We are currently in the midst of our transition back to school and every day feels stranger than the last. From Year 12’s perspective, our motivation levels have skyrocketed. Who would’ve thought we were ready to do almost anything to go back to school! During isolation, we found it difficult to keep in touch with each other, let alone with the younger girls, despite our efforts. However, we have definitely been thinking of them and can’t wait for the whole school to be back again next week! On behalf of Year 12, we’d like to deliver a message for all the girls through this newsletter and so, parents, we hope that you will share this with them.
Girls, we are keen to help you prepare for a smooth and exciting transition back to ‘real school’ (as Y12 has been calling it). Whether it was just the single day a week, or (soon to be) every day of the week, Year 12 has loved seeing all of your smiling faces across the halls!
In precarious times like these, it is important to remember that everyone is coping differently and in their own way. While some of you may be simply ecstatic to come back to school, just remember that not everyone is feeling this way and, most importantly, that not feeling that way is perfectly okay. Look out for the people around you (not just your friends), as support is a necessity and key to a formidable comeback! Year 12 wants to ensure that everyone feels welcome, makes the most out of this term, and really appreciates the things we have previously taken for granted. We can all appreciate, now more than ever, the extraordinary chance we have been given to go to a school like Queenwood, along with the importance of human contact and face-to-face communication. Until now, we had never truly appreciated how lucky we were to wake up every day knowing we would get to see our friends. We cannot stress enough the importance of making connection with others, and you can do this with something as small as a smile from across the hallway (even to a Year 12 –don’t be shy!).
I think we can all agree that some of us have become a little too comfortable with the 8:19am wakeups, to be (sort of) ready for the 8:20am starts. Others seemed to experience mid-term crises resulting in unexpected ‘iso haircuts’. (Just wait till you see some of the home-dyeing experiments, the off-blondes and uneven self-cut hair when you come back!) No judgement, though – good on them for trying something new.
On a more serious note, pause and think for a second about this: the world is doing something incredible. Millions of people worldwide are giving up their routine and daily habits in order to self-isolate and protect those most vulnerable. Whether that be the elderly, the immunocompromised or those affected by COVID, we have proved once and for all that human life is infinitely more valuable than any amount of money. This is the first time during our lifetime we have seen the world come together and work towards one common goal: protecting our people. Not only that, there have been immensely positive benefits to the natural world – from the crystal clear canals of Venice, to the clearest views of Mount Everest in decades, to the acceleration of the shift towards renewable energy in Australia. About time! These silver linings simply can’t be tossed aside. As the emerging generation, we have the opportunity to push for changes to habits and consumption on a global scale.
Last but not least, make sure to thank your teachers; the work they have been doing behind the scenes is truly something else! Be grateful that your teachers are such a great (and willing) source of banter. Be grateful for your lessons. Be grateful that your teachers are always there to help!
We ask that you remember these things as you make your way back into the school gates for the first time in a (too) long time. It is easy to forget all the reasons we somehow, really, missed ‘real’ school. Let’s admit it – sometimes, school can be pretty amazing. It’s true that it took seven weeks of online school for us to realise this, so don’t let two weeks back make you forget it all again. Year 12 welcomes you all with open arms (keeping 1.5 meters apart of course), and can’t wait to see you all again!
Chloe Jallat & Georgie Forrest, Head Prefect & Vice Head Prefect