Located in the picturesque Goulburn Valley in country Victoria is the Kialla Central Primary School, attended by just 77 students, four teachers and one excellent principal (校长). After experiencing epidemic lockdown period (疫情封闭期) that forced them into remote learning for months, the boys and girls of Kialla have just one message — THANK YOU!
“We never expected such a wonderful outpouring of thanks,” principal Debbie Humphries tells Woman’s Day from the school’s playground where the students have gathered to praisethe devoted (有献身精神的) staff who supported them during these recent tough times.
“Spending time with these amazing children, we found one unique quality really shines through their exceptional kindness. From Foundation One through to Year 6, all 77 come together as one, each adding their little bit of magic to the mix,” says Debbie, 52. “Our school motto, ‘A small school doing big school things!’, summarized what we aim to do every day—to go beyond the normal course of duty, to schedule their education according to their individual strengths, and weaknesses, and give them a chance to shine and be their best.”
“I’ve been here at Kialla Central since its foundation,” Harry, 11, explains confidently, “Thanks to the best teachers in Australia, actually the universe, lockdown and remote learning was like being in the classroom—only more fun! Now I’m in Grade 6 and a school captain, and it’s my job to help teach the little ones that we must always look out for each other,” he says.
Annika, who is honored to captain the school with her good mate Harry, is convinced Miss H and the Kialla staff are real-life angels, without the wings! “During lockdown, they changed everything to make learning more interesting. We made Mother’s Day cards as part of our art lesson, and they organized flowers from a local community garden to gift to our mums. If one of us was having a birthday, they all got in their cars and drove by our houses singing Happy Birthday!” she says.
“We’re very proud to know our hard work has paid off — just look at those smiles!” says principal Debbie.
8. What led to children’s remote learning?
A.The shortage of equipment. | B.The epidemic lockdown. |
C.The government support. | D.The special courses. |
9. Why did the students say “thank you” to the school?
A.Because of Mother’s Day cards. |
B.Because of the interesting staff. |
C.Because of its warm environment. |
D.Because of its devoted staff and personalized courses. |
10. What can we learn about the school from the text?
A.It aims to receive social attention. |
B.It is a remote village junior high school. |
C.It has made a big difference to students. |
D.It has lots of staff and advanced equipment. |
11. What is the text?
A.A book review. | B.A science story. |
C.A news report. | D.A scientific study. |