Students getting back to school
WELLINGTON’S primary schools have adapted well to remote learning, with their transition back to the classroom beginning this week.
Wellington Public School principal Darryl Thompson said that the majority of students had been learning from home with the classroom open for the children of essential workers during the first two weeks of term.
“During Phase 0, the first choice as an educational environment for children has been at home,” Mr Thompson confirmed.
Remote learning has been undertaken through the school’s online platform, additional devices and provision of learning packages for those without internet access.
This week, the children began their return to regular schooling with staggered attendance.
“Phase 1 will see children return to school for one day each week,” Mr Thompson said.
“This will see our Support Classes operate on Monday, Kinder on Tuesday, Years 1 and 2 on Wednesday, Years 3 and 4 on Thursday and Year 5 and 6 on Friday.”
Mr Thompson was very pleased with how well the new schooling arrangement had been implemented.
“Our teams are meeting the many needs of our students and wonderful families as we transition out of lockdown,” he said.
“The work I am seeing on (classroom app) Seesaw and being returned to school is top rate! Support of our staff outreaching into the community is amazing.”
Mr Thompson hopes this week is the beginning of the end for schools in lockdown mode.
“Should virus controls be successful, Phase 2 will see children attend school for two days a week and in Phase 3 they will move into attending five days a week with special provisions. The better job we do, the faster we will transition to this point.
“It is very important that we follow this gradual transition back to full school operation. The next few weeks are not a time to be complacent.”
St Mary’s Catholic School principal Leanne Clarke said they’ve had a positive start to the term.
“We held a virtual Easter Hat Parade, drew our Easter Raffle and announced winners of the Easter colouring competition.
“In regards to student learning, we have commenced Term 2, for Weeks 1 and 2 with remote learning for most students, with the school continuing to remain open for those students whose parents/ carers are essential workers. We are extremely thankful to all of our families who have been supporting remote learning and guiding children at home. “From the beginning of Week 3, we are encouraging families to send children back to school if they are comfortable with this. Remote learning packages will be available until the end of Week 4 if families choose to continue to work remotely from home.”
Wellington Christian School principal Jo Blatch took to social media to send a video message to the school community.
“We have a plan for Term 2, we are following government recommendations. We think it’s the very best plan for our students. We can’t wait to have some of them back for some of the time. Things may change as they have done all along but we know we’ll adapt.