Our aim is to develop in our students the character, disposition and skills they will need to flourish in and contribute to a world of complexity and change.
When I arrived at Queenwood Junior School at the beginning of this term, I informed the girls in my first morning video announcement that one of the many things I was looking forward to at Queenwood was forming a clear understanding about what it really means to be a Queenwood girl.
Little did I realise that the character traits of Queenwood girls would shine through so quickly, demonstrating their admirable capacity to navigate the recent complexity and change imposed on them, taking another (for most) bout of online learning in their stride. Clearly products of the School culture and supportive families, the students have risen to the challenge of their present circumstances, demonstrating strength and courage. They’ve found the extraordinary in an ordinary situation. They are inadvertently embracing beauty in the imperfect as in the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi.
I imagine the scene in Queenwood homes has been much the same as my observations of the few online learners working from the Junior School... students wearing headphones, focused on devices which provide a vital link to their teachers, friends and their lessons. Around the room are books, scissors, paper, glue sticks, pencils, construction activities, card and board games, soft toys – tools used to provide a balance with the virtual education. Eager to assist the students are facilitators (parents or teachers) navigating Canvas, ensuring students link into regular class TEAMS meetings. Although this situation is certainly not what we’d choose, and potentially grim and surreal compared with the usual lively atmosphere of a vibrant Primary School – this has been my eagerly anticipated start to life at Queenwood, and the girls have made this far from grim!
What have I seen?
Queenwood girls:
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Relishing the opportunity to respectfully contribute to class meetings, enjoying relationships with their classmates and remarkable teachers.
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Organised and focused on their essential lessons (English, Mathematics and Integrated Unit) at the beginning of each day and choosing from the wide range of learning experiences created by specialist teachers (e.g. online Art, Drama, Languages, Instrumental programs, Music lessons, PE, Sport, Wellbeing) as the day unfolds.
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Working independently, solving problems, making connections, inquiring and reflecting on their learning.
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Demonstrating courage – exploring new concepts and persisting with tricky tasks.
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Loving the process of learning.
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Balancing online learning with ‘real life experiences’ such as reading (Just Read), baking, exercising, gardening, drawing, playing board and card games, craft activities, setting-up cubbies and shops, spending time with pets and playing.
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Thinking of others and acting with kindness (sending messages of encouragement and ‘news’, older girls supporting their younger Buddies), welcoming new students and helping each other.
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Expressing gratitude for their teachers and classmates.
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Exploring ways to have fun!
The girls have built their online learning habits on the foundation established through values woven as a thread through their everyday life at Queenwood. I have had regular contact with the girls each morning: in live and pre-recorded lessons; in glimpses of girls as they wave through car windows in the carpark when collecting resources; and face-to-face with the handful of girls coming to School for online learning. All of these meetings have shown me that if Queenwood girls can demonstrate such strength and courage in such ‘ordinary,’ grim times, I’m all the more eager to meet them in person when regular School life resumes and continue to explore what it means to be a flourishing Queenwood girl.
Mrs Anni Sandwell
Head of Junior School