By Mitchell Clarke
The Covid-19 ‘learn from home’ instructive has meant that Year 12 students have missed out on a number of final year rituals.
Instead of fancy dress days, Year 12 students have instead donned pyjamas, but staff at Nossal High School were determined to ensure one annual favourite went ahead, albeit with a twist.
The postponement of the House Athletics carnival presented a unique opportunity to adapt to quarantine restrictions and the school decided to host a virtual ‘Iso-letics’ carnival, in a bid to keep the school community active and engaged.
Nossal’s sports coordinator Anita Coffa created a schedule of events in which students could complete from home.
They were able to earn points for their house teams by submitting proof of participation.
“We wanted to give everyone a chance to be active by providing as many exercise options as possible, and to find creative ways of verifying activity to keep some healthy competition alive,” Ms Coffa said.
“Many isolated students and staff contacted us to say they’d had a great day getting out and active, and feeling connected to the school in a way they didn’t think was possible while staying at home.”
‘Track’ events included recording the distance traveled in 60 minutes of walking, running or cycling, and ‘field’ events included learning TikTok dances or completing physical challenges from viral videos.
Students and teachers were also encouraged to dress up in their respective house colours and submit selfies or write team chants to earn points.
Collectively, Nossal staff and students tallied up 310 hours activity in the track competition and travelled the distance of New Zealand – clocking up an impressive 1853 kilometres.
Year 12 student Korsitha, who captained the winning House, was one of 350 students to take part in the virtual carnival.
“Iso-letics was a really enjoyable experience and gave us an excuse to get up and be active,” said Year 12 student Korsitha, who captained the winning House.
“It was pleasing to see everyone participate and contribute to their houses.”
