Student Wellbeing has always been at the core of what we do here at Hume Anglican Grammar.
As stated in our strategic plan, we prioritise creating a supportive, caring and inspiring environment where all can thrive.
In a year full of changes and uncertainty, Student Wellbeing has been more important than ever. Not only did we need to ensure the mental health and wellbeing of our students during an unprecedented year, we were also required to find unique and creative ways to connect with our students and families during extended periods of lockdown and Remote Teaching and Learning.
It was wonderful to see that even during times of physical distance from each other, our community at the Donnybrook Campus remained strong and unified. We connected through Zoom sessions, Teams meetings and virtual assemblies, as well as keeping in contact through phone calls and email check-ins. During Wellbeing Week, students were encouraged to connect with their families and look out for one another by demonstrating kindness, gratitude and mindfulness.
This term, classrooms have been filled with excitement and joy at the return to learning onsite, as students were able to reconnect with each other, and their teachers face to face. Our teachers focused on re-creating a sense of community within each classroom and allowing students to reflect on the highs and lows of lockdown.
A highlight for everyone was our adapted Camping Experience including the ‘Big Day Out’ for Year 3 and 4 students, the ‘Day Camp’ for Year 1 and 2 students and the Teddy Bears’ Picnic for our Preps. These experiences allowed for students to reconnect with one another through team-building challenges and fun activities shared together as Year levels.
The thing that brings the greatest joy as we reflect on this year is the incredible resilience demonstrated by our entire school community - students, staff and families. We embraced every challenge that came our way and not only survived but thrived!
Keshia Mitchell - Head of Student Wellbeing (Donnybrook)
