BCC, Mt Clear, Phoenix, Damascus, Loreto school leaders reflect on Covid
Graduating student leaders from across Ballarat reflect on navigating Covid and rate the response of our state and national leaders.
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Over the past two years our graduating Year 12 students have endured arguably the most turbulent and stressful school experience of any age group since World War two.
Our next generation of leaders have constantly been thrust in and out of lockdown and missed rites of passage experiences, all the while struggling to attain their best ATAR score while studying from home with minimal contact with valued teachers and classmates.
We speak to school captains from several colleges across Victoria to get their views on their two years of VCE studies under such hardship and ask them to rate the highs and lows, the performance of their schools and government and the lessons they have learned which will hold them in good stead for the future.
Damascus College Ballarat
Maya Tolliday
Out of ten, how do you rate the performance of your school in handling the Covid crisis?
Damascus College has been very supportive for the student cohort in the Covid pandemic. As a year 12 student, learning from home was a challenge, but was an experience to learn from. Each day, the teachers of Damascus would check in with us and check how we were travelling. This was very important, as learning from home can be a lonely experience, however through the screen of Microsoft teams, we were able to still connect with our school community. When some of us students, including the year 12s returned back to school, we were privileged to receive a care package, that made us realise we were not alone! I would rate the performance of our school handling the Covid crisis, a 9 out of 10!
Which cancelled event/activity is the one you are most sorry to miss? Why?
As a year 12 student, I was lucky enough to experience many events at the beginning of the year, including our last swimming carnival and a retreat away to the beach. However, I was devastated to miss out on our annual Damascus Day. This is a day for our school, that celebrates the history, connectedness and faith of Damascus College. The day begins with a large community mass, followed by a whole school assembly. Then, the day moves into fun. After lunch, everyone dresses up in their best costumes, participate in events and activities organised by our Student Representative Council, and come together as a school to celebrate Damascus College. However, due to restrictions and lockdowns, this was sadly missed this year. Both year 11 and year 12, we had to cancel our Damascus Day, taking away a special event to our school, in my last years at the College. However, due to this devastation, on our last Wednesday of Term 3, the year twelves were the only students on campus. Instead of our annual Damascus Day, we still get to dress up in our favourite ICONS and celebrate together as a year 12 cohort (in the Covid guidelines).
Out of ten, how do you rate the performance of the state government in handling the Covid crisis?
Sitting at my desk during remote learning, I would hear my mum say “Where is the remote? Dan Andrews is on!”. During 2021, every time Dan Andrews popped up on our TV screen, meant something important was about to be announced. A pandemic like this one, is always going to be unexpected, so I believe the state government has done the best they can during these challenging times. They have showed responsibility to ensure they are protecting the lives of all, however I have an opinion on their support for people. Lockdown, out of lockdown, lockdown, back out of lockdown. This type of pattern I believe is worse, than staying in lockdown in a longer time period. Many people struggled with adapting to the different conditions, changing the rules frequently, is not good for our mental health and wellbeing. My point here is, I believe the state government was indeed, prioritising our physical health to protect lives from Covid, however, many were struggling both mentally and emotionally. Like I said, they have done the best that they can, but more support I believe is needed, as a Victorian community, rating their performance during this crisis 7 out of 10.
What are your thoughts on mandatory vaccination for people in the workforce?
Vaccinations. This has caused an ongoing debate within the Victorian community. I am not someone who finds myself involved in the debates, media and politics of society, but as a student interested in immunity and medicine, the mandatory vaccination policies is somewhat of interest to me. I understand the importance of human rights for freedom and choice; however, I have a strong opinion on protecting others. I understand the curiosity, unsure and worried expectations placed on the vaccines, I was in the same position as well. However, my self-determination to do the right thing for the community and protect the lives, of those who cannot receive a vaccine, took over this fear. Covid is never going to go away. Immunisations aren’t going to kill the virus; however, immunisations reduce the number of deaths and cases of the virus. Look back on many diseases such as measles, smallpox, all of which eliminated due to immunisations. Sometimes you have to make a choice: protecting yourself or protecting our society and future generations.
Due to Covid, what skills have you been forced to learn which will serve you well for the rest of your life?
