Learn From Home: Your Response
By Lance Davidson (Deputy Principal)
Can you believe that we have been doing this Learn From Home program for an entire month now? What seemed impossible and unlikely suddenly became our reality and we are so proud of our school community - teachers, parents and students alike - for stepping up during this challenge and rising to meet it.
On 30 April 2020, we sent out a Parent and Carer Feedback Form in order for you to communicate your experience with the Learn From Home program. Thank you so much for taking the time to complete that survey and letting us know how things have been going for you and your family during this difficult time.
We were very pleased to receive 442 responses (9 from Kinder, 130 from Junior School, 150 from Middle School and 153 from Senior School) - which represents over half of the student population.
The survey data revealed that our families are, on the whole, coping well during this Learn From Home period (with over 90% in the categories of ‘well’ to ‘exceptionally well’). The report shows that the learning is believed to be effective by our parents (over 80% recording results in the ‘fairly effective’ to ‘very effective’ categories). Wellbeing is still tracking positively for 87% of the students.
In relation to teacher communication, 95% of families have indicated that the quality of this response has been ‘fairly effective’ to ‘very effective’, which is wonderful to see. Communication from the school scored exceptionally highly with 98% of our families satisfied with the way BHCS has handled the crisis (over 60% of these selecting the ‘very effective’ category).
We thank you for your support of the wider school community during this tough time, particularly for your words of encouragement like these below:
‘Excellent communication and organisation and such brilliant and on the spot support when we’ve had tech issues. Regular contact and support has meant we feel very connected to the class. Amazing support thank you so much for all your hard work.’
‘The whole process has been a very positive experience’
‘Excellent teacher preparation and communication’
‘I just want to say to all teachers that their dedication has been amazing’
‘I’m absolutely in awe of BHCS, the program organised, the consistent love, care and support for families. Your ministry, your faith, incredible persistence and adaptability. You are a true blessing, and I am so grateful [to] you all. Thank you, and God bless you.’
‘As a new family to BHCS we have been so impressed with the school's response to this time of online learning. Communication has been excellent and it is obvious that everyone is working hard behind the scenes to prioritise student wellbeing and learning. Thank you for everything.’
We also sought feedback about things that we could improve and areas that may not be working so well. Thank you for taking the time to let us know about these. Our staff have been taking this feedback into account and adjusting their approach in order to ensure that the Learn From Home program is as effective as possible. If you do continue to experience difficulties, we encourage you to reach out to the learnfromhome@bhcs.vic.edu.au or to your child’s teacher.
As you would have heard yesterday, our Return to School Strategy has been developed as we work towards a gradual return to all classes in Term 3. We believe that this approach offers the most effective and fair way for all of our students to return to face-to-face learning, while also ensuring that the health of our community is safeguarded.
Our survey data revealed that most parents are feeling positive moving towards a return to school strategy. However, there is some reluctance in our community at the thought of going back to ‘normal’.
We know that this is a difficult time for everyone, as fears about health and safety are paramount and those who have been thriving during the isolation face the transition back into an uncertain world. Know that we are here, that we are listening to your concerns and we will endeavour to move forward in a way that acknowledges all the complexities.
As we move forward, however, let’s take a moment to reflect on the courage displayed by our entire community in reacting to this challenge, and to remember that growth happens in times of struggle. Thank you for rising up and meeting these obstacles head on. Together, we can meet whatever comes.