Virtual Academy Connect 2024: A resounding success in fostering unity and growth

The Virtual Academy celebrated an extraordinary beginning to the academic year with VA Connect 2024. The event gathered 111 gifted and high potential students from across 28 schools in the Diocese, and provided students with creative challenges and activities, as well as an opportunity to connect with Virtual Academy staff and mentors.

The event, which took place on 16 February at the CSO in Newcastle West, was a vibrant confluence of over one hundred spirited students, both familiar faces and newcomers, from across the Diocese.

 

The event unfolded as a day of dynamic engagement, teeming with activities that were both enlightening and exhilarating. Students embarked on team-building exercises that not only fostered camaraderie but also an energetic atmosphere. Through creative challenges, they laid the foundation for what will undoubtedly be lasting connections and collaborative endeavors.

 

In the nurturing space of VA Connect, students forged connections with their educators, creating familiarity that compliments the digital learning environment. The event served as an embodiment of the Virtual Academy's ethos - cultivating a community that thrives on a shared passion for learning.

 

Continuing students rose to the occasion, generously sharing insights and offering guidance to their peers just beginning their journey with us. This exchange of knowledge underscored the event's spirit of mentorship and the seamless integration of technology with human input.

 

Our heartfelt gratitude extends to the expert event staff who were instrumental in orchestrating such a seamless day: Marc Hattam, Hayley Bertwhistle, Steve Newman, Louise Robertson, Liza Panozza, Bek Henshaw, Gary Pomplun, Andrew Roberts, and Elizabeth Singh. Their dedication ensured that every aspect of VA Connect 2024 ran without a hitch.

 

As we reflect on the event's success, it's clear VA Connect 2024 was more than an event—it was a celebration of the diverse community that makes the Virtual Academy an exceptional place to learn and grow. We look forward to the continued innovation and unity this year will bring, inspired by the energy and connections forged during this memorable day.

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