COVID-19 Learning Continuity Strategy

UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS

Due to the financial challenges many of our families are currently facing and the limited time frame that students are going to be in the winter uniform, the College has approved the following as an interim measure for 2020 from week 3, term 2 to the end of term 3.  This is applicable to students whilst on campus only.

Students can wear the following as an alternative to the winter uniform as directed in the College Uniform Policy.

Summer Dress with Red Jumper, Black tights or White girls’ socks (Balmoral & Duncan)

Summer School Shorts, White Shirt and Red Jumper, Charcoal School Socks (Balmoral & Duncan)

The College Uniform Policy is accessible via the College website.

Access to uniform items will be available via the College website as soon as possible.  The uniform shop currently remains closed.

1. The College is operational and daily attendance of students will still be recorded as they commence their school day.
   Balmoral Campus:
   
   Preparatory School:
   Between 8.40am – 9.00am via SeeSawJunior School (Year 3):
   At 8.30am via SeeSaw
   
   Junior School (Years 4-6):
   At 8.30am via their Year level TEAMS 

   Middle and Senior School:
   Connect with their Form Teacher via TEAMS between 8.30 - 8.40am. It is the student's responsibility to check and reply to the Form notice each morning.

2. Adult members of our community are encouraged to join with their children and start the day with an age appropriate form of prayer.
3. The College will operate Online Remote Learning from tomorrow (Monday 30 March) with this mode remaining in place until further notice.  For this mode to be truly effective it requires a collaborative approach between staff, students and parents/carers.

• Teachers maintain responsibility for the learning of students using their professional insight and experience to help students with their learning and to check their understanding.
• Parents/carers are responsible for the supervision and day-to-day welfare of their child/ren.

In difficult times there is a tendency to look inwards, which is a natural protective instinct.  The alternative is to establish and maintain a sense of connection and community spirit by focusing on generosity and togetherness.  Help children and young people see past their own needs and look for ways to assist others whether it’s shopping for an elderly neighbour, helping a younger sibling occupy themselves, or planning a movie night for the family.

The current COVID-19 pandemic presents many practical challenges to parents and other significant adults in the lives of our children.  Staying calm, keeping informed, and adjusting our own habits are just some of the challenges we face. However, a significant challenge is one of personal leadership.  That is, during these difficult times we need to be civil to each other, empathetic to differing circumstances, look after each other and be mindful of the common good in everything we do.  In this, we can all take a significant lead.

The provision of a dedicated workspace that has good seating, desk space, lighting, and ventilation is also recommended. Ideally some headphones are used and the workspace is in a central area.

We appreciate that there is a great deal of fear and uncertainty for our community, with COVID-19.  Consideration has also been given to meeting not only the educational needs of our students but also their social, emotional and spiritual needs.

This is a time when students may benefit from learning and reinforcing essential skills, such as how to cope during adversity and how to protect their wellbeing.  We will continue to create and provide resources and support in response to these circumstances.

Students in Years 11 and 12 are a priority and the Department of Education has made it clear that any disruption to learning caused by COVID-19 will not impact on the end of school outcomes for our students.  

Education Ministers met to discuss the evolving COVID-19 situation and the implications for schools and have decided that NAPLAN testing will not proceed for 2020. More information can be found here: https://www.nap.edu.au

Given that our students will be engaging in a digital learning environment (learning from home), it is timely that we remind ourselves and our students of the Key Practices of the Child Safe Framework – extended guardianship, healthy and respectful relationships and situational prevention which are supported by the Key Practices.

Adult members of our College community need to establish and constantly reinforce:

· clear and safe practices for times when students are in their homes and interacting online in order to engage in learning and if socialising online.

· online communication protocols

· strategies to ensure natural surveillance and unpredictable interruptions to the online environment.

The following aspects need to be clearly understood by all members of our learning and faith sharing community, centred in Christ:

• Communication must (i) be on school agreed platforms, (ii) take place at appropriate times and (iii) be limited to interactions related to student learning.
• Online conferencing should be for groups not individuals.
• If conferencing online use blurring to mask backgrounds for staff and students or use screen capture to illustrate learning.  Alternatively use audio rather than video conferencing.
• Individual messaging must be on appropriate and agreed school monitored tools (e.g. SEQTA direct messages, TEAMS) to address learning related questions.