Celebrating student effort and achievement

Over the past 4 and a half weeks, we have seen a number of achievements and examples of consistent effort from a number of students.

This week, I asked the class teachers to share examples of work from some of these students.

Please see this slide show to take a look at a small snapshot of what just a few of our hard working and talented students have produced.

Use of Zoom as a learning tool

As you can imagine, the school receives feedback around a number of tools being used by students throughout the period of remote learning.

We have received feedback asking for more Zoom, asking for less Zoom and to not use Zoom at all. Although, we have persevered and found ways to use Zoom effectively and safely with our students to find a balance.

Using Seesaw to distribute recorded videos of explanations of tasks as well as greetings and prayers means that the videos can be accessed by our students and parents at any time during the week. They are available to check back later to clarify teachers expectations or for assistance in approaching or beginning tasks.

On the other hand, using Zoom as a tool to connect with students on an optional basis for Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 has proved to be an approach that works well for teachers and students and parents. Students, parents and teachers have spoken about the joy it has brought students to speak to their peers, share their experiences and even share picture books.

We have been asked by Sydney Catholic Schools to avoid using Zoom on a one-on-one basis unless in special circumstances.

The use of Zoom at SHM offers us an excellent opportunity for teachers and students to connect, re-connect and re-engage using Zoom. The ability for schools to record Zooms has currently been suspended by Sydney Catholic Schools which restricts our ability to share our Zooms beyond what is seen live. We are definitely aware that not all of our K-2 students have access to devices, or even further, devices at specific times of the day or specific times in the week.

We have seen great success in Years 3-6 in the use of Zoom and teachers are always looking for ways to grow that even further.

Well done to parents!

I feel as though we are quick to congratulate and thank our students for their work. But I think it is important to recognise parents for your efforts in continuing to support your children throughout this period of remote learning. It is certainly the wish of all our staff that we return to face-to-face learning as quickly as possible when it is safe to do so. In the meantime, enjoy this time with your children because although it is difficult for now, you might look back fondly on the memories of this time in years to come.

Nick Brierley

Assistant Principal