2020 has definitely been an interesting year, one that I am sure we will all remember. While we had a few curve balls thrown our way we still ensured that student’s wellbeing was at the forefront of decisions being made. 

One of our School Review and Improvement goals was that the school will have a shared understanding of a wholistic and balanced education so that students continually evolve into the best version of themselves. We undertook several strategies to achieve this. This included classes integrating Social and Emotional Learning through the PDHPE and RE curricula. Our programs incorporated the building of personal and social capabilities that included self-awareness, self-management, social awareness and social management. Catholic Care services were also employed within a number of classes. These sessions further supported students in building positive relationships with peers and the development of social and emotional learning. The strategies used were highly effective in supporting students to further develop building resilience and positive mindsets. Several classes also undertook an approach to managing emotional regulation. These classes were exposed and explicitly taught how to articulate their emotions, their effects on others and how to regulate their emotional states.

 Remote learning created stress and strain on many students. Being proactive and recognising this was very important to students continuing to feel safe and supported upon their return to the classroom and learning. Staff undertook professional development on addressing the needs of students and how anxiety may have presented itself. Students and families were checked in on regularly, assessing their social and emotional needs. Strategies were employed to provide a smooth transition to their continued learning on site.

Regularly, students were taught explicit behaviour expectations and were given appropriate feedback when displaying such behaviours. We also used videos of students displaying appropriate behaviours to support teachers in the educational process. At the end of Terms 3 and 4, students who achieved a high amount of tokens were rewarded with a special treat from Mrs Hughes. 

Let’s pray and hope that we can reintroduce some forms of ‘normality’ such as our passive play initiatives next year.

I hope that you all enjoy a happy and holy Christmas surrounded by those you love.

Thank you

Mrs Ronelle Peardon - Middle Leader 1