacher

2. Where a learning task is listed, specifically for Year 7 – 10 students, a description of the how the learning task assesses specific achievement standards from the Victorian Curriculum. For example:

Learning Task - Year 7 health Test. Description - In completing this task, students will be given the opportunity to examine the link between feelings, thoughts, behaviours and actions by identifying and exploring emotions.

These changes will help indicate a clearer idea of the different student performance during remote and on-site learning and also where the Victorian Curriculum was assessed, in which tasks, throughout Semester 1.Janine McMahon - Assistant Principal

Remote Learning in the Senior SchoolCovid-19 brought a number of prompt changes to lifestyles and education. The Senior Team are incredibly proud of how both staff and students adjusted to these changes. Remote learning presented a number of challenges; extended screen time, a lack of social interaction, the monotony of being in the same space day after day, to name a few. These challenges are difficult for anyone, let alone an adolescent in their final years of study and wanting to gain some independence. But with every challenge there comes opportunity. For some, they excelled in the opportunity to become more independent learners, set up better study habits, learn more about themselves or even start a new hobby. VCE and VCAL, and particularly Year 12, is about having perspective and being resilient. I think remote learning too was about having perspective and being resilient.

For those that didn’t flourish during remote learning, or that didn’t do as well as they would have hoped, that’s okay. Learn from it and speak to your teachers. Develop a plan and start making inroads to achieving what you are capable of achieving. Character is stretched and built not based on a ‘bump in the road’, but the perspective and subsequent actions we choose to overcome the ‘bump in the road’.

During the remote learning, the Year 11 and 12 teachers and Senior Team kept in contact with the students, not only through WebEx or TEAMs, we personally called them to check if they were struggling or if we can provide any assistance. Connecting with our students through different ways allowed us to have the feeling that we are far but we are together.

Our VCAL students were able to do their TAFE courses online, and some were still attending work placement for one or two days per week. Students completed minor projects over the course of the isolation for Personal Development Skills(PDS) and had to document all of their planning and organisation. Some projects included, reorganising bedrooms, rebuilding electric bike engines, cooking for their families, decking out old caravans and many more great projects.

For all Year 12 subjects there are still plenty more marks up for grabs! Most subjects would have only assessed between 10-25% of their marks contributing towards that subject’s study score. This means there is still plenty of opportunity for students to achieve the results they are capable of.

All the Senior Sub-school, were so happy to welcome back the Year 11 and 12 students to on-site learning. It was great having students back at the school. As a sub-school, we helped transition them back to on-site learning by having

extended home group time. This was used to reflect on the struggles and successes of ‘Remote Learning’ and life over the last couple of months. We also provided a welcome back BBQ lunch for them which appeared to be well received by all.

The students have settled back in well and we are really proud of the way they have adapted in the face of this ever-changing year. As always, if any students are needing support, please don’t hesitate to come and speak to us in the Senior Sub-school Office.Jeremy Mackinnon, Shane Closter, Ritu Arora, Marion Donders

Remote Learning from the Middle School It has been a very busy time for our Middle School students who have met these unprecedented times with so much enthusiasm! Seven weeks of flexible and remote learning has brought our Year 9 and 10 students a whole new range of firsts! But through our online platforms for home groups and classes we have stayed connected and focused on learning – which is a credit to everybody!

During this time our students improved the art of time management and organization - which will be a very important skill that they will need in their senior years. Students have done an outstanding job of keeping up to date with their school work and taking ownership of their learning considering the circumstances.

Middle School Students have also extended their impressive knowledge of Information and Communication skills, this has helped them thrive during this time. Their readiness to adapt to change is commendable! Here is a list of the skills students have completed or developed while in remote learning:

• Time management of educational studies; • Organisational approaches to a unique setting; • Information Technology and Communication skills; • Self-management of maintaining a balanced life; • Problem solving expert; • Discovering initiative and enterprise; and • The introduction of a pre-requisite experience to a University/TAFE course.

