Effect of the lockdown on children: PV media comment
According to a report on 3AW, new research has found that two thirds of Victorian parents are worried about their child’s education after the state’s extended lockdown.
An Australian National University study found 43 per cent of parents surveyed in other states, which did not experience such lengthy school shutdowns, are concerned about their child’s learning.
PV Execuitve Office Gail McHardy was interviewed by 3AW's Tony Jones on Friday about this topic. The conversation ranged over the differing impact of the pandemic on different families, the way teachers and parents managed to be adaptable in difficult circumstances, and what it means for the future. Gail emphasised the importance of strong relationships between schools and families - where those are working well, both schools and families have benefited.
School banking to be banned in Victoria
Premier Daniel Andrews has announced that school banking programs will be banned in Victoria.
Read the Premier's announcement.
Details and background are covered in this article on the ABC website.
There's also a commentary on the decision from the Herald-Sun's 'barefoot investor' Scott Pape, but it is only available to Herald-Sun subscribers. Scott describes the decision to ban school banking as a "massive step forward" and goes on to say, "For far too long schools have outsourced the teaching of essential financial life skills to banks who have used it as an advertising play. But that stops now and the real education begins."
State Budget: PV comment
This media release from Parents Victoria gives our reaction to Tuesday's State Budget.
Budget is great news for our public schools
Parents Victoria (PV) advocates for fair, simple and transparent funding of State Schools because the current school funding model does not provide adequately for our most vulnerable students.
PV is mindful the driving force of yesterday’s budget is predominantly to get the Victorian economy going again and create jobs for all Victorian workers impacted by the pandemic.
This greater investment in public schools is heartening and in keeping with PV's vision "A fully supported Victorian public education system meeting the needs of every student, where parents’ voices are sought, heard and valued” said PV’s Executive Officer, Gail McHardy.
School reports: PV media comment
PV Executive Officer Gail McHardy has been interviewed by both the Herald-Sun and 3AW about the issue of this year's school reports.
Herald-Sun report
The Herald-Sun reported that Victorian teachers have been advised by the Education Department that school reports must reflect the tough 2020 academic year.
The article refers to a 5-point scale that teachers will use to report progress in English and maths, and more flexible options for other subjects.
Family engagement podcast
This podcast from the Raising Children website focuses on "being active in your school community". The guest is PV Executive Officer Gail McHardy. Gail talks through the issues with host Prof. Julie Green: the benefits of strong family engagement in their children's education, good communication between schools and their communities, different ways families can engage with schools, and 'top tips and take-aways' for parents and carers.
Online Conference: presentations now available
Thanks to everyone who attended our Online Conference!
Our theme for this year's Conference was:
Brave New World: Changes, challenges and opportunities for families and schools.
Conference information
Where possible we have made the Conference presentations available below.
Opening
We thank Education Minister James Merlino for opening the conference and answering questions.
Mr Merlino presented the Joan Kirner Award and the 'Parent Champion During Covid' Award.
Answers to questions
Mr Merlino has provided written answers to questions he wasn't able to answer during the Conference due to time restrictions.
Joan Kirner Award Winner
The Joan Kirner is an annual award given to a Member Parent Club, Parent, or Individual Member who has demonstrated, encouraged, or facilitated parent or family engagement in their school.
This year's winner is Catherine Kirby (Sandringham College)
Parent Champion During Covid Award Winner
The 'Parent Champion During Covid' is a new award for clubs and parents who have made a positive contribution to their school community during the 'learning From home' periods this year.
This year's winner is Nikky Edwards (Croydon Hills Primary School)
Re-setting the foundations for good mental health for families post COVID
Presenter: Dr Stephen Carbone, Executive Director, Prevention United.
Family Engagement Officers in schools
Presenter: Dori Ellington, Community Engagement Officer at Whittington Primary School.
For a parent perspective on Dori's role at the school, see this recent article by parent Jade Millman.
Connected Schools Communities: The Next School Improvement Frontier
Presenter: Adam Voigt, Director, Real Schools.
'Back to classoom' begins
Exciting day for many of our school families as more students return from today and the remaining metro year 8 to 10s go on 26th Oct.
Note state schools are permitted to stagger school return across this week to 16th so read your school communications carefully.
Remember:
- Your approved mask
- To physical distance at all school drop off and pick up points
- It's 'drop & go' to keep our Covid cases low
- Socialise safely (no congregating at the school gates move away to the location you can do this within the rules)
- Ask your school any questions if needed
Return to school - PV media comment
The Age reported today on Treasurer Josh Frydenberg's call for all Victorian students to return to on-site schooling. PV Executive Officer Gail McHardy is quoted in the article. Gail said it was important to base the decision on expert health advice. "At this point in time they are still finishing off the modelling on 7 to 10s," she said. Gail also commented that schools and the Education Department would need to make sure that young people receive strong support, educationally and regarding their wellbeing when they return.
Good news... but stay safe
All primary school students in metropolitan Melbourne will return to on-site learning from Monday 12 October. Schools may stagger the return of year levels during that week, with all students to be back on-site by Friday 16 October.
PV Executive Officer Gail McHardy welcomed the news but urged parents to remain vigilant around COVID-19 precautions. See all Gail's comments in this article in the Age.
In a memo to schools, Education Departement Deputy Secretary David Howes said, "A critical aspect of the return to on-site learning will be a strict enforcement of physical distancing requirements at the start and finish of the school day." Schools have been asked to provide clear communication and signage for parents about physical distancing at drop-off and pick-up times. Schools may also implement staggered start and finish times to ease congestion.
Should students repeat a year because of COVID?
PV Executive Officer Gail McHardy was interviewed on 3AW recently on the question of whether students should repeat a year because of the COVID-19 disruptions in 20202.
Gail said that children are often more resilient than we might think, and that any decision to repeat should be carefully considered, in consultation with the student, parents and teachers.
Gail and host Tony Jones also discussed the importance of good relationships and communication between families and schools in managing the difficulties of remote and flexible learning.
