In the last edition of VSV Life, we shared how the Middle Years are intentionally designed to foster independence and personal responsibility. A big part of that journey is taking small steps forward. Along the way, those steps often appear as the little wins that gradually build confidence and momentum.
For one of our long-time students, their parent reflects that many of those little wins began through participation in our teacher-facilitated social clubs.
From the parent’s perspective, an important starting point was the relationship of trust built between teacher, student and family. Working closely with the student’s Year 8 English teacher, Luke Ferguson, the parent played a key role in supporting communication and helping their child feel safe to re-engage with school life. Through that partnership, clubs became a gentle and accessible way for the student to connect.
Over time, those small steps began to grow. Using the chat function, turning on the camera during sessions, and joining conversations with peers were all important moments of growing confidence. Clubs also created opportunities for shared interests and friendships, which later helped provide a natural bridge to in-person VSV Connect Days, where students already had common experiences to talk about.
Luke saw the student’s growth develop during their involvement in the Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) Club:
“Like many of our students, (the student) encountered barriers to learning at times, particularly within the virtual environment. Their parent was instrumental in working alongside me to build a relationship of trust that supported their re-engagement with learning.
One of their great strengths is creativity, particularly through the artwork they created for D&D Club. This became something we were able to nurture through their schoolwork, as well as through clubs such as D&D and Art Club over the years.”
The student’s parent shares that the middle years were challenging at times, and that protecting mental health remained a priority. As they reflect, learning cannot happen when a student feels overwhelmed or highly stressed.
For many students who may have previously felt disconnected from schooling, clubs can offer a gentle re-entry point — a place to reconnect with teachers and peers through shared interests, before confidence in learning begins to grow again.
