Active Schools update: Spotlight on Rosebud Secondary College
Photo credit: Rosebud Secondary College reflecting the diverse interests of students and the impact of student voice in shaping the
This week, I’ve been thinking about how school leaders and teachers might be feeling about heading back to work amid this latest COVID-19 outbreak. In discussions I’ve had with school principals and teachers themselves, one word can really sum up how they are feeling – nervous.
Like many of us, they are nervous about catching COVID and also nervous about what this latest surge will mean for retaining viable staff numbers to keep schools open. Additionally, school leaders are concerned about supporting the wellbeing of their staff.
New research from the Black Dog institute has revealed throughout the pandemic, teachers have been uniquely impacted by frequent lockdowns, with minimal support in place to help protect their mental health.
It’s no wonder we’re seeing teachers respond in ways such as the recent teacher walkout staged in France over COVID rules in schools. And closer to home, newspapers are reporting Australian teachers threaten to boycott the classroom after Scott Morrison announced his plan to get them back to work in conditions which the AEU president describes as “being treated like babysitters”.
So all the while, we know this is occurring and the stress it is putting on you, our members and supporters, I ask the question, “what can ACHPER Victoria do to keep supporting you to do your best work possible?”.
Firstly, we can show you our support by continuing to acknowledging how amazing you all are to keep on keeping on through all of this uncertainty and confusion. I’ve said it many times publicly and feel it can’t be said enough – teachers have been incredible since the first sign of the impacts of this pandemic. You’ve been asked to completely overhaul your teaching and learning methodologies. Physical education teachers in particular have been required to take an inherently kinaesthetic, movement-based learning environment and transpose it to virtual delivery. And you’ve smashed it!
Secondly, we can provide support by continuing to develop and enhance our online, digital professional learning resources. This enables you to continue to invest in your professional learning whilst removing the need for you to be exposed to large groups, or having to take valuable time away from being in school with your students. Our professional learning team are working hard and fast to develop new opportunities for you to engage with online content – both in real time and via a library of resources to support your needs.
Finally, we can (and always will be) here to listen when you speak to us. We are not in the business of trying to guess what you, the professionals need from us in the way of support and opportunities for development. We listen to you, we learn from you what your needs are and then we try and provide solutions to make your life easier, your teaching more effective and your impact greater.
Never hesitate to pick up the phone, send us an email or flick us a DM on social media. We are always here to listen and act, with you and for you.
Stay active and well,
Hilary, CEO
Photo credit: Rosebud Secondary College reflecting the diverse interests of students and the impact of student voice in shaping the
We are delighted to introduce our new General Manager – Services. An important role as we strengthen our ability to connect movement, learning, and community engagement. Welcome to the team, Jason!