Ed wrote: "Having run a very effective distance learning program through Term 2, we had been looking forward to welcoming our students back to in-person learning for Term 3. Two weeks ago, as the Coronavirus situation in Melbourne deteriorated further, it became clear that our students would not be able to return as planned. We recognised that another term of distance education would have a significant impact on our students’ continued learning and growth.
So, we decided to temporarily move our operations north to a Darwin Hub for Term 3. We have flown 15 staff, nine of their family members and our three Victorian students to Darwin. Our Victorian students (and their families back home) are excited for the opportunity to experience the richness of life and culture in the Northern Territory. All of us who travelled up are serving 14 days’ strict quarantine in four Airbnb properties in Darwin and will be free to go in under a week’s time.
We’ve formed a terrific partnership to operate the Hub – both schooling and boarding – at the Michael Long Centre, operated by the AFL NT at Marrara Oval. We are excited that our students will be able to learn in a culturally strong and celebratory environment, just as they would normally at Tigerland in Melbourne. The Northern Territory Government has also been very supportive, from assistance with border crossing permits, to lending us a vehicle for the term.
Most importantly, the feedback from our parents and students has been uniformly positive. They appreciate our continuing commitment to their children’s learning and wellbeing. A core group of staff has remained in Melbourne to provide ongoing support to the smaller number of Victorian and Northern Territory alumni students who are with us in Melbourne for Term 3.
It’s important to note that this move is temporary. When our students and families choose MITS, they are choosing more than just the outstanding learning programs that we provide: they are also choosing the unique opportunities of Melbourne. There are many great organisations already operating in Darwin who we look forward to working with over the coming term. Our temporary move here will allow us to continue to fulfil our commitment to our students until it is possible for us all to return to Melbourne again.
This move is the right one for our students and families. It will require significant additional resources and funding. So many of our supporters gave generously in the lead-up to 30 June, but if you do have the ability to further support MITS and our Darwin Hub, please donate here.
We’re really looking forward to sharing updates from our Darwin Hub in the weeks to come."
Best wishes
Ed
Edward Tudor | Executive Director
Melbourne Indigenous Transition School
