This week, the Government announced Year 10 students will be returning to schools on 26 October. This is wonderful news and we look forward to welcoming all our Senior School students back onsite. Year 10 students worked from home for all of Term 3 and, so far, their Semester 2 electives have only met online, so it is exciting to look forward to classes meeting in person. Students and teachers have certainly risen to the challenge and adapted programs, including a new home-based Outdoor Education overnight experience.
With the excitement of finally welcoming students back onsite for Term 4 comes the formal farewell our Year 12 students next week. We are very proud of the way our Year 12 students have maintained their spirits and focus throughout this disrupted final year. Despite changes to their learning experiences and disappointment at missing out on the usual rites of passage and celebrations like the Formal, they have remained focussed and can look forward to their final examinations with confidence.
Within the constraints of COVID-19 regulations, we have developed some new and exciting ways to recognise the significance of the end of Year 12 classes. As well as being enjoyable, their final days before Swot Vac contribute to the fond memories our Year 12s will have of their time as Carey students.
The Capsule for COVID is a notable example of a new initiative which was suggested and developed by Ms Blakston, Head of Gadsden House. Year 12 students will share something to contribute to a House time capsule which could be reopened at the Class of 2020’s 10-year reunion. The theme for their contribution is ‘What 2020 means to me’.
Each Year 12 student will have an opportunity to speak and explain their artefact and, in doing so, contribute to a legacy. The segment will be recorded and included in the capsule, and each student will receive a copy.
Sharing these items and reflections is one of the ways we can acknowledge, celebrate and strengthen the common experience of the Class of 2020.
Very belatedly, again due to COVID-19 restrictions, Year 12 students finally received their Year 12 jumpers. The jumpers and ‘surprise goodies’ from the Senor School Parents Association were distributed to students after the GAT on Wednesday.
I am also very grateful to the SSPA for making a $2000 contribution towards the Carey Student Fee Support Fund. This is a significant and much appreciated demonstration of solidarity and goodwill towards our families experiencing economic hardship.
Graeme Young
Acting Head of Senior School
