By Abbey Cannan
After a lack of connection in the past school year created anxiety for some students, Montessori Noosa says they are deliberately enforcing strategies that bring joy in 2021.
Montessori Noosa principal Richard Wallace said there was a sense of renewed energy and confidence this year.
“Perhaps it’s a newly acquired resilience,“ Mr Wallace said.
“It could be the enthusiasm of new students.
“On day one 2021 we had almost all students in class before 8am. Students arrived early, they were keen to connect, families were too. It was a very positive start to the year and it continued all week.“
Mr Wallace said there was no doubt 2020 was a challenging year for students and teachers, as there was an extra Covid layer of anxiety that affected everyone.
“Students who already suffered anxiety had it intensify, people who were typically able to cope and support others were often less able,“ he said.
“It also led to a coming together and in some ways though difficult, the school was able to provide a support network even if it was online.“
While students are generally quite adaptable when it comes to technology, 2020 forced schools to adapt quickly and coherently to the situation.
“Now that school is back as usual, these systems are still in place,“ Mr Wallace said.
“So for example, a student who is unwell can still make contact with a teacher and work from home. Interesting this has also occurred when a teacher was unwell and students were working with a supervising teacher.“
He said the biggest shift in 2021 will be a renewed effort to create and sustain quality connection.
“The practical operation will, return to something like it was before, with improved IT systems and skills,“ Mr Wallace said.
“The biggest change is social. If absence makes the heart grow fonder then where there was an inability for school events to take place, when we are able these will take on increased value.
“We are being deliberate about strategies that ensure 2021 has joy. Obviously this is about fun events and connection but its also about caring for one another so there is a confidence that whatever may come, people are connected.“