Below is a small snippet of what our Middle School Students have achieved over our remote learning period:

• Year 9 Ancient History has been exploring Ancient Mysteries. They have looked at Bog Bodies and the Stonehenge. With so many Ancient Histories to explore, the feedback from students is that they loved the adventure! • Our students participated in their first virtual cross country! They were to run 3km and log their time, we are looking forward to seeing their results! • Year 10 Geography students conducted some research into Climate Change. One of their tasks was to create an advertising campaign to help inform people of the ways in which they can combat Climate Change! We can’t wait to see these around the school when they return! • During remote learning, in Food Technology, students have had an opportunity to build their cooking skills as well as enhance their literacy, IT and research skills in their very own home kitchens! • Year 9 Science have been using software to build electric circuits! • In Year 9 Patisserie, students were asked to prepare a calzone and Easter muffins, working in their home kitchen. They were required to show work in progress and a photo of their finished product.

Our upcoming return to the classroom is an event that will evoke different feelings and emotions for all Middle School students; excitement in anticipation of seeing friends; sadness in leaving home again; trepidation in contemplating what lies ahead; for some, there is the opportunity to reflect on learning skills; and for others, joy and satisfaction for what has been achieved.

As we enter this exciting phase of a return to face-to-face learning, we hope that students look back with fondness at the time spent in remote learning, and know that we have experienced something no one else has ever before –to look out, and beyond, and do not limit yourself.Rebecca Arnold, Tiana Clayworth and Jarrad Donders

Remote Learning with the Junior SchoolAdjusting to the new age of Remote Learning was always going to be a sudden transition that would not only challenge all of us, but more positively enable us to develop and design creative opportunities for the learning that would continue throughout our time in isolation. During this period, we have been so impressed by some of the efforts of our Year 7 and 8 students in the Junior School.

For our Year 7’s, they have had an unforgettable start to their secondary education years, one that we are sure they will talk about in the years to come. With only having 7 weeks of face to face learning in Term 1, students were fortunate enough to be on the final camp that would be permitted for 2020, before returning and transitioning into remote learning in Term two.

As students made the shift into online learning, both students and teachers had some anxiety around how it would all work. The Year 7’s being new to secondary school, adapted and quickly learned the processes of submitting work, how to navigate Compass and operate Microsoft TEAMS. With the help of their teachers, students got the hang of things very quickly. Once students became familiar with the process and learnt how to work their way around remote learning, they flourished. Students completed various tasks at home from designing Monster Toys in textiles to completing various physical activities for PE and Health.

Overall, Remote Learning has been a great time for students and teachers in Year 7. Even if there was a few bumps along the way. I know all the Year 7 teachers are looking forward to seeing all the Year 7’s back on site for face to face learning in the classrooms on the 9th June.

For our Year 8 students, the challenges have been varied. While some found it an ideal learning platform others may have found it hard to adjust to. As a cohort, the Year 8s have worked with a degree of success however, more importantly we have realised the value of what school offers in terms of the dynamics of the classroom and the social interaction of those within.

The online platform also allowed us the opportunity to develop technological skills that will be integrated into teaching and learning into the future. We would like to congratulate all the students of Year 8 who managed to cope with the work load, becoming more independent, accountable and responsible for yourselves, has made all of us proud during a very difficult time.

While Remote Learning certainly presented challenges, it has been great to see the resilience and enthusiasm from so many of our Junior Students. I know that the Junior School team and the Junior School teachers have really missed interacting with our wonderful students face to face.

We could not be more proud of the dedication and resilience that our Junior Students have shown throughout this time and we praise them for their efforts. We have a huge appreciation for parents who found themselves becoming teachers in their own right and had to sacrifice things to help support their children. We want to underline how important your role is during this time and we extend our thoughts to those parents who may be overwhelmed by the circumstances we all found ourselves in. Thank you all for your efforts. Sarah Deer, Sema Yildirim and David Carnie

Art in isolationRecently students in Year 10 Art completed a Keith Haring inspired artwork in response to a visit to the National Gallery of Victoria which we were very fortunate to visit before the gallery was closed because of the Covid-19 risk.

Students completed these artworks while undertaking remote learning at home and their responses were fantastic and surprisingly prompt. The class were able to share their artworks using the online platform Padlet so that they could share their ideas. I would like to share some of these artworks with you here.