I have learnt many skills from my experience in a two-year period pandemic, that will indeed serve me well for the rest of my life. I could go on to list many, including organisation and putting myself first, but one that is important to me, is reaching out to your loved ones. Being in lockdown, means you are stuck with family in your household. However, sometimes I would get sick of my sister, or my dad, and even my dog, so I would call my best friend, my cousin or my grandma and her dog. If I wasn’t stuck in lockdown, I don’t think I would find myself doing this as often. I realise how important social connection is, it makes us feel a sense of self-worth and provides us with a sense of belonging. I now understand the importance of relationships and know to keep contacted with those I am connected with, for not only myself but those around me.
Shaun Leonard
What has been the most difficult aspect of your VCE experience?
I think the hardest part of our VCE experience this year has been being in and out of school during lockdowns which made it hard to readapt to the different learning environments regularly. As College Captain this year is has been my job to motivate and encourage our community during these times which has been challenging at times but I found having my co-captain Maya with me every step of the way made it achievable.
What are some of the positive lessons you have learned during your VCE experience?
Some valuable and positive lessons I have learned from my VCE experience over this year has been how important it is to lookout for one another especially during these difficult times. We can often get to caught up in focusing solely on school and forget what matters more, making sure our peers are doing okay.
Out of ten, how do you rate the performance of your school in handling the Covid crisis?
Easily a 10 out of 10! The way our school has handled the difficult times over the past 2 years has been outstanding! Our wonderful principal Matt Byrne has worked tirelessly towards our College over the last 2 years showcasing his passion, commitment, and drive to create a safe, supportive and enjoyable environment for us students to learn in. nothing at all could have been done differently as I believe our College has handled it flawlessly.
Out of ten, how do you rate the performance of the state government in handling the Covid crisis?
I think Daniel Andrews has handled the situation as well as possible during these difficult times. Some may argue otherwise but his care to put the health and safety of us Victorian’s at the forefront of his mind 100 percent of the time shows his commitment to serving his role as Victorian Premier. If anything could have been done differently, not state government based, but a change to the VCE study design for our subjects from VCAA would have made the year a bit easier, which was done for last year’s Year 12 students.
Due to Covid, what skills have you been forced to learn which will serve you well for the rest of your life?
During Covid this year I have learnt how to work harder than ever, due to constantly adapting to change in my schooling, work and home environments. I have also learnt how important it is to seek help when you need it as in Year 12 if you do not ask or seek help when you need it, it is far too easy to fall behind and can be very difficult to catch back up.
Phoenix Secondary College
School captains Brody Benson and Tahlia Watts
What has been the most difficult aspect of your VCE experience?
Brody: Bouncing in and out of online and school has been tough but I am proud I have finished year 12 despite the challenges.
Tahlia: Quickly adapting to different restrictions and ways of learning in an already challenging year has been interesting.
Which cancelled event/activity is the one you are most sorry to miss? Why?
Brody: Being able to have those normal experiences of the last week of school like mentor breakfasts, final assembly and shirt signings all looks different this year and we are hoping to have some form of Valedictory to end our high school experience – fingers crossed.
What are some of the positive lessons you have learned during your VCE experience?
Brody: I have learnt how to be flexible and resilient – there has been lots of changes to typical school in the last 2 years but we have learnt we can do anything.
Out of ten, how do you rate the performance of your school in handling the Covid crisis?
10 – Brody: Being able to come back for Term 4 has been great, being able to continue my school-based apprenticeship throughout the year has really helped me, teachers have been really supportive
Tahlia: The support we have been given throughout has been above and beyond to ensure that leading up to SACs and exams we’ve been as prepared as we would be if we were in the classroom.
What should have been done differently?
Brody: Obviously we would have preferred to be at school and not online but it was outside our control.
Out of ten, how do you rate the performance of the state government in handling the Covid crisis?
Tahlia: At times it has been frustrating but we understand the cautious return to school has been about our health and safety and this is their first time having to lead through a pandemic and make these types of decisions which wouldn’t be easy.
What should have been done differently?
Tahlia: We understand the decisions were lead by data and health professionals and their job is to make decisions about our health – and we adapted as needed.
