3 August 2020

The community at St John’s School, Mitcham, are setting a trend with their new Fun Fridays initiative aimed at boosting the wellbeing of staff and students during remote learning. They choose a theme each week and turn up to the morning Google Meet all dressed up.

Principal Verona Gridley shared: ‘It is a great way to start the class Google Meets every Friday, bringing joy and happiness to the faces of all. It is also a great way to stay connected and bring greater engagement to the learning. Last week it was a Winter Woollies theme. This week we are celebrating Christmas in July. The students have suggested themes and they also help to coordinate the afternoon activities, especially the senior students who are working on site.’

As a new principal this year, Mrs Gridley said: ‘It has been a very challenging year, but the support of the whole community has made it a very enriching and exciting experience. I am continually looking for ways to stay connected to the community, which has included two staff dances, videoing assemblies with a touch of comedy and many, many Google Meets with student leaders and families. It will be a year to remember.’