Year 9 Photography students have started a collaborative learning task “Mass Isolation” run by the Art Gallery of Ballarat. Students have been given 6 different themes to photograph whilst in isolation. These tasks are accompanied with video instructions from a well known photographer who offers some great guidance and hints. Student photographs may be collected by the gallery as a permanent record of Victorian students’ experiences during the Covid-19 Pandemic and may be selected for a curated show in 2021. We have only just started the course but some of the photos so far are fantastic.Cindy Mikieciuk - Art Domain Leader

Remote Learning RevelationsThe philosophical concepts of “simulation” (a copy of a thing that exists), and “simulacra” (an imitation of something that does not exist) were on my mind at the advent of remote learning. What kind of “learning” would actually take place remotely? Could the classroom really be simulated online? Would remote learning be an effective imitation of face-to-face education, or would it be ineffective? Were we all living in the Matrix? And most of all, would remote learning reveal not the same qualities that we already knew of in our students, but different, surprising, charming attributes that only needed distance to become real?

In many cases, the latter has occurred at Emerald Secondary College. The work that students have submitted to their teachers has been some of the best that we’ve had the pleasure to read, consider, and correct, and the way students have communicated with their teachers has demonstrated engagement and interest in education that, sometimes, was a very pleasant surprise.

Of course, learning at a distance did not, and does not, suit everyone. The instant feedback that may be read through facial cues is nigh on impossible to replicate through Webex, or in a typed lesson plan. Reading an instruction is not the same as hearing and seeing it. And we all missed our friends. But the freedom to tackle tasks without being as bound to a daily timetable or physical classroom resulted in, for many, work that was creative, accurate, complex and nuanced. I am thinking of my classes when I write this, but I have heard the same from many teachers, in many subjects.

What we have realised is that our students already possessed abilities that, in many cases, outperformed our expectations. We realised that different methods of instruction were able to bring forth responses that we had not seen before. And we certainly realised that for some, there’s really no such thing as a true substitute for the classroom.

So, in all honesty, remote learning has not been a simulation of face-to-face learning. It has been an entirely different mode of education delivery, and it is now our job as we re-engage students into the classroom (starting with our Year 11s and 12s this week) to make sure that we keep all the good things that remote learning has helped us to understand about ESC students. Will Creagh – Learning Specialist

WellbeingIt is wonderful to see the senior students back at school, listening to them laughing in the yard or walking past full classrooms makes me very happy. I cannot wait until June 9th when all the students return.

Below are two tips to get your child ready to return to Emerald Secondary as smoothly as possible. These tips are provided by Andrew Fuller, psychologist.

The Sleep CycleSleep changes are a common effect of the recent times. It is time to re-establish a more usual sleep cycle. What sets our sleep cycle most powerfully is ‘first light, first bite’. Get up at the time you would need to on a typical school day and eat breakfast soon afterwards. Getting your sleep cycle back into sync with the school day improves learning and mental health

Can’t wait to see youOne of the main things that will help us all to transition back more easily is knowing there is someone wanting to see us. Encourage your child to contact their friends before returning, re-establish connections, create an eagerness to come to school to socialise with their friends.

As always, if you have any concerns, please contact wellbeing.

We can be contacted via compass - go to the star and find “email wellbeing”.Our email address belowwooden.felicity.f@edumail.vic.gov.aubridges.darryl.d@edumail.vic.gov.au

The school wellbeing telephone – 5954 1118 or 0429 267 450Felicity Wooden - Wellbeing Co-ordinator

Science Academy - Applications Open for Yr 7’s in 2021Emerald Secondary College Science Academy is now open for applications for Year Sevens in 2021.

Students who are accepted into the Science Academy experience a program where they will have the chance to explore in-depth topics and indulge their curiosity. This will be done by exploring the depths of subjects like Science and Mathematics in greater detail. Students will also have access to special incursion and excursion programs with the aim of enriching their experiences within Science and Mathematics.

The program is aimed at students with an enthusiasm for the sciences and a joy of learning. As a result, greater emphasis is placed on the references and communications during the testing.

Applications to the program are due to Emerald Secondary College office by the 3rd of August. Alternatively, you can email co-ordinator Brad Gibbs at gibbs.bradley.b@edumail.vic.gov.au

Any enquiries can also be addressed to the same email, or by contacting Emerald Secondary College on 5968 5388.

A Project of The Rotary Club of Emerald & District Inc

2020 Debutante Ball

Plans are to reschedule it for late September or October. Details will be supplied once available.

Refunds are to be processed on the completion of a “Request for Deb Ball refund” form. Forms have been distributed to the Debs & Partners however can also be downloaded on the Rotary web site www.emeraldrotary.org.au Enquiries to: Shalini Penny 0417 038 707, email emeraldrotary3782@gmail.com