We have been really impressed with the way you as parents and carers have worked with school to assist our students to continue their education. For this we are very grateful.
Especially in an environment where the game plan is out of our hands. In a way, this time is a reminder of the words spoken in Romans 8:28 - And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. While we may not know exactly what is going on, it is great to know that God has a plan and a purpose, and eventually we will find out!
Good and bad things come out of crises like this. As Winston Churchill stated during World War 2: “Never waste a good crisis.” His words have rung true with worldwide educators where we have had an opportunity to no longer accept the normal. We had to move into new spaces to teach students in a rapidly changing environment.
In the high school, teachers have had a lightning introduction to working with new technologies such as Microsoft Teams to communicate with students and families as well as programs like Google classrooms and flipgrid to teach. Sometimes, for our older teachers, these words sound like they are from another language. It has been a challenging but rewarding time where our teachers have been learning alongside the students.
We know families have embraced this technology as well, but it has also created some issues with students schooling. We hear feedback on communication where sometimes we communicate too much and learning becomes overwhelming.
Students are often speaking of having feelings of loneliness and want to come to school as they miss the face to face interaction with peers, friends and teachers. This is one of the hardest things for a teacher as well. We are all in education to grow and build relationships so we can get students to be the best they can be. Without face to face interactions, this becomes more difficult.
To assist your children in their learning, please be mindful of the tips we have included below. And I know that a lot of parents and carers have to work from home making it really difficult for you to help with your child’s learning.
Go through your child’s timetable with them. Have a look at it and ask them if they understand it. Sometimes these things can be overwhelming. Plan their routine with them.
Highlight their times and classes to help them see what their day looks like.
Make sure they are exercising as the benefits are huge including improving mental health and wellbeing. Their PE training sessions can help here.
Have open conversations with your child about what is going on around the world, making sure you don’t emphasise and focus on the media hype and doom and gloom.
Protect your child online. At school we run an internet filter called Cyberhound. You may need to look at a free online filter and make sure you have open discussions on safe internet usage with your child. These discussions may include getting them to agree to not delete any history, and agree for you to be able to check it, through sitting in a communal room so you can check in with them regularly.
Keep in touch with school. We love hearing from you as it helps us to understand your needs as well.
Please stay safe, remember to social distance and I look forward to having all of our students back at school some time in the future.
Ed Moroni - Secondary Coordinator