Student Wellbeing

A big THANK YOU to our families for your continued support and engagement during remote learning #2

I hope that everyone is surviving and are travelling along relatively well. Many of our families have expressed that remote learning ‘feels’ a little different this time around. I encourage you to make time with your child to connect online with their friends. We all have times when we are feeling down as we cannot visit our families, some of us may have been put off work and some children are beginning to feel a sense of isolation. This is why it is so important that we stay together as a community and continue to support each other in whatever way we can. All staff are very proud of the positive manner in which the children have been continuing to embrace remote learning experiences. We understand that families have different needs at different times as parents continue to support learning at home in whatever way is manageable and we thank you for this support.

Last week we received very thoughtful cards from the children at St Mary’s in Swan Hill. The children acknowledged how challenging it would be for children in Melbourne during this time and wanted to send messages of hope, encouragement and love. This kind gesture highlights the importance of reaching out to those in need and is a continual reminder of the positives that surround us. Focussing on the positives can help you to lessen the concerns felt by your children. Whilst we are experiencing the limitations of Stage 4, you might consider trying to find three things that you are most grateful for and at least one person you are grateful for in your life.

Teachers are continuing to constantly adapt to new approaches in order to make the remote learning experience an engaging one. We are working together and learning together more than ever and we are called to support one another in order to achieve the best outcome for our students. Teachers will continue to provide verbal feedback during online sessions. These sessions support teachers to gather data about students and their learning. It is important that students continue to participate in sessions.

A few reminders for families as we almost end week 6 of what seems to be a  l-o-n-g term!

You can continue to support your child by:  Having a routine and setting expectations andmaking sure your child has a space to work in. Provide a level of supervision suitable to your child’s age and individual needs. Keep communication open with teachers and monitor how much time your child is spending online

Setting up a learning environment: 

Every home is different but it’s important to provide a quiet and comfortable space in which to learn. Where possible, extended learning should take place in a space your family shares. For example, a lounge room or dining room. These spaces are preferable over a bedroom, where your child can feel isolated and supervision can be more challenging.

It should be a place: that can be quiet at times and where you or another adult is present as you would normally when your child is online, dependent on age.

Teachers will encourage your child to start and finish each day with a simple check-in. These check-ins are regular part of each day and so important to stay connected to teachers and friends.

Students should clarify and understand the instructions they get from their teachers. A healthy daily routine is great for mental and physical health, as well as concentration and learning.

Encourage regular exercise breaks. This might include a brain break, dancing, floor exercises, yoga or stretching. Encourage healthy eating habits and make sure they drink enough water.

Your child's responsibilities during remote learning: 

Families should change these responsibilities according to the age and individual needs of the child. Your child's responsibilities include communicating openly with their teachers and tell them if they have any problems. Students doing their best to complete set tasks and teachers are understanding of the different family situations and being able to do what students can manage. There should not be any extra stress and anxiety on families to complete all tasks.

Differences between learning from home and “home schooling”:

 There has been a lot of reference to ‘Home schooling’ in the media. Learning from home is different to home schooling (also known as home education) Learning from home is a school-based remote and flexible learning model. Under this model of learning the school will continue to support with learning tasks and technology support as needed. Teachers will remain in contact with you and your child until school resumes back onsite. Home schooling is where you take on responsibility for teaching your child. It's an alternative to your child going to a school. There are certain requirements if you choose to home school.

Once again if you have any concerns or questions please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Stay safe, stay healthy and be kind to those around you. 

Antonella

Wellbeing Leader