Starting primary school in an online environment is a big step. Whether your child is in Foundation or joining us later in their primary years, we want all students and their families to feel assured that you are welcome here, and you belong here.
Students come to our primary program – much like our middle years and senior school students – for many different reasons. Some join us following medical advice or health needs. Some are travelling with their family or living temporarily away from their local school. Others share their enrolment across settings. Whatever the pathway, there is no single “type” of VSV student. Our community is shaped by difference, and that diversity enriches the experience for every child. Before academic growth comes emotional security. One of our primary teacher’s, Emma Di Stefano, explains how this is prioritised in online classrooms:
In my experience, when we focus on student strengths, they feel more confident and engaged. Bringing their interests into activities makes learning meaningful and giving them choice in how they show their understanding helps them feel a sense of ownership. This often leads to stronger participation and engagement.
In the primary years, connection is everything. Young learners thrive when they feel known and seen. Our teaching staff prioritise building trust through gentle encouragement.
One moment that stands out was a student who was very hesitant to have their camera on during online classes. At the start of the lesson, they were sitting off to the side of the screen. As the session went on, they slowly moved closer, and by the end they were sitting right in front of the camera with a huge smile. It was a reminder that confidence grows when students feel safe and supported.
We also recognise that in primary years, families play a vital role. Online learning works best when school and home feel connected, not separate. Parents and carers are partners in the learning journey, from guiding routines to celebrating milestones and helping children grow in independence. We are here to support you to feel confident in the rhythm of learning at home. Some tips from Emma:
I would suggest starting with a simple routine and being flexible as you figure out what works best for your child. It’s okay if the timetable needs adjusting. Make sure there are regular breaks, keep communication open with the teacher, and remember that settling into online learning takes time.
Our primary years are where strong habits begin. With thoughtful structure and purposeful use of technology, our youngest learners experience a learning environment that is nurturing and developmentally responsive.
Remember that success across this year will look very different from one primary student to the next. For some students, success may be reflected in academic achievement. For other students, success may look entirely different. It might be attending an incursion/excursion. It might be submitting some schoolwork after a long period of disengagement. It might be attending online classes regularly, building confidence or simply believing in themselves as learners again. No matter what, belonging comes first.
We hope to see as many students and families as possible at our primary Connect Day on Thursday 5 March.
