Reflecting on the ways that 2020 has changed our thinking.

As students are heading into their head start programs for 2021, it’s as good a time as any to reflect on the ways in which 2020 has changed our way of thinking about society around us.

We know that there are students who have struggled – as all of us have – with the intensity of the lockdown and the challenges of being at home during some of the most important years of their school lives – whether these are the early years or the final few years of school.  We know that it hasn’t always been safe for some students to be at home. The social structures and connections which we rely on to keep ourselves well have also been missing.

For VET and VCAL students, there has been a significant disruption in the way their learning has been presented. Not being able to attend onsite work placements – one of the great joys and connectors of these qualifications – has been a disappointment not only for students but also for their host employers. We thank the employers we work with regularly for their ongoing contribution to the development of their future workforce and investment in young people in our region at a time when businesses have been under unprecedented pressure.

Having said this, when I have visited schools in the last few weeks, I’ve seen immense levels of optimism and commitment from young people. The grace and good nature with which students have embraced a change of work site or an opportunity to reconsider their future learning and work goals has been a genuine delight and inspiration.

Go well into the summer, and return with zeal and passion.  We look forward to continuing to work with you.