LESSONS HEAD ONLINE
THE beginning of term two has been unlike any other for students across the state, as they undertake five weeks of learning at home.
During this time, staying connected has been more important than ever.
Like all schools, St Patrick’s College Townsville staff have worked hard to set up a wide variety of resources designed to support students in establishing new learning routines, maintaining healthy and active lifestyles and positive mental health, and above all, remaining connected with the college community.
Students have embraced live check-ins for subjects, pastoral care group meetings, assemblies and liturgies through video conferencing and their Learning Hub.
Flexible learning schedules have been prepared for each year level that allow students to connect with teachers and peers through live video conferencing sessions for each subject, while also providing time for independent learning through resources accessed via the Learning Hub.
The college has also continued to ensure continuity of learning for all students, preparing and distributing hard copy educational resources where needed.
Year 11 student Emma Burling said St Patrick’s College Townsville had gone above and beyond for students by transforming many extra-curricular activities, such as the Strand Running Club and Photography Club, into online platforms.
She said regular weekly photography challenges encouraged students to think creatively within their own homes by documenting their experiences.
“These programs are a great way for us to maintain connections with our teachers and other students,” Emma said.
“By participating in Photography Club from home, I am staying connected with my peers
EVEN with COVID-19 still looming,
William Ross State High School is making the effort to celebrate our principal, Allan Evans, and the wonderful things that he does for our school.
Principal’s Day was founded by Janet Dellaria of Trout Creek, Michigan.
She created this day to recognise all the dedicated leaders in schools from primary through to secondary around the globe.
Mr Evans has provided many opportunities such as STEAM for the students and has always encouraged staff to have innovative ideas to best prepare the students for the real world.
This year we provided a special lunch for Mr Evans to say thank you for being a great leader during these tough times and being an awesome principal overall.
So, let’s celebrate our principals for World Principal’s Day on May 1. and still engaging in a club that I value in a different way.”
Emma said the college’s online Running Club was a particular highlight.
“Usually, as a group, the Running Club takes place in person along The Strand,” she said.
“But Running Club online is helping me to stay connected with peers.”
Students share their fitness activities, weekly walking or running distances and fitness selfies as part of a group blog, with prizes awarded for the most active students at the end of the term.
Emma said she recognised how important keeping track of her health and fitness was when not physically present at school.
“Running Club has encouraged me to get outdoors for physical activity each day,” she said.
“Walking around my local park has now become my new running club space.
“By seeing what everyone else is doing online I draw inspiration for my own at-home exercise.”
College principal Amber Hauff said the college community had really come together during these extraordinary times.
“I am immensely proud to serve a community which chooses to stand together in love and look out for one another,” Ms Hauff said.
“We have young women who are brave, strong, confident, active and intelligent and we have staff who have always and will always go above and beyond for our students and their families.
“We have a connected, supportive, strong, merciful and loving community that will always seek to support each other through tough times.
“I have been blown away by the kind words and gestures of many families towards our staff and other families.”