Remote learning gets students through these challenging times

7 April 2020
Image: Shutterstock.

 

Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta schools aim to support continued student learning as our community responds to COVID-19. Holy Family Primary Emerton in Mount Druitt has a new online learning platform that is not only educational, but also focuses on the wellbeing of its students.

Holy Family Primary Emerton Leader of Learning Ben Oxley set up the school’s remote learning platform. He has worked quickly to ensure the learning did not cease. “As a parent myself, I understand the anxiety and fears that many families feel in these new and uncertain times,’’ Mr Oxley said.

Students will have access to many applications through the website and Mr Oxley sees this as a very exciting opportunity to create possibilities that extend beyond the current classroom and online systems.

So far the school has successfully developed 24/7 support mechanisms for the school’s families, including wellbeing and tech support through the Holy Family Emerton Remote Learning Portal. They are also providing information swiftly and are responding in kind to worries or concerns from the community.

The new online learning platform for students of Holy Family Primary School, Emerton. Image: Supplied.

“We have also managed to send home technology devices to ensure equity through access to ongoing quality learning opportunities,’’ Mr Oxley said.

However, this change in the learning environment has not been without its challenges and those have included finding solutions in regards to access to the internet in the home environment, meeting the continual changes in Government regulations and supporting families by continuing the ministry of the school and parish in a time when wellbeing is paramount.

Where internet access is not available, hard copy resources like library books, instructional readers and home learning packs have been made available to students.

Holy Family Primary School Principal John Spradbrow said the school is also trialling a help desk approach to support families to be known as ‘The Billabong’.

“The aim of this help desk is to provide a point of contact for parents and students with learning and wellbeing concerns. It is also designed to curb and minimise the anxiety parents and students face in this trying time, without putting additional pressure on staff,’’ Mr Spradbrow said.

With thanks to Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta.

 

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