Every school day begins with a journey. For some students, that means catching a bus, walking through the school gates, or finding their classroom. For me, the journey looks a little different. My classroom is at home, my teachers are just a click away, and my school day begins long before I open my laptop.
6:00 AM | Starting the day on the right foot
My alarm goes off at 6:00. After I get up and shower, I head outside for a walk with my dad and our dog. Building healthy habits and working on my fitness are important to me because I hope to pursue a career in the Royal Australian Air Force one day. By the time I get home, I'm ready to logon.
9:00 AM | A place where I can be myself
At 9:00am, my school day starts with our morning meeting. We begin with an Acknowledgement of Country and our Inclusion Statement which reminds us all that our
School is a safe, welcoming place where everyone can feel comfortable being themselves.
We then take part in a positive primer, which might be a game of Wordle, Hangman, or Family Feud. It's a fun way to start the morning, get our minds working, and have a blast before lessons begin.
We also discuss what we have planned for the day, so everyone knows what to expect. I have the opportunity to share something that has happened in my life, whether it's an achievement, something exciting, or simply something I'd like to talk about. There's no pressure to share if I don't feel like it.
One of my favourite parts of the week is Friday, when I can ask to share my special interests with everyone. It's an opportunity to talk about something I'm passionate about, learn about other students' interests, and celebrate what makes us unique.
We're also trialling fun emoji and face filters to help students who might not yet feel comfortable showing their faces on camera. I think this is a great way to make our morning meetings more inclusive, allowing everyone to participate and interact in a way that works for them. If I'm not feeling comfortable having my camera on, I can leave it off for the day. Other students have this option too, meaning we can still participate in our lessons and morning meetings without feeling pressured to be on camera.
These meetings show me that everyone belongs in our school community, making students and parents feel included and valued. It reminds me that I don't have to change who I am to belong. I can be myself.
9:40 AM | My classroom, my environment
One of the things I value most about Aspect Distance Education is the chance to learn from the comfort of my own home, which makes studying more accessible and less stressful for me.
Having heightened senses can sometimes make busy or stressful environments overwhelming for me. Learning at home gives me a quieter and more comfortable space where I can concentrate on my education without unnecessary distractions. My lessons vary throughout the week. I study English, Mathematics, History, Science, Food Technology, PDHPE, and Work Education.
On Mondays, I have Food Technology, where we learn about food preparation and put our knowledge into practice. Tuesdays and Thursdays include English, while other days involve Mathematics, History, Science and Work Education.
Each subject brings something different, and the variety of lessons keeps my school week interesting while allowing me to explore different areas of learning. But what makes Aspect Distance Education meaningful to me is the supportive people behind them and how this approach helps me develop independence and confidence.
Learning without the added pressure
Coming from other schools, I find it difficult to put into words just how much Aspect Distance Education has helped me. And I know it might sound like I'm just saying this for a gold star, but I genuinely mean it.
One of the things I appreciate most about Aspect Distance Education is that my teachers understand that everyone learns differently. They use a range of strategies to help me feel comfortable, supported and included in my learning. For example, if I'm not feeling comfortable having my camera on during a lesson, I can leave it off for the day. Other students have this option too, which means we can still participate in our lessons without feeling pressured to be on camera.
Another strategy I particularly appreciate is the use of breakout rooms. If I'm struggling with a concept, feeling overwhelmed, or simply need some extra support, I can ask my teacher to move me into a private breakout room for a one-on-one conversation. This gives me the opportunity to ask questions, work through something I don't understand, or talk to my teacher without the pressure of speaking in front of the entire class. Other students can also use breakout rooms whenever they need additional support.
My teachers also use visual explanations, break down difficult concepts into smaller steps, and give me time to process information before moving on. Instead of feeling pressured to understand everything immediately, I can work through the material, ask questions, and gradually build my understanding. I particularly appreciate this in Mathematics. It's a subject I sometimes find challenging, and remembering new concepts can take extra practice.
Having teachers who are willing to explain something again, demonstrate a different method, or provide individual support has made a significant difference to my confidence. I've learned that finding something difficult doesn't mean I can't improve.
What I value most is that I don't have to change who I am or how I learn to fit into my school environment. I'm encouraged to communicate my needs, develop independence, and participate in ways that make me feel comfortable. I genuinely believe the teachers at Aspect Distance Education are something special. Their patience, kindness, and willingness to adapt their teaching to support me make school feel like a place where I truly belong.
Taking time to recharge
We also have 20-minute breaks between lessons. After our 10:40am lesson, we enjoy an hour-long break for morning tea and lunch, which helps me reset so I can focus better afterwards. During my lunch break, I also enjoy watching the news. I like keeping up with what's happening around the world, and it's a chance to take a break from my lessons before continuing with the rest of my day.
One of the other things I love about Aspect Distance Education is the different activities like Food Technology and Minecraft Club, where I can explore my interests, connect with others, and enjoy being part of the school community. On Mondays, Food Technology lets me apply what I've learned in theory through cooking and baking. I enjoy being able to put my knowledge into practice and develop skills that I can use outside the classroom. I also participate in independent practical PDHPE activities.
And then there's Minecraft Club! On Thursdays, I get to spend time with other students and even teachers while enjoying something we have in common. Even though we attend school from different locations, we can still connect, build friendships, and have fun together.
Connection Days
Although my classroom is at home, one of the most meaningful parts of Aspect Distance Education for me, is meeting in person. Our DE Connection Days give me the chance to spend time with my friends, meet my teachers face-to-face, and participate in activities together. This term, our Connection Day included seeing The Lion King. I got to share some of my baking with others and catch up with people I had been looking forward to seeing.
It might sound small, but sharing something I've made with others and spending time with friends means a lot to me. I might learn from home, but I'm still part of a school community where I can build friendships and connections with others.
Working towards my future
When my school day finishes, I usually spend some time on my computer. Computers have been a big part of my life since I was young, and I enjoy spending time gaming, exploring technology, and working on my own interests. I also make time for another walk in the afternoon to keep improving my fitness.
Sometimes, even after my lessons finish, I'll sit down and practise extra Mathematics questions. Remembering concepts in subjects I find challenging can be difficult, so revisiting questions helps me reinforce what I've learned.
I'm working towards my goal of pursuing a career in the Royal Australian Air Force, and I understand that developing my education, fitness, and confidence will all help prepare me for that future.
If you had told me a few years ago just how much my school experience could change, I'm not sure I would have believed you. And if I did, I probably would have thought it would be for the worse. Aspect Distance Education has given me an environment where I feel comfortable learning, teachers who genuinely care about my progress, and opportunities to develop friendships with people who support one another. It has helped me discover that learning doesn't have to look the same for everyone.
My goal is to serve in the Royal Australian Air Force one day. I still have plenty to learn but I'm excited about what the future holds. And thanks to Aspect that opportunity is becoming much clearer to me.
