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Learning in the Bubble!

Mrs B. Davidson, Assistant Principal —

Kia ora koutou

Just a short update about learning and assessment continuing while students are at home in the Alert Level 4 lock-down. We are into the swing of online learning and it is important that everyone stays connected to their Google Classrooms as the instructions and resources for learning will all be there as well as the Classwork function where student work can be submitted for marking. Students should also join the OGHS School-Wide Classroom (join code p4ymzkb) to keep up with whole school announcements and other notices about learning.

School online learning has taken place over the last three days and then from tomorrow until 14 April school is closed for the holidays. From 15 April to 24 April school is open again online and teachers again will be posting work and holding Zoom lessons.

In regards to NCEA assessments, students should keep connected with their teacher and keep going with any online assessments they are undertaking or finishing off. If they can get some of these assessments done then they are well-placed for achieving well in the rest of the year. Students should take this opportunity to have the time to get ahead in the subjects they can.

Where online assessment is more difficult (as in some practical subjects such as Hard Materials) there will be some rearrangement and possible reduction of course loads resulting from the COVID-19 lock-down and you will get details of this when you return to school and we know exactly how much time we have missed. In the best case scenario, there will be little disruption to these subjects but if the Alert Level 4 is prolonged we will need to reassess and readjust some standards. In other subjects, things will continue as usual - regardless of being online or in school.

The main messages are these:

Don’t worry. Students do far more credits than they actually need so slight course adjustments will not disadvantage them. Neither students or their parents should stress about the current situation as there is lots going on that can be assessed and achieved online.

Try to have students stay in a routine for their learning. They should:

  • Get up.

  • Have breakfast.

  • Get dressed.

  • Work at a desk or table.

  • Stick to their normal timetable as much as possible.

  • Attend all scheduled zoom meetings - check the classroom at the start of each class for notification of these.

  • Have a holiday when it is the holidays!

Students can use this time to extend their learning. They can:

  • Read more books.

  • Write a diary or journal that records their thoughts through this historic time.

  • Explore topics that they are passionate about.

  • Look online for competitions and projects they can be working on from home.

Student wellbeing is paramount throughout this time and they should do some exercise and go outside for part of every day. This helps brain function and maintains mental wellness. Staying in touch with others by phone or online is also important each day.

Because students are having lots of screen time at present it is good to build in some other fun activities in the day. Ideas include: draw, paint, sew, build, play board games, do jigsaws, play chess, do Sudoku, practise a musical instrument, play with toys such as Lego - you are never too old! Make photobooks online or organise the family photos. All of these activities help thinking and brain function.

We have been super impressed by the way in which students have started their online learning and will be providing further support with this as time goes on. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions over this time or we can help in any way.

Bridget Davidson - da@otagogirls.school.nz

"He moana pukepuke e ekengia e te waka. A choppy sea can be navigated".