1 minute read
College Captains
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.
