From the Head of Senior School

As we complete week 4 of our Remote Learning Program, students and teachers are well underway with the routine of this program and everyone should be proud of what they have achieved. We all want to be back on-campus of course, but the fact that everyone knows this is a temporary way of learning and are making the most of it is to be commended. In fact, I think a very interesting discussion will be when this is all over; what have I learnt in this process that I wouldn’t have learnt if I was on-campus – personally and academically.

A Year 7-12 student guide to remote learning and the student expectations around this was sent home to all students via SEQTA this week. It is called CGS Student Remote Learning Guidelines and, while this doesn’t introduce anything new, it does help summarize the expectations of students. I encourage all families to look this over together and use it to help support the routine of remote learning.

For the VCE students, there has been an update from VCAA which allows Unit 3 practical subjects limited classes on-campus. The teachers of students involved in these classes have been in contact with their students to organise their class. All students involved have been given very clear hygiene and social distancing guidelines that are to be followed if they come on-campus. VCAA have also released an adjusted Unit 4 Study Design and VCE teachers have examined their amended study design and adjusted their Unit 4 course accordingly. There will be further information about this sent home in the coming week.

Overall, congratulations on another successful phase of the Remote Learning Program. I wish everyone a successful week 5 and a very happy Mother’s Day to all Mothers and Grandmothers in our community. I hope you have a wonderful day.

Ms Cathy Marchmont

Head of Senior School/VCE Coordinator

Gratitude - an important contribution to wellbeing

As part of the Wellbeing program, we are asking the students and staff to reflect upon those things for which they are most grateful. Gratitude is a powerful driver of wellbeing. If we all spent a little more time being thankful for what we do have, and a little less time worrying about what we do not, our ability to recognise positive moments in life improves and our overall wellbeing also improves! And, ‘being grateful’ it is a ‘skill’ that can be practised and developed. If you don’t already, perhaps you could try at the dinner table each evening, just telling the rest of the family one thing each of you were grateful for during the day. Over time, this gets easier, and over time, you begin to notice things all day long that you are grateful for…and that you might share at dinner that night.

Below is a collection of ‘Grateful moments’ from a range of Secondary Students in the last week:

“I am grateful for the educational resources I have access to, the roof over my head, the clothes on my back and the loving friends, family and teachers that are helping me to get through this tough time” Ijaz Koya - Year 10

“I got to sleep in, I liked my breakfast. I'm grateful that I get to live another day, that i get to have breakfast every morning, that I have a caring family. I am looking forward to having a study period and walking my dog if the weather is good.” Frankie Lemont - Year 11

“What went well for me is that I got most of my work done. I am grateful for my family. I am looking forward to certain classes tomorrow and getting to continue to work on some things.” Kiarah Coliphus - Year 8

“Today, I have completed all my work. I am grateful for my teachers and family for helping me throughout the day. I am looking forward to continuing with remote learning tomorrow and until we head back to school.” Isabella Anastassiou - Year 9

"I am grateful for still having the opportunity to continue my schooling in tough times, and also be able to spend more time with my family." Mahek Joshi - Year 12

“I am grateful for the flexibility of work and time available to complete work. Today I went for a walk. Tomorrow I am looking forward to my friend’s birthday.” Brendan Gibson - Year 11

“I woke up a little extra early and got more tasks done this morning. I am grateful for all of my supportive teachers, helping me with my learning and keeping me up to date. Tomorrow I am looking forward to being another day closer to the weekend!” Shayla Maydom - Year 11

“I am grateful for being able to still attend classes and learn new things despite this difficult situation. I am looking forward to my studies tomorrow.” Janice Tee - Year 12

“I learnt something new. I am grateful for the patience my teachers have. I am looking forward to talking to my cousin tomorrow.” Taylah McDonald - Year 9

“I got up early to exercise, following my weekly schedule. I'm grateful for the opportunity to talk to Mrs Blythman about careers. I'm looking forward to my music lesson tomorrow.” Ellen Streat - Year 11

“My dogs and I had time to play this morning. I am grateful for having double free period to relax a bit. I am looking forward to having a burrito bowl for dinner tomorrow.” Moksha Bhatt - Year 12

“I got up on time and had a good breakfast, I am grateful for being safe and healthy and I'm looking forward to seeing friends tomorrow.” Sam Magagna - Year 10

“One thing I am grateful for is the teachers and staff at this school who aim to help the students both mentally and physically whilst also teaching us the curriculum.” Alina Adam - Year 11

"I'm grateful for music, because it's keeping me motivated to do school work and it's keeping me in a good mood." Charlize Donath - Year 9

"I'm grateful for my mum who works in the medical field and is still working to help everyone while still looking after her family and herself." Molly Thompson - Year 8

"I'm grateful for having a home to keep me safe during the COVID-19 outbreak" Reuben Weller - Year 8

"I enjoy learning from home and I feel like I get more work done but the school has way more advantages for learning." Drish Sharma - Year 8

"Times are different that's for sure and this new way of learning can only be defined as unique, however, the effort and ongoing commitment of my teachers and fellow classmates to try and make classes more productive and fun for all of us is really great and actually kind of enjoyable." Chris Banks - Year 11

"Online learning is making me get work done quicker with less distractions." Fernanda Narvaez - Year 9

"Year 9 I am grateful that I get to keep in contact with my friends in isolation." Jade Espie - Year 9

Mr Peter Shepard

Head of Student Wellbeing