UPPER SCHOOL
VALUABLE INITIATIVES FOR OUR STUDENTS
MR TIM RAYNER HEAD OF UPPER SCHOOL
SUPPORT THROUGH CONFERENCES , WORKSHOPS , WEBINARS AND GROUP DISCUSSIONS
BELOW : TO LIGHTEN THE MOOD DURING ZOOM-LEARNING , PREFECTS ORGANISE A BEANIE DAY FOR ALL STUDENTS
RIGHT : YEAR 7 TAKE ON A ZOMBIE BEANIE CHALLENGE
‘ The best laid plans of mice and men ’ springs to mind when thinking about the difficulties faced for many of us during our COVID experiences . It has been challenging to plan for any events knowing that , almost at any moment , the event could be cancelled . But like a mouse having to rebuild its nest , our staff have persevered at the task , and this year we have managed to run valuable initiatives for our students .
In Term 1 , to support our Year 12 boys with their studies and wellbeing we ran the ‘ Rising to the Challenge in Year 12 ’ conference and workshops . Andrew Fuller , clinical psychologist and author , opened the event and spoke to the audience on identifying and building learning strengths . Prior to this , boys had been asked to complete a quiz that identified their learning preferences , which then provided a profile for them to take to the lecture . Andrew was able to directly refer to these differing learning profiles in his lecture .
Andrew also spoke to parents through a webinar on how best to support their sons through their Year 12 journey . ( We had to cancel the face-to-face talk due to restrictions .) Questions were asked at the end of the talk . Available workshops to choose from included , Distancing Digital Distractions , Mindfulness , Maths Strategies and Techniques , Proven Strategies to beat Procrastination , Revise Right , and Study Skills Masterclass . Most of these activities were delivered by our staff , who gave a great deal of support to the initiative , with our Centre for Learning and psychologists taking the lead in organising the event .
Feedback from the survey , conducted afterwards , was very positive , with student remarks such as ‘ helpful tips and discussion ’, ‘ great way to handle stress in difficult times ’, and ‘ should definitely be held again , for me it was somewhat motivational and helped me refocus on studying .’ It was heartening to see students and staff come together at this critical time . Not only did the day support Year 12 for the final part of their
journey , it also highlighted some of the talent that exists within our own staff .
Another face-to-face parent event that needed to be moved to the online world was that of Maree Crabbe ’ s webinar , ‘ It ’ s Time We Talked : Pornography , young people and sexuality today ’. Maree has been working with Scotch over a number of years , and helped construct the program we deliver to Year 9 through our Christian Education Department . Her talk to parents was illuminating and confronting , but gave parents an awareness of the issues facing young people today .
Maree also provided Scotch parents with useful advice on how to approach this sensitive issue with their children , and how best to prepare them for the challenges the online world can sometimes bring . Later in the term , Maree returned to provide professional development to our Heads of Houses , Christian Education Department and Form Teachers .
The Year 10 Respectful Relationships Day in July provided a thought-provoking and engaging program on the issues that arise in social and sexual relationships between young people . Although Methodist Ladies ’ College was unable to send its students this year , the day continued regardless .
Group discussions , facilitated by Year 10 volunteers , guest speakers , and staff provided an environment where voices could be heard and opinions exchanged . Later in the day Elephant Ed also ran workshops on consent . Thanks go to Jackie Cowcher for organising this successful event . www . scotch . vic . edu . au Great Scot 15