Toorak Girls Around the World

A new year brings with it new excitement and for many of our Joan Ansett Hall boarding students, they couldn’t wait to return home at the end of 2020 to be reunited with their loved ones. But with border restrictions remaining in place, many of our international students were unable to return to Toorak in person and, for 26 girls, their 2021 academic year commenced via our newly developed and pioneering Offshore Learning Program.

Learning at home has meant that I don’t need to wear a uniform and that I have worked extra hard to communicate with classmates and teachers and actively respond to the teacher’s questions during class. I really miss every classmate and teacher at Toorak and I look forward to returning to Toorak to study with everyone and have a more enriched school life. Julia W, Year 9

Faced with the challenge of having Toorak girls spread all around the world, we were determined to ensure that every one of our students was able to receive a rich Toorak experience with the same academic and social opportunities as their friends on campus. I am proud to say that six months in, our Offshore Learning Program has revolutionised the way students are able to learn online and I am excited about the future opportunities for us to connect and learn with students right around the world.

Our aim was to tailor a program for each student based on their situation and passion. We worked within various time zones to deliver an array of subjects to our students and, thanks to our incredible teachers, our students have been able to maintain their connection with the school and participate in a range of non-classroom activities including assemblies, House, celebrations and wellbeing sessions.

Living in Vietnam, when I joined Toorak earlier this year via the Offshore Learning Program, I was very confused and a bit disoriented, especially since I didn't know how to use iVE! I got the hang of it over time though, which made the learning process much easier. Because my dad is a New Zealand citizen, I was lucky to be able to travel to Melbourne and now live in Joan Ansett Hall. When I first arrived, I was a bit overwhelmed but everyone was kind and patient and has helped me figure things out which has been great. I'm looking forward to exploring the library and have been enjoying the company of my friends. Alaska H, Year 11

What we experienced last year taught us that meaningful connections, togetherness and support were the key ingredients for getting through adversity. Although remote learning has been a challenge to us all, our offshore students have shown phenomenal resilience over an extended period of time. Their dedication to their studies and the support that they are showing and receiving from their peers is to be admired. We know they are very much looking forward to returning to the grounds of Toorak and the community they call their second home as soon as they are able. We cannot wait to welcome them back.

Ms Mary Luong