By Julie David
As we commence a new school term, we are certainly exploring unknown territory! The past few weeks have been a time of rapid adjustment for staff and families in our community as we navigate so many new changes. As we transition into this new phase of online learning we need to work together to support everyone.
1. We are all in survival mode
As parents it is completely acceptable to give yourself a break. Please remember that it is okay to ‘not’ feel okay.
If you are trying to work from home at the same time as supporting your children, then things may not always go as planned and this is alright. Our school staff are here to support and guide you in this new space. Remember to stop and take a few deep breaths.
Please relax and lower your expectations while you figure out what is achievable for your family. Remember, stress and tension serves no one. You know the needs of your family best and you get to choose what learning at home looks like for you.
2. You are your child’s primary educator
Before school even started for your child, you were your child’s first teacher. Your family habits, mindsets and outlooks are far more influential upon your child than any online learning program will ever be. This means that if you can see that something isn’t working or your child isn’t engaging with the online content, that’s okay! You get to be the judge of what is best for them right now.
Share your passions with your children and make the most of this time spent together.
3. ‘Learning from Home’ is not ‘Homeschooling’
‘Homeschooling’ is a choice made by parents who then have a responsibility for creating their own curriculum (a course of subjects to study). You do not have to ‘homeschool’ your children!
Our ‘Learn from Home’ program will provide you with material that your child can access within an overarching curriculum structure. This continues to be a partnership between you and us.
Our teachers are here to support your child’s learning journey, especially when things don’t go as planned.
Parent Feedback
I would like to share some of the emails that I have received over the last couple of days from families.
A very quick message to say thank you for making our children’s first day of term 2 a great one!
These are such challenging times, and I’m so impressed, based on my experiences of a parent to a son and daughter with the communications, information, care and support that Holy Family is providing. I’ve always valued teachers - but even more so now that I work in the sector and see the planning and effort that goes on behind the scenes. Possibly this has never been more true than it is right now (although I’m sure it’s always been true) and I suspect that out of all the awful stuff coming from this Coronavirus pandemic, some of the positives will include a higher, broader and deeper appreciation for teachers and the role of schools in society.
Wanted to pass on our congratulations and gratitude for all you and the staff have done to get ready for today.
What a different setup this morning was. I must say I was so impressed that everything worked out and the kids got to go online and see their classmates and Teacher.
It was so easy and engaging for our son. He did a few things wrong and went into panic mode but I assured him, everyone is learning even the teachers and parents and it was all ok. He is sitting at his desk and learning at his own pace. A break to run around the backyard with the dog and then back into maths.
The instructions from his teacher were great. Thank you all so much for your continued dedication and commitment to our kids.
What a way to start.