Arrangements for the start of Term 3 - Scotch College

Scotch News

Arrangements for the start of Term 3

Dear Parents and Guardians,

In writing on 9th June to thank you for the crucial part you had played, and were continuing to play, navigating the challenges upon us, I noted, that, whilst hopeful of continued good progress back to the familiar Scotch life we crave, the School was prepared for the alternative that is now upon us.

Following government direction, from the start of Term 3, Tuesday 14th July, for a period of six weeks, or until otherwise directed by the government, with the exception of classes for Years 11 and 12, the School will essentially return to the lockdown and remote learning of the early weeks of Term 2.

In short, classes for all Scotch boys will resume for Term 3 on Tuesday, 14th July: Years 11 and 12 in face-to-face form on campus; Prep to Year 10 in a remote learning environment.

In particular, I would note:

  • All teaching and learning operations will follow the normal timetable; i.e., that in place at the start of the year and throughout the earlier period of remote learning.
  • Year 11 and Year 12 lessons will be conducted on site in usual timetabled classes and classrooms.
  • Lessons for all other years will be delivered through either the Conference or Zoom facility within the School’s Learning Management System (Canvas). Wherever possible, lessons will be recorded and made available to boys. Boys’ online attendance, contributions during scheduled lessons and submission of work will be monitored carefully.
  • The boarding houses will only be open to boys in Years 11 and 12, and those for whom special circumstance can be demonstrated. Particular restrictions will apply for boarders and further information will be sent to boarding families.
  • As has been the case throughout these times, the School will remain open, for daytime (8.30am – 5pm) supervision, to all boys whose families, for any reason, feel they cannot provide appropriate conditions for online learning at home. Such boys will study online under teacher supervision while observing social distancing requirements. Notice of such need, and whether it is ongoing or for specified duration, should be provided, at the soonest opportunity, to your son’s Head of House (Upper School boys) or Form Teacher (Middle School boys). For such communication regarding Junior School boys, please e-mail the Junior School office.
  • Routine academic matters should be raised with your son’s teachers, whilst more sensitive pastoral or academic care issues should be addressed with his Form Teacher (Middle School boys), Head of House (Upper School boys), or Deputy Head of Junior School (Junior School boys).
  • As in the previous period of remote learning, boys should be encouraged to maintain a schedule that replicates the routines and rhythms of the School day, including making time for breaks between periods, time for recess and lunch, and undertaking regular physical activity.
  • Until otherwise advised, there will be no sports training, no sports fixtures, no service activities, no excursions and no camps.
  • The School will reinstitute the Keeping Scotch Connected, the Directory of Resources for Remote Learning and (through the boys) Scotch Streams platforms accessed through the website and Canvas.
  • All social distancing, health and hygiene protocols will be maintained.
  • The School will continue to monitor government directives and advice from the Department of Health and Human Services.
  • The protocols for drop-off and pick-up of Year 11 and Year 12 boys, and boys accessing supervision, will remain those of Term 2.
  • The School campus will remain closed to all parents and visitors other than by appointment.

We are acutely aware of the challenges again being faced by boys, parents and staff. The input received from all in our community was central to better honing our provision of remote learning and support of boys. Such process will continue. Monitoring and supporting boys’ wellbeing will be of utmost importance and Keeping Scotch Connected, the Directory of Resources for Remote Learning and Scotch Streams platforms will continue to carry resources for boys and families.

More information, and useful links to support boys’ wellbeing, including a direct e-mail contact for the School Psychologists, can be found under Health Services within the boys’ section of the School’s website at: https://www.scotch.vic.edu.au/my-scotch-students/health-services.aspx. Relevant advice can also be found of the Department of Health and Human Services website http://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/novelcoronavirus.

Should your son or an immediate family member be diagnosed with COVID-19 the School should be informed as a matter of urgency. Such information should be provided to Vice Principal, Mr Robert McLaren (Senior School boys), or Head of Junior School, Mr Jon Abbott (Junior School boys).

The School continues to monitor the directives of relevant external agencies and I will write again should there be significant change in guidance, otherwise, I look forward to welcoming boys of Years 11 and 12 back to Morrison Street and all families and other boys remotely for Term 3 on Tuesday, 14th July. I encourage you and your sons to maintain your connection to the Scotch community via Keeping Scotch Connected, the Directory of Resources for Remote Learning and Scotch Streams.

As I noted at the outbreak of this pandemic, Scotch is blessed with a remarkable community. Such strength has been to the fore in recent months and the School is committed to furthering the bonds in the weeks before us.

It is in such spirit that I send good wishes to you and those whom you love, and thank you for your continued support of your school.

Yours sincerely,

I Tom Batty

Principal

8th July 2020

 

Previous correspondence from the Principal on this issue is available on at the following link.