DIGGING DEEP AND FINDING FUN

This year has been a rollercoaster ride for our Year 7 and 8 girls, and they have continually amazed us with their grit and perseverance. In March, we witnessed the astonishing adaptability of the girls as they began their distance learning experience. Staff and students found new ways of using technology to work and support one another, and sparking joy became an integral part of keeping sane and buoying spirits. Pets came to class; silly hats and fancy dress were worn; meals were shared in form groups; scavenger hunts saw students raiding their kitchens; and there were endless Kahoots. Connection on a more personal level was possible as staff and students worked from their kitchens and living rooms, surrounded by family. Distance learning has also produced difficulties. Prior to distance learning, the Year 7 students had only been in school for six weeks, and were still establishing relationships; these have been challenging to consolidate in isolation. The girls and staff learnt quickly that workloads and expectations had to be adjusted to meet the reality of an online platform. The Year 7 students eagerly counted down the sleeps until our return to School, and the Year 8 students were equally keen to get back. We all found new value in being physically together and sharing activities. In what felt like the longest eleven week term of our lives, we navigated new lunch and recess routines to minimise interaction with our year levels, maintained social distancing and hand hygiene, embraced online cocurricular activities, and stayed home if we were unwell. Conversations with students exploring their feelings of uncertainty were common.

Now that we have returned to distance learning, the initial feeling of a one-off experience has become more of a reality for the foreseeable future. Year 7 and 8 girls are still able to find the positives about being at home, such as having the kitchen two steps away, wearing their hair out, or having painted nails. We are all grappling with the next, new normal, again. Despite these travails, we will find ways to dig deeper, stay strong and find fun. We know that one day we will be back together at Selbourne Road; until then, we need to support one another, connect with each other, and maintain our thriving community. Jacinta Power and Stephanie Mooney Years 7 and 8 Wellbeing Leaders