Principal's Blog 2 August 2021

From the Principal

Yarra Valley Grammar moved to an online and offsite learning program earlier than most in the 2020 academic year. From the very beginning we determined that in a world of uncertainty, our offsite learning experience needed to reflect as much as possible, the normal school day. The five one-hour period day, along with recess and lunch breaks was recreated in the students’ homes. Teachers met with their classes each period, set activities and finished with group work. In this way normalcy was introduced in the students’ lives at a time which was otherwise unpredictable and the potential for disengagement from school very real.

The School was alive to the very real problem of a ‘flagging of morale’ the longer these shutdowns persisted. To counter this, our Sports Department organised House Cross Country and other sporting events involving the whole school family. Students, parents and staff all competed from home which led to some great rivalry between the Houses and promoted exercise for the whole family. These events were particularly popular as too were the online Music Ensembles which met to perform, ensuring that our musicians remained well practiced and enjoyed the gatherings of orchestra, bands and choirs…online.

A good deal has been written about the effects of isolation upon mental and emotional health so our Wellbeing Department introduced “Wellbeing Wednesdays” using a ‘traffic light’ system where students could indicate that they were in good spirits (green) through to struggling (red). This would allow for some follow up by tutors or the wellbeing team if needed. Generally, our students responded very well to online learning though their preference is very clearly to be at school with their friends and their teachers.

So, what do we know from this experience? The important lesson is that no matter how good the online and offsite program is; our students and teachers much prefer being back at school with friends and colleagues. There was always that question about schooling in the future: “Can education be done remotely using digital technologies?” The answer is “Yes” …BUT…we now know that the preference is “No”. All of us are social beings and once the novelty of being at home wears off, we all look for the chance to be studying and working with others. We also know that the model adopted by Yarra Valley Grammar allows for seamless switching between school based and home-based classes. In this way, we are ready with minimal disruption to shift back and forth in response to the changing nature of the pandemic.

I leave the final word to one of our families in describing online learning at Yarra:

“I just want to send my admiration and congratulations to all of your staff during this ongoing home-schooling arrangement. Every teacher has been so professional, patient, calm, caring, attentive and supportive. I can’t fully express in words how profoundly impressed I am! … my congratulations and thanks to these wonderful human beings”

Education, whether delivered at school or at home, is all about positive relationships.