Newsletter 19th August 2020
Issue 17
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Principal Report
A very big thank you to all students and staff for the work that has taken place during the first full week of remote learning.
Our school staff and leadership team understand the challenges remote learning provides and I would encourage families to maintain regular contact with staff and leadership to assist. Stronger Together is a key mindset that we are encouraging all of our school community members to adopt during these changing and unusual times. By working together and caring and respecting each other we will not only get through these challenging times but also ensure that we continue to deliver positive results to our students.
Flexible & Remote Learning 2.0
Over the last 10 days we have been in flexible and remote learning (FRL) mode and it has been great to see an increasing number of students engaging with their learning via Google Classroom, WebEx and where required, hard copies of work. Our teachers have been working around the clock to ensure that learning is engaging and meaningful for our students. This will continue to include regular reflection on what students are undertaking, their progress and the next steps in learning.
For our teachers, this is only possible when students engage in their learning as a two way process. As such, we are asking all students (some with very explicit support from their parents) to actively engage in the learning opportunities in front of them. This might mean speaking up and joining the conversation in a WebEx session, it might mean asking questions in the Google Classroom or it may mean sharing work samples before their final product is submitted. All of these actions by our students engage them with their learning and allow our teachers to modify and adapt their planning to meet students at their point of need. Again, by working together, we can be Stronger Together and ensure that all students experience continuity of their learning.
One of our important learnings from the FRL 1.0 was the need to keep parents regularly informed about student progress. In order to support this in Term 3, we will be issuing all students with two interim reports, one at the end of Week 7 (28th August) and the other at the end of Week 10 (18th September). We envisage that this inclusion will assist parents in supporting their children with flexible and remote learning. Our Flexible and Remote Learning Rubric will also be released shortly to parents and this document outlines the key reporting areas and behaviours that parents can assist us to influence in their children.
Health & Wellbeing
As a school community we know and understand that the current situation can have an impact on one’s health and wellbeing. We would like to take this opportunity to remind our school community that we have a wonderful and resourceful school Wellbeing Team here to support students and families. In the last week we have had a staffing change within the team, with Amitpal Kaur joining us as a Student Counsellor and Sarah Thomson leaving the team. On behalf of our students, families and staff I would like to welcome Amitpal to our team and equally wish Sarah every success in her new endeavours.
For most of this year, families have been navigating the ups and downs of a new reality involving remote learning, working from home and lots of family time. Young people may find this second lockdown more challenging than the first with many mental health professionals concerned about an increase in youth anxiety, depression and substance abuse. Adult carers are encouraged to take the lead by being pro-active in creating a scenario where everyone at home can be less anxious and better organised. As a family, it is important to focus on what worked, and what didn't work, last time.
Adult carers may see this as an opportunity to teach their kids the skills required to manage uncertainty in order to become more resilient. Communication will be key – finding out what they know, understanding what they need to feel safe and helping them focus on the things they can control.
Please consider, if you or a family member is struggling, consulting a medical professional.
Support is available through Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or via the website www.kidshelpline.com.au
Alternatively, contact the Beyond Blue Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service on 1800 51 23 48 or go to the website www.coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au
Expressing Gratitude
It is well known that expressing gratitude is a great way to support mindfulness, our own health and wellbeing and also brings a smile to those around us. I would like to encourage students, parents and carers to take the opportunity to express their gratitude to our staff members at Wangaratta High School. This could be via a phone call/message or an email to the staff member on our COMPASS system. Please take the opportunity to recognise the great work that our staff are undertaking during these changing times.
Stay safe, stay healthy and we look forward to seeing you all back on site as soon as possible.
Bradley Moyle
Principal
Science Week 2020
Science Week encourages an interest in science and STEM among the general public, and this year aims to encourage young people to become fascinated by our planet’s oceans. Oceans cover two-thirds of the planet and help control weather systems and the make-up of the atmosphere.
Wangaratta High School science teachers will provide online connection for students with this theme using an Escape Room.
Students will be required to solve a problem, deep in the ocean, by collecting the necessary clues.
Access to the Escape Room will be through the resources of Stile which students have been using with their Remote and Flexible Learning.
Good luck!
Flexible & Remote Learning Profile
Jacqui Sidney is one of our Studio Arts and VCD teachers and Ponyo the cat likes keeping watch over Ms Sidney when she's not climbing curtains or napping.
Got a great flexible and remote learning set up? Send it to us today at wangaratta.hs@education.vic.gov.au
COVID Cakes
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Update your Bus Preferences
School Bus Information 2021
Are you attending your closest high school and live more than 4.8km away?
Fill out this Eligible Students Application Form
Are you not attending your closest high school?
Fill out this Fare Paying Application Form
Please return to the bus coordinator on Amy.Waide@education.vic.gov.au or call 5723 0519
University Open Days 2020
The live events have now all taken place but the information is still available at the websites below.
Australian Catholic University
https://bit.ly/2P3hvy0
Charles Sturt University
https://bit.ly/2GmQV1b
CQ University
https://bit.ly/2WkBy2k
Deakin University
https://bit.ly/2LEkXR0
Federation University
https://bit.ly/2bpachS
La Trobe University
https://bit.ly/2HDNdi6
Monash University
https://bit.ly/2aVcXJc
RMIT University
https://bit.ly/2QcYDgW
Swinburne University
https://bit.ly/2KKiQHQ
The University of Melbourne
https://bit.ly/2vI0pgx
Torrens University
https://bit.ly/2I7pY0s
University of Tasmania
https://www.utas.edu.au/openday
Victoria University
https://bit.ly/2IYeXkZ
Dr Michael Carr-Gregg Free Webinar
Tune into this free webinar on the 25th August for tips on building resilient families in the coronavirus era.
On Tuesday 25 August, the Department of Education and Training is presenting a free webinar for parents and carers by renowned child psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, on building family resilience during coronavirus.
Parents and carers play a vital role in helping children feel safe through uncertain times.
Dr Carr-Gregg’s webinar is aptly named Managing the Coronacoaster – Tips for building resilient families in the coronavirus era.
In this webinar, Dr Carr-Gregg provides tools and strategies for parents and carers to help manage the lockdown and remote learning.
Topics include:
- your supportive role
- setting the emotional tone
- focusing on what you can control
- how to deal with disappointment
- further resources and where to get help.
Dr Carr-Gregg’s presentation will run for 45 minutes. This will be followed by a 15-minute question-and-answer session in which parents and carers can ask questions.
Webinar details
When: Tuesday 25 AugustTime: 7:30pm
Duration: 45-minute presentation followed by 15-minute questions and answers session
Format: online via Webex
Cost: free
How to register
To register and for more information visit the Managing the Coronacoaster – Tips for building resilient families in the coronavirus era eventbrite page.
Headspace Support
To contact the Wangaratta High School Wellbeing Team
please call 03 5723 0500.
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Mystery Word Competition
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Follow these steps to win:
- Collect the four letters from the term 3 newsletters – the third letter is C
- Work out the four letter word
- Email wangaratta.hs@education.vic.gov.au with the winning word and your name by Monday, 14th September
*Competition open to WHS students only