We invited our Student Leaders to reflect on remote learning, the challenges they are facing and the how they are keeping connected to their family and friends.

The most challenging part about online schooling is actually doing the work.  Even though we're in 'school’, we are still actually at home so it's hard waking up at the right time, it’s just hard to even be present during any period for some people, like myself. I think school will be different once social distancing and isolation has ended.  It will be more joyous to be at school because in my opinion I prefer human contact rather than using a computer/phone to contact other people. Raymond Abad Year 10

The most challenging part about it is learning to be a successful "student-from-home".  You have to be self-disciplined and be able to work well on your own as the teacher isn't constantly there to remind you of assignments or of project deadlines. Melisa Nguyen Year 9

To be honest, I did not expect learning from home to more be productive and engaging. The tasks the teachers are assigning are doable and educational.  As a result, it urges me to try and finish my work as soon as possible. Also, there are no distractions from other students in class, who may ask silly questions or misinterpret the teacher.  It allows me to finish work quickly. However, if some students have questions, they can ask the teacher through email or class comments which does not distract anyone. I guess the teacher can somewhat 'control' the class completely. Sonany Istaifo Year 10

The most challenging part is losing track of time as you have to self-manage your time. Sometimes I get so consumed with finishing my work to the upmost standard that I forgot I have another subject to do.  Sometimes I even forget its recess or lunch. I am keeping in touch with my friends through text and phone calls.  This is important as it allows me to still have a connection with them and make sure they are alright mentally and physically. Rejoyce Modi Year 10

My expectations of home learning were a little similar to what I am currently experiencing.  I wasn’t sure how everything was going to work.  It is a little different to what I thought it was going to be like because we do get some videos from teachers, which are helpful and we receive work in one google classroom post. I thought home learning would be very isolated and boring, but I am enjoying it even more than I thought I would. Ana Markic Year 8

My expectations of online learning were that it would be hard to study due to the fact that the teachers aren't there with us to teach us directly but during these couple of weeks I find that I am able to be productive and efficient with my work and hand it in on time. In my free time, I tend to do more study or try new things like painting and drawing. Other than that, I revisit old hobbies of mine like playing the piano. Caelen Khoo Year 8

I feel like online learning is better than going to school.  You have to complete homework at school.  There are more breaks at home and not as many at school and my mind is packed with info.  There are new experiences and I’m learning more. James Hoang Yr9

Most challenging thing about remote learning is not being able to talk to others, it feels too quiet for me. Rhaven Hao Year 10

I am keeping in touch with my friends through social media and communication apps. I find this very important as we can help each other but also have a sense of security and joy in our lives at the moment. Three fantastic things that are happening for me right now is I've been able to see how I best complete work, I get to spend time with my family and I've been more productive in some cases. My Nguyen Year 8

School will be different when we get back. People will appreciate and be grateful for their lives and relationships a bit more. Everyone in the school will be very happy and excited to see each other and get back to the normal routine that we're used to. Positive things that are happening at the moment is that I'm spending more time with family and I have more time to learn and do certain things. Jude Sef Year 10