On Monday 26 October we welcomed back to School the Year 9 students who had been working online for nearly 20 weeks. We also welcomed back our two Year 9 students who are continuing to work online from China and Malaysia. From their homes, these students’ perseverance and dedication to their learning is to be commended, as they are also working within a three hour time difference.

In preparation for the return to School the students created some fun posters that were dotted all around the Year 9 area, bringing some cheer and joy as they walked into the Year 9 area. It was delightful to see the students enjoying each other’s company in what seemed to be an eternity away from School.

The Year 9 teachers have noted that the students are slowly re-establishing their School routine and settling back into the physical structure of the classroom.

—

Some comments from students below sum up the feelings and insights of the return to School:

“It’s actually exciting returning to School, there are fresh people and we can finally talk with others face to face and not on phones.”

“I am really excited to be back at School! It’s great being able to see everyone in person again and see my teachers face-to-face. The last two weeks being back at School have made me realise how much I missed it! I feel like I’ve been able to connect with my peers in my classes more since being back.”

“When I returned back to School, I felt emotional and uplifted from being able to see all of my friends and teachers. Also, getting back into a proper routine has been better for me so my organisation has improved immensely.”

“In coming back to School, I have found myself very physically and emotionally tired after the first week, however energised from the social interaction and ability to better contribute in class, feeling more engaged and motivated.”

“Although being back at school has been a lot more tiring and the School day seems longer, it has been great being back and connected with the year level. Classes have been a lot more interactive and I feel like it has been a good transition from home learning. But the homework seems to be a lot more.”

“I feel like returning to School has reintroduced the old lifestyle that I was so used to before the lockdowns. Although it is a big change from online learning to in person, I think it’s best we make the best out of every scenario and enjoy and appreciate the opportunities we have.”

“I feel really good about being back to School. I think it has been really good to be in the classroom and being back with my friends. I also think that face-to-face interaction more has been really good for me and made me happier.”

“During the first week back, I was very tired but I was so happy to be around everyone again and being able to actually interact in person. I do really miss being able to cook my own lunches and have some small snacks during class. Ever since we came back to school, I have felt more motivated to do more exercise because I have people to do it with now.”

“I feel good about going back to School. I’m so excited to meet all my friends and we don’t need to sit in front of our laptop all day long and we can do different sports which are really nice.”

—

Since returning to School the students have participated in a virtual online tour of The Shrine of Remembrance. This tour/presentation is an integral component of the Year 9 History course as the topic of study for Term 4 is WW1. The students found this presentation engaging and many are seeking out a visit to this wonderful memorial after walking around The Tan.

Angela Tang played for us a Chinese instrument called a Guzheng. This is a string instrument with 21 strings. Angela played a piece called The Last Regrets in Lin’an which is her favourite piece.  Angela used to practise more than eight hours a day in China when she had a holiday, but she just plays only one hour a day in Melbourne.