The return to face to face teaching has brought some welcome semblance of normality back to the lives of most students, parents, teachers and schools. Even though it feels like no sooner are we back than we're home again for the holidays. The extra freedoms most of us now have are still a novelty to be enjoyed, but the outbreaks in Victoria are a sharp reminder that we are not out of the woods yet.

At schools across the country, the impact of the pandemic is now being assessed and we can see that many students have been adversely affected.

The Mitchell Institute says it's likely that the number of students at risk of poorer health, education and life outcomes due to employment stress in the family has doubled and the Grattan Institute says that disadvantaged students have fallen further behind. You can read more details on these reports in this newsletter.

Many students have thankfully done well though, thanks to the combined efforts of educators, families and the students themselves.

The focus now needs to be on supporting students and helping them settle after all the emotional and educational upheaval of the past few months. 

It's also time to build on the lessons of COVID.

From our perspective as a parent organisation, perhaps the most important takeout has been that education works well when all the educators in a child's life - teachers and parents - work in partnership. School at home has given parents a huge insight into what and how our children learn. Many parents have a clearer appreciation of teachers and are more engaged in their child's education than ever before. Communication between home and school has been key to the success of remote learning, and the dividends for students when teachers and parents collaborate have been obvious.

Just a year ago we were writing in this newsletter about the need for parents not to be treated as 'a problem' in education. The pandemic has changed that and shown that parent capacity has been underused and is a resource that can and should be developed.

We are seeing many more examples of partnerships coming out of COVID. One school in NSW for example has even invited parents to contribute to their child's school report, recognising their role during the pandemic. The stronger relationships that have been forged, the engagement of and support for families should be a central element of education going forward, because working together benefits students. Now is a great time to build on the positives.

In the meantime we hope you all enjoy the school holidays and stay safe. Let's hope Term 3 2020 goes more smoothly...

Jenni Rickard, APC President