Term three has arrived at Lakes Entrance Secondary College.
“It may not be as completely free of doubt and anxiety around the virus as we had hoped, but we are back in full swing,” assistant principal, Barb Hadlow, said.
“Our students have returned to a new term of learning, and, although we are still very conscientious about all of the measures we are using to keep the virus at bay – sanitising, hand washing, distancing where possible and asking symptomatic students to remain at home while limiting visitors to the school where possible – we are all delighted to see the students back, in real life, and not simply on a screen.
“The things that we have learned during this period of time will inform the classroom teaching that takes place and our students will reap the best of what distance learning offered, as well as the strong social connections and advantages of face-to-face teaching and the classroom dynamics.
“Our students and families coped with resilience and grace, and were very positive in their support of all the new and innovative ways we were forced to teach and learn.”
Exciting extra-curricular work is also gathering speed at the college.
The kitchen garden is flourishing under the attention of all of the year seven students.
Fresh vegetables are available in abundance to cook with in food technology classes, and much has been learned about seasons, soils, seeds and requirements for growing and harvesting.
Healthy food choices are embedded in this work as well.
“Our students always look forward to this Friday program,” Mrs Hadlow said.
“Winter will see propagation and menu planning among the garden duties.”
The college is also about to complete the ground works for an indigenous garden to complement their horticultural and environmental works.
“We will extend an invitation to our community members to join us in the process of growing, identifying, cultivating and using the produce,” Mrs Hadlow said.
“We respect our deep connections with the local community and we are working hard to enable opportunities for community involvement.”
Hands on learning started this term for students who prefer to learn through doing.
“They will be led through a project of their own devising and engage with the school and each other in rewarding ways that may not always be available in the classroom,” Mrs Hadlow said.
This will be a one-day per week commitment for the students and providers.
The year nine CATCH program (an off campus community and self-development program) has been severely impacted by lockdown, but will be delivered this term and next in a bite-sized format, and then it will be full steam ahead for 2021.
There are activities each lunch time for students to participate in, including: cooking, Chess, art projects and supportive group meetings with school nurse, Sophie Brown.
In its early stages, a twilight market is planned at the school prior to presentation night on December 15.
There will be exhibitions of student work and the ability to purchase a wide array of wonderful original pieces, such as chopping boards, 3D art models, paintings, photography, jewellery, delicious food and other student work.
The entire community will be welcome.
IMAGE: Lakes Entrance Secondary College year seven students with vegetable garden program coordinator, Mike Ryan, in the impressively flourishing vegetable garden. (PS)
