2020 has certainly been a year like no other. As we come to the end of Term 3, the COVID-19 storm is still causing waves in Victoria and beyond.

We know the strain it has put on parents - Pandemic Parental Burnout is now apparently a recognised thing - and we can see the stress it is causing students - see the ReachOut report below - and our hearts go out to all students and families who are struggling to cope, especially those in Victoria who've had a very challenging few months.

We wish all the students facing end of school exams and assessments well. They have come this far and what they have learned over their 13 year school career and the skills and fortitude they have shown through the past few months, probably mean they are more prepared than any recent cohort to take on the challenges of university, training or work that lie ahead.

And as the Vice Chancellor of the University of Sydney pointed out in an article in the Sydney Morning Herald that captured the attention of APC's social media followers - 'ATAR doesn't measure all the wonderful things that make you who you are'.

COVID-19 has had a huge impact on education, but not all of it negative. One principal of an an independent school in Queensland recently wrote to parents explaining that their children had 'learned more this year than any other year prior. They have developed greater self-discipline and motivation. They have found ways to keep on top of their studies while away from the classroom. They have bounced back from the many disappointments the year has caused' - reported the Australian Financial Review 'COVID prompts a revolution in thinking about school' (which also includes comments from the APC).

Through COVID, we have reached a new reality, gained new capabilities and flexibility with online learning, closer ties between home and school and recognition of the role of parents in supporting student learning. We've also learned that we need a greater focus on wellbeing and to work harder to make sure students with additional needs don't get left behind. Researchers at Monash University have highlighted the importance of working with families in this area - 'Tips to bridge the education divide created by COVID-19'.

The importance of education and training in looking towards the future and making plans beyond this pandemic has also been highlighted. Universities are already reporting record applications, and more training opportunities are being made available by federal, state and territory governments. (You can catch up with our parent webinar on Vocational Education and Training, if you want more information on work related opportunities for your teen.)

While nobody would ever wish for 2020 to unfold the way it has, there are a lot of hard-earned lessons that can be taken from it.

If you have time, we've included a number of surveys this month seeking feedback from parents. It's a chance to have your say.

We will be back in Term 4, and in the meantime we hope everyone has a chance to rest and recuperate. Who knows what the rest of 2020 has in store for us.

Jenni Rickard, APC President