Thanks for the way in which each of you have been doing your bit to make life manageable at a time that we really are being tested out as a community.
As leaders we have had to adjust quickly to change and ensure that our responses have been carefully considered and well communicated. Where we have not done this as well as we might then I apologise in advance and want to ensure you that we will respond to any of the concerns raised as best that we can or the more particular need that you might have.
A big concern for teachers and College Staff is the way in which students have managed their progress in Blended Learning. Of course, there are some students who really enjoy the change, while for others the whole isolation thing is a real struggle.
Here are some anonymous responses from students across the Senior School.
Student #1: "Blended learning has been okay! A positive thing about blended learning is that I can actually focus on my work more by staying in my room and not getting distracted by talking with my friends etc. it is just that because of lockdown and these restrictions I can't talk with all my friends that I usually do at recess or lunch or even during classes. I have started to go for more walks around the area of where my house is and I have been exercising more by doing cardio related workouts. Being active and healthy makes me feel better about myself."
Student #2: "Blended learning has been really hard for me to deal with, I am a very social person and I like to be around my friends, but because of the restrictions I have been inside my house for so long and I think that I spend too much time alone in my room and not being social or active. Lately I have tried to be more active by riding my bike, going for walks, playing basketball and more! Being active makes me feel better and helps me stay occupied."
Student #3: "Blended learning is going well for me. I have made a timeline on what to do and when to do it and I always seems to finish my work that teachers send me. The only times my work schedule goes bad is when a teacher sends a lot of work to do, but I manage to do it in the end. I enjoy being on zooms and talking to someone other than just my family and being able to help my friends when I can.
Student #4: "Blended learning for me has been alright, some good things are that you can work at your own pace and work how you want to with minimal distractions and the bad things are that you aren't getting the same level of educational progression as being at school, also the social aspect with friends and teachers is challenging."
Student #5: "Blended Learning is good at the moment. It seems more efficient than last year. The good thing about Blended Learning is the fact that you can take a bit more time to make sure work is done. Some of the disadvantages are the fact that you aren't getting the same understanding of the work you need to do, without the teacher right there in front of you. The advantages though include the fact that being at home, you have any food option for lunch time, most of the work is doable, you can always email teachers if you need a question or help, & you can take the time to work at your own pace."
These responses are all different and yet there are many similarities. For the parents reading this it might be good to have a discussion around some of the positives and negatives for your own child’s experience in the Blended Learning format. It would also be useful to have a read of the wellbeing article prepared by Mr McCormack. There is some very useful suggestions made in this article that should assist you in supporting your child and indeed the whole family.
Please take care as we go into the weekend.