Due to Covid, what skills have you been forced to learn which will serve you well for the rest of your life?
Brody: Really good at technology, better at communicating and emailing, have been able to continue with my workplace experience as an electrician.
Tahlia: Also being able to appreciate the presence of others and not being at home doing online learning by yourself and only having virtual contact through zoom is something I will be grateful for in the future .
Loreto College
Co-captains Casey Dodd and Madeline Palmer
What has been the most difficult aspect of your VCE experience?
A difficult aspect of our VCE experience has been the inconsistencies and disruptions associated with moving between remote and onsite learning. While we have learnt to adapt to the ever-changing circumstances, it was difficult to maintain a ‘normal’ routine. We also think the class of 2021 were faced with the challenge of constructing a solid foundation in Year 11 to prepare us for our Year 12 year.
Which cancelled event/activity is the one you are most sorry to miss? Why?
This year, our school has had to adapt many events such as our graduation ceremony and our 2021 Arts Festival which showcases the wide variety of talent in our student cohort. These are long-held traditions in our school, and while it was challenging to continue these traditions, our school did an amazing job at persevering to make these events as enjoyable (and as Covid-safe) as possible.
What are some of the positive lessons you have learned during your VCE experience?
We have learnt that being resilient is essential to the VCE experience. Not only individual resilience, but the resilience required of the school system to adapt to changing circumstances.
Out of ten, how do you rate the performance of your school in handling the Covid crisis?
9
What should have been done differently?
We believe Loreto Ballarat supported our whole school community during the Covid crisis. While we missed out on some opportunities and events, we believe our school was incredibly adaptable to the ever-changing circumstances in line with state government restrictions. Our amazing Year 12 co-ordinators gifted the cohort with care packages, our sports department presented the school with weekly fitness challenges to us to undertake at home, and our arts department held virtual concerts for an opportunity to showcase our schools’ talent. Teachers went to incredible lengths to make the last two years engaging as possible and our school community as unified as they could have given these circumstances.
Out of ten, how do you rate the performance of the state government in handling the Covid crisis?
7
What should have been done differently?
While our state government has presented our restrictions and the messaging in a very clear and precise way, we believe the state government could improve on consistency in regards to restrictions. For example, many schools are unable to hold a graduation for the class of 2021, however, the Melbourne Cup is able to go ahead in a few weeks. We, as student leaders, fail to see the logic in this decision.
Out of ten, how do you rate the performance of the federal government in handling the Covid crisis?
6
What should have been done differently?
We believe the federal government could have had a clearer message across the states, enabling better communication and consistency in regards to restrictions, vaccination roll out and state openings.
What are your thoughts on mandatory vaccination for people in the workforce?
Mandatory vaccination in the workforce is a positive and necessary step for our state to open up safely, as well as taking pressure off the health system. It’s what we have to do to get back to normal life!
Due to Covid, what skills have you been forced to learn which will serve you well for the rest of your life?
As student leaders, we were forced to further our skills in creativity in how we adapt school events and traditions. We have also learnt the importance of connecting and keeping in touch with our friends and school community.
Ballarat Clarendon College
School vice captains Adele Grodzki and Alyssia Jenkins
What has been the most difficult aspect of your VCE experience?
This year has particularly challenged us with a range of obstacles, like the inconsistent periods of lockdown. The frequent change of environment was very disruptive and made it extremely difficult to create healthy and consistent routines, when plans and daily structures were forever changing. This has definitely made our journey through VCE unique, but on the whole, we as a student body have done exceptionally well.
Which cancelled event/activity is the one you are most sorry to miss? Why?
The postponement of our graduation dinner is an event we are disappointed to have to wait for, as it is the big event that really signifies the conclusion of our schooling.
What are some of the positive lessons you have learned during your VCE experience?
Something that has really stood out this year, is how much more you appreciate the company of your peers, after this had been taken away during periods of remote learning. When we were able to return to campus, everyday interactions were more valued and the overall sense of school spirit and belonging was heightened.
Out of ten, how do you rate the performance of your school in handling the Covid crisis?
