Published on: 30 July 2020

  • Remote learning
  • Introducing On Board
  • Term 3 events
  • Streaming of school assemblies

As the reality of Covid-19 sets in Victoria and New South Wales we continue to plan for what might be in Western Australia. We have commenced a professional development program focusing on remote learning for our teaching staff, ensuring that every teacher has the opportunity to refresh their skills and in the case of teachers new to the School this term, assist them in learning our approach. We will also be re-introducing the boys to key aspects of learning at home and ensuring they remain familiar with the technology, if and when we need to return to a remote learning model.

Maintaining student numbers is a constant effort and focus for all schools and especially for those with a boarding community. Boarding schools play a unique role in the provision of schooling for families in special circumstances, such as those in our rural and remote communities, or those living and working overseas. From conversations with boarding families we understand that there is a preference to keep the boys close to family and within their community for as long as possible. This year to help prepare boys for boarding we launched On Board, a dedicated program for boys coming into the boarding community which sees Todd Harnwell our Residential Year Group Coordinator for Years 7 and 8, speaking to the incoming boys at night, running them through English and Mathematics concepts and exercises and importantly connecting them with our existing boarders so that they can get a greater understanding for what is ahead of them. All of this happens online and earlier this week Todd recorded this video introducing and elaborating on aspects of the program which is getting fabulous reviews.

Late last term we reviewed the calendar of events for the remainder of the year and we concluded that it would not be possible to hold all of the events missed this year due to Covid-19. It is regrettable, however for the health – and in the best interests – of the staff and boys we have mapped out what we believe is achievable and hope to conduct these events for the next nine weeks and beyond. I thank everyone for their support of this approach, with the understanding that we have given each event a considerable amount of thought. We have prioritised events for the boys and extend our thanks to the Parents’ Association for continuing to assist with running external parent events when possible. You can view our key Term 3 events here and please continue to refer to our online calendar for a comprehensive list of all events.

During the Staff Day at the beginning of Term 3, staff acknowledged Mr Mahendra Vaswani, Director of Studies, who has recently expanded his role to include Deputy Principal. The School is now in the advantageous position with two Deputy Principals in the Senior School.

This week we trialed streaming and recording our school assemblies to make things more accessible for parents. To see this morning’s Senior School Assembly, please follow this link. Tomorrow morning we will email a link of the recording of our Preparatory School Assembly to our Prep families. Our hope is that wherever you are, we can ‘virtually’ come together and continue to showcase and celebrate all of the amazing things that the boys are doing and achieving.

Alan Jones
Principal