During Term 3, the Year 9 students have been focused, engaged and diligent with their online learning. With the changes to the lockdown rules, many students have been enjoying the exercises and activities provided by the Sports Department. Many parents have expressed their joy in the improved level of fitness of their daughters. There is no doubt that it has been a little more challenging in Term 3, however, the level of positivity and eagerness to push through and succeed has been wonderful.

I asked the students to provide me with some feedback on the differences between lockdown one and two, and their insightful comments and reflections are below, as well as some of their views outside their windows.

Emma Gregory:

We are at Lorne for this lockdown (In stage three) so we are able to go out running every day on the trails and swim. My mum and I do a 20-25km hike/jog every weekend on a different trial through the national park. This has been really fun as we have explored lots of different trails and got to know our surroundings better.

Emma Wang:

There are fewer cars on the road every day. So, there is also less noise than before the lockdown.

Zoe Hall:

What I have done differently from the first lockdown is change my mentality about things, trying to stay positive. Another aspect I have done differently is changed location from my home in Melbourne, and I have spent the duration of this term up at Mt Buller.

What I do to make online schooling more bearable would be getting out and exercising during recess, lunch and breaks. This enables me to clear my head and distract myself for a while from class. I also try to limit my screen time during breaks.

Ava Colosimo:

Compared to the last lockdown, I’ve been trying to spend a lot less time on my electronic devices! Because, although they are a really helpful way of communication, it’s really nice to have a break from them every now and again. I’ve been trying to do activities in my garden, so we’ve got a few herbs and vegetables for our veggie patch and they are all coming along really well!

I think that it’s really important to keep speaking to your friends. Because everyone is struggling with the second lockdown and it is a lot easier to deal with it when you’ve got a friend to talk to!

Georgia Szer:

During this lockdown I have caught up with more friends for walks and runs compared to the last lockdown. I have gone for at least one walk or run every day before or after school, and that keeps my isolation bearable and I feel mentally better.

Jade Chiang:

In this lockdown I have arranged a routine. Unlike the first, I have set in a routine to keep myself moving and active to keep my mind of how long lockdown is. I have also kept myself fit whilst I go on walks with my mum and I do the occasional 15-minute workout. Tips for surviving the lock down:

• spend time with your family to keep yourself distracted.
• develop a routine.
• organise your room or put in place things you are looking forward to when out of lockdown.

Chloe Su:

Compared with lockdown one, my life is more regular. I think and list what things that I am going to do every day. I know how to plan my time properly. And I started running every day, to ensure a certain amount of exercise every day. I became more disciplined. Tips for surviving the lock down:

• Make a plan to regulate my life more at home. Always make sure you’re busy and find something that you’re interested in to do when you are free.
• Don’t think and worry too much.
• Finish your homework early, don’t wait until the end to start everything.
• Keep doing some exercises every day, they can reduce your pressure.

Tahlia Guzzardi:

What I’ve done differently in lockdown two compared to lockdown one: Taking more time out to relax by reading a book or watching a family movie, taking photos on my daily walks, as well as doing a bit more exercise at home. Tips for making online schooling and isolation bearable:

• Give yourself regular breaks to do something other than schoolwork
• Divide your studying time between your different subjects as required
• Keep in contact with friends and extended family… in general, just look after yourself and those around you.

Freya Cantwell:

I have improved my daily and weekly routines significantly since Lockdown one. I make sure to exercise and look after my health by doing things that I find enjoyable. To be perfectly honest, without fighting to maintain a positive mindset, online schooling and isolation would not be bearable. I strive to ensure that I am reflecting upon the good things that have happened in my day, and dreaming about the amazing events to come in the future, after stage 4.

Isla Forsyth:

My parents bought us a Covid puppy, her name is Rocky. She is four months old and she is a toy poodle. She is very crazy and intense and she is also a Collingwood supporter. We have been walking her in the park.

Angelique Pereira

There hasn’t been much of a difference between lockdown one and lockdown two, except the fact we are a bit more prepared and we know what to expect. Lockdown has improved everyone’s independence, and has made all of us open up our minds and think of new solutions to unique situations. Although online schooling isn’t ideal, there are many positives to the online schooling, and it has made me think of the good – still be able to learn. But, I am definitely excited to get back to class and have face-to-face learning.

Claudia Sowerby:

I have been going on daily walks with my dog, and staying motivated. I have been setting myself a daily goal so that I can stay focused.

Georgina Moreton:

I have spent more time focusing on my homework during this second lockdown as well as exploring new interests with the new abundance of time. Tips to surviving lock down.

• Being able to video call my friends more often, seeing my teachers and peers’ faces on MS Teams during class.
• Listening to new music genres and the lovely weather that has been approaching with the start of spring!

Anise Imam:

I’ve been going on daily walks, I started exercising more regularly and my motivation has increased. I have followed some exercising tips and I am making sure that my homework is completed on time.

Charlotte Rodgers:

I have gone on more walks because the weather has been getting a bit nicer and sunnier. Tips for surviving lock down:

• Making sure I exercise and get outside every day, especially when it is nice and sunny. I have also going on walks or bike rides with a friend and making sure I keep in touch with everyone from school.

Flora Du:

In lockdown I had learned better ways to make use of my time and adapted better to online learning. This increased productivity has made it enjoyable at the same time! I found that talking to others more and reducing screen time made lockdown more bearable.

I also asked the students what are they looking forward to after we come out of lockdown. Despite the extension of the lockdown the students are looking forward to returning to school, sitting in the class room with everyone again, and interacting with their peers and teachers. Catching up with friends, travelling beyond the 5km radius to see friends that they have been unable to physically interact with. Other students are keen to travel to the country side, celebrating events – birthdays with family and friends, visiting restaurants and cafes, and enjoying the sunshine. Some of our international students are looking forward to returning to China to visit family and pets. Overall, we are looking forward to establishing a new ‘post COVID-19 routine, the sunshine, a return to school and summer’.