How we changed COVID times into a successful year

academics at such a young age, but in fact just academics at this age is detrimental for their growth – play is more holistic,” comments Teri-Ann. “And much more learning can be gained by learning from each other,” says Samantha.

An interesting find Samantha and Teri-Ann have discovered along the way, is that this teaching method really does bring out the best in the boys. “We’ve seen some boys are good at writing tasks with pencil and paper or verbally explaining, while other boys, if you give them chalk or other creative instruments, will make something amazing and be able to explain it – in a way they couldn’t do before,” states Samantha with a smile. It’s evident their understanding comes from actually doing, trying and getting hands on.

Despite setbacks from COVID, these women have made great headway in providing an optimal play based learning program for their Kindergarten student. Unfortunately, due to COVID related restrictions they were unable to visit other schools for further collaboration, and thus will look to do so in 2022 - when they both return from maternity leave. We look forward to Samantha and Teri-Ann sharing their knowledge with our staff to further Professional Development at King’s.

CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT

The year of 2020 will add new meanings to old words in the dictionary - like ‘iso, Zoom and bubble’. There might be ongoing nightmares about hand sanitiser too. The character tests will refer to our resilience, patience and agility. But, when we then look at the glass half full, 2020 has also been successful in many ways for our Community and School. Thankfully we have stayed healthy and student numbers have grown. Most importantly, there has been some good fun, new perspectives and innovation!

When wedding planners had to manage guest numbers by every 10 square metres, it does make the pitch that “we run six boys to the acre” so very attractive. Bus and walking tours had to be replaced by “Virtual Tours” of the three Campuses. The contents crafted by Ron Croft captured our special environments and the mood of our communities, with huge compliments now coming from across the world and around Australia, not just from the back of the bus!

The Registrar team attended the International School Virtual Fair this year, without getting on a plane or donning a face mask, thanks to the world of Zoom. Thanks again to Ron Croft for producing many “live chat” info nights - it was like being on TV. Speaking of TV, how good were the “live stream” events? The Open Rugby and Soccer teams sadly didn’t have side-line cheering, but gathered thousands more online supporters. Let’s make this the norm for all the grandparents, bushies and other fans who can’t make it to games in normal times. The drone aerial shots of the boys on the White Oval for Passing Out Parade and Year 12 Presentation were brilliant, uniquely TKS, and stand out memories for 2020. Welcome to another step-change in digital communication as our School definitely has the content!

Do you remember going on a car rally, where you were given a map to follow and things to collect at points along the way? Well that is what orientation looked like for new families at the Prep and Tudor House in Term 4. Families were sent on an ‘Expedition or Safari’ around the grounds in their car! Nothing wrong with rehashing old fun ways too. Parents and children enjoyed filling their goodie bags at every stop. Later that day at the family Zoom evenings it was a lot of fun to swap stories, ask questions and connect.

It was certainly a great honour to be appointed as Registrar of The King’s School this year. Along with the incredible enrolment team, I look forward to representing our wonderful TKS and wearing my heart on my sleeve as I share stories of the place that I love.

My wish for 2021 is to hit the country roads again. Along with the Director of Boarding, Ben Chadwick, we have big plans to celebrate with Old Boys, current families and hopefully find some wonderful new families. So goodbye 2020, thanks for the tests, the new-found ways, the good rain and ensuring that our next community parties will be huge!

Jo Grinham Registrar, The King’s School