Back to school

Students in years seven to 12 at Chairo Christian School’s Drouin campus were pleased to return to onsite face-to-face learning last Monday after an extended period of online and remote learning. Excited younger students in kindergarten through to year six had returned to school the previous week.

Drouin campus principal Judy Linossier, said it was wonderful to finally have all students back onsite, learning face-to-face with their teachers and just enjoying being together and reconnecting.

“We are very proud of the way they have learnt remotely and demonstrated great resilience, flexibility and maturity.

“Naturally, students and families have all coped differently with the challenges of online and remote learning. In terms of their academic progress, some have demonstrated an amazing capacity to excel despite the circumstances while others have found it quite difficult and have needed additional support along the way,” she said.

Mrs Linossier said a priority for teachers, as well as learning support and welfare staff members, had been to closely monitor students identified as being at risk during online and remote learning, with appropriate assistance and pastoral care continuing now they are back onsite.

Head of senior school Sharon Gordon said staff members had been maintaining close connections and frequent communications with students and their families throughout the year and were well-placed to continue supporting students now they have returned.

“We are also focusing on what is most important, both with regards to curriculum and socio-emotionally.

We need to work with students where they are at, recognising the many and varied ways that online and remote learning has impacted the education, emotions and wellbeing of each student,” Dr Gordon said.

For students in year 12, the return to school was only for a very short time but it did allow them to conclude the year with some memorymaking times together. They were able to participate in a student-led novelty awards ceremony, a daytime retro-dress fundraiser and various graduation events on their celebration day.

Those doing VCE exams will now be involved in a week of practice exams before devoting time to studying for their final exams, which for most students begin with English on November 10.

Luke Smith (right) recieved the ‘most likely to be rich’ award during the year 12 novelty awards.

Tessa Martin and Will Rumble hosted a novelty award segment during the year 12 assembly last week.

Alyssa Neale’s achievements in athletics were recognised at the assembly by her peers.

Leo Green dressed up for the retro fundraiser held at the school when students returned.

Anton Shields and Nathaniel Jackson went retro for the fundraiser that was organised by the student senate.

Tessa Martin (left) and Kristin Groenewaldt enjoy the retro theme dress up the school held.