Term 3 this year looks very different for all of us and our Transition Program has been adjusted to work in with our current remote learning situation. Usually during Term 3, I would be out and about visiting all our feeder primary schools, meeting with both the Year 6 boys enrolled into Year 7 for 2021, and their Year 6 teachers. I am certainly missing these face to face interactions but I am enjoying getting to know our incoming boys in a new way.

Small group zoom meetings with boys and a parent have become the new norm and I have found out that we have lots of super sporty boys starting next year along with a number of maths and writing enthusiasts. On a slightly worrying note, I have discovered we have lots of Richmond supporters, which is something I think we need to review, given that’s not my AFL team?!

I have, and will continue to, meet with Year 6 teachers via different online platforms and have been amazed at the power of work they are doing with their Year 6 students. I am hearing of many schools running daily online morning teaching sessions and afternoon check in sessions, with lots of small group opportunities throughout the day. All this while these teachers manage their own families and circumstances and I am truly appreciative of their fantastic efforts.

To our Year 6 parents, thank you for your continued support of your sons through these challenging circumstances, and I encourage you to look for the positives in the unique relationship remote learning brings. Please know that moving into Year 7 we will be able to monitor and adjust our teaching and learning to ensure everyone is well catered for and successfully progresses.

I hope everyone stays home, says safe and I look forward to meeting the rest of our 2021 Year 7 boys throughout the term.

Tamara Keyes

Transition Coordinator