Hi everyone, my name is Trista Zerafa and I am one of the Deputy College Captains at CRCCS.

The first time going into remote learning was a massive shock, and something no one has ever experienced before. We were all uneducated on the topic, and how to use certain online resources. Going back for a second round, it wasn’t so much of a shock. I was more prepared this time, as I have developed strategies on how to keep myself going with hobbies and activities at home (and I am quite happy about being able to sleep in a little longer).

I know that for a lot of students, it’s been a very complex task staying focused or motivated during online learning. It is difficult being stuck at home all day doing work and not being at school with friends and teachers. So, a great strategy I have used to help me stay motivated during this time is just simply sitting outside for at least two periods of the day doing my work, enjoying the fresh air and sun on my skin. Even on a snack or lunch break, sitting outside just to catch some fresh air is a nice way of keeping calm and happy, through a day packed with work. I also love changing up my vicinity every day or so. It’s not so enjoyable being isolated in my room all day so even just sitting at the kitchen bench or lounge room, somewhere where you can still stay focused but have a nice change of learning environment. Lastly, a strategy really helping me out is making sure my desk is set out neatly with all my subject books and equipment needed, so they are easily accessible and right in front of me, ready to use every day.

During this rare and difficult time keeping our school community connected can be a difficult thing to do. Everyone may feel distanced from each other and the school but in the end, everyone is trying their hardest to get through this challenge. Over the past few weeks the leadership team have been working as a collective to conduct an idea to help our school have some fun in activities and challenges at home. So, after a lot of discussion and thinking we came up with the idea of running ‘Remote Olympics.’ Which is accessible to every student who can sign up on SEQTA notices and involve themselves in the activity created at the time. The first event that our team came up with was called the “Bottle flipping challenge”, which was run by Trinity and Madelyn (O'Reilly House Captains). This challenge was to film yourself for 60 seconds, seeing how many times you can flip the bottle onto any surface. Students submited their videos through email to Mr Pisani or Ms Seymour to judge the competition. Then once assessed points will be awarded:

• Winner receives 20 points.
• Second place receives 15 points. 
• Third place receives 10 points. 
• Any other submission or entry receives 5 points. 

We would like to give a massive thankyou to everyone who got involved with this fun activity! We as a team love working together, trying to come up with fun and creative ideas keeping the fun going during this time.

As much as I love going to school and having fun with all my peers, we all just have to keep a positive mindset and remember how lucky we all are to be safe at home. Always be grateful for what you have, not what you don’t have, because we have A LOT and tend to forget what truly matters in our amazing lives.

God bless you all, and stay safe!