The school ensured the transitions between onsite learning to remote learning were as effortless and efficient as they could possibly be. They frequently kept us updated on any changes, and ensured that all health and wellbeing of students was tended to and provided us with resources and support if we needed it.
What should have been done differently?
Due to the ever changing circumstances and restrictions of Covid, the school did a great job in allowing us to do as much as we could within the guidelines. Their efforts have not gone unnoticed and honestly, we do not think they could have handled it better.
Out of ten, how do you rate the performance of the state government in handling the Covid crisis?
The state government was constantly trying to put us first. The vaccine priority for VCE students was immensely helpful, in not only ensuring the protection of our school and broader community, but also in reducing any levels of anxiety and stress in students leading up to their final exams.
What should have been done differently?
While this hasn’t affected VCE students directly, we can recognise the difficulties the younger year levels are currently facing by only being allowed on campus certain days of the week. We found the transitions in and out of lockdown challenging, and we cannot even begin to imagine how disruptive the nearly daily transitions are for these students.
Out of ten, how do you rate the performance of the federal government in handling the Covid crisis?
Hard to rate … while we recognise the forever changing nature of this global pandemic and the inability to predict how it was going to affect Australia, the slow rollout of vaccines and immunisations which has led to prolonged lockdowns. One area we feel definitely could have been handled better was the communication to indigenous Australian communities regarding the Covid-19 pandemic and the impact this has had in a reluctance and unwillingness to take on health message.
What should have been done differently?
A more educational approach to the advertisement of the Covid vaccines would have reduced a lot of reluctance and resistance in many peoples’ decision to get vaccinated when they became eligible. Although, when vaccines were vital in protecting our community, the lack of vaccines made it difficult for those who were more than willing to roll up their sleeve.
What are your thoughts on mandatory vaccination for people in the workforce?
When it comes to protecting your community’s health, businesses and livelihoods, the decision of whether or not to get the vaccine, should not require even second of thought. If getting the vaccine means you are able to go to work and keep your colleagues safe, it should most certainly be mandatory. It is no secret that the vaccine is beneficial in relieving our health systems and our valued front line workers of the stress, strain and danger that could be so easily prevented a jab.
Due to Covid, what skills have you been forced to learn which will serve you well for the rest of your life?
Resilience and adaptability have definitely become a vital part of our skill set and has been tested like never before, over the past two years. The ability to maintain motivation and enthusiasm, when not surrounded by the encouragement of others, requires an individual to be extremely self-driven and determined. The ability to be flexible with routines and plans in varying environments, will allow us to better adapt to any changes in our future.
Mount Clear Secondary College
Students - Lilly Hull, Matt Flindt, Charlotte Allan, Molly Coleman
What has been the most difficult aspect of your VCE experience?
Being away from teachers and friends. Missing the routine of school and study. Loosing connection with other students across the year level. Miss the social side of being at school
Which cancelled event/activity is the one you are most sorry to miss? Why?
Valedictory Dinner which is celebration for students and families on the last day of term We have been looking forward to it for such a long time. We are very grateful that we were able to participate in all of the sports carnivals for this year. We were very luck y to have a school formal
What are some of the positive lessons you have learned during your VCE experience?
Resilience has certainly grown. Support from teachers and school.
Out of ten, how do you rate the performance of your school in handling the Covid crisis?
8-10 The staff and school. Strong support from teachers during online lessons. Teachers looked after us individually.
What should have been done differently?
The school was restrained by the requirements of the state government with the requirements and the expectations.
Out of ten, how do you rate the performance of the state government in handling the Covid crisis?
7 - Overall pretty well. However, concerns that there has been no reduction in content or exam expectation (as last year there was some consideration). We have been part of remote for a number of years.
What should have been done differently?
Reduction of course work, change to the consideration about the benefits and concerns of moving in and out of lockdown, changing the GAT.
Out of ten, how do you rate the performance of the federal government in handling the Covid crisis?
Had a feeling that the states were fighting each other.
What should have been done differently?
Get vaccinations happening quicker.
What are your thoughts on mandatory vaccination for people in the workforce?
Very necessary as it protects everyone.
Due to Covid, what skills have you been forced to learn which will serve you well for the rest of your life?
Technology skills, independence, problem solving, resilience and perspective.
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