Trial, turbulence and transition: back to school-based learning
Clinical psychologist Andrew Fuller has published another of his useful guides for parents on how support their children through the 'trial, turbulence and transition' of the COVID-19 crisis.
This time Andrew focuses on the return to school-based learning. He sets out some priorites, how to plan for and help students through the transition back to the classroom.
Helping kids with the transition back to school
"With school resuming in most states after weeks of lockdown, many kids will be busting to see their friends and get out of the house.
But for some, the thought of returning to the classroom is enough to induce a bout of anxiety..."
This article from ABC Life has some useful advice for parents, from teachers, counsellors and anxiety experts. It was published on 15 May at the end of the first lockdown.
Keeping safe in cyberspace
Susan McLean from CyberSafety Solutions has produced a series of free videos on how to stay safe in the online environment. Transcripts are also available.
The presentations include:
- Internet facts vs fiction
- Duty of care (for educators)
- Cyberbullying
- Screen time
- Sexting
- Laws and legislation
- Risk and Reality (Facebook Live event)
Some videos are intented to be watched with your primary or secondary aged children.
Staged return to on-site schooling: official advice
The Education Department has created a special web page with information on the staged return to on-site schooling in Term 2.
The page covers:
- What the 2 stages of return mean
- Health, hygiene and physical distancing
- Drop-off times and access to school sites
Many decisions will still be made at the school level to reflect local conditions, contact your school for further details
View the Staged Return web page for parents
Return to school: PV media comment
PV Executive Officer Gail McHardy is quoted in this article in today's Age, focusing on the return to face-to-face schooling in Victoria.
Gail said some parents might keep their children home until term three.
"The most important message for parents is to communicate with your school about what this means for you," she said.
Read the full article in the Age
Return to school: one family's story
PV referred this dad and his son to Seven News to give their reaction to the return to face-to-face schooling.
One of many family stories as we negotiate these difficult times!
Gradual return to school
Premier Dan Andrews announced this morning that "On 25 May, there will be a pupil-free day, and on 26 May classes will resume for Prep, Grade 1, Grade 2, Year 11 and Year 12 students.
"From 9 June, Years 3-10 will join the rest of their schoolmates, and will have a full complement of students across government schools, back by 9 June."
For more details, see the Premier's media release.
If you have specific questions regarding your child/ren communicate with your school directly.
If you have further questions for the Department of Education about the transition back, please email our office - thank you everyone for your efforts to date.
PV media comment
PV Executive Officer Gail McHardy was interviewed on City Journal Midday News Update (RMIT journalism student program) about the return to school.
Listen to the interview (Gail's comments at 2 mins 13 secs)
How to help students with resilience and focus in uncertain times
"Times of change and uncertainty unsettle even the most confident students. With very little notice and not much chance to plan, we’re all catapulted into a new world. But with crises, come opportunities..."
Clinical psychologist Andrew Fuller's latest blog post is a guide to a typical day in the life of a learning-from-home student. From breakfast to evening, Andrew takes us through the things parents should encourage - and avoid - at different times of day.
From 'Storming in the morning' to 'Adjourning and applying', Andrew has created a practical guide informed by many years of working with young people.
See the post on the Schoolbox blog
Student voice and learning from home
Learning from home is a new adventure for lots of educators and learners. Our friends at the Victorian Student Representative Council (VicSRC) say that student voice is more important than ever as we work together to make remote learning work for everyone.
VicSRC has published a set of resources, including ideas for educators to encourage student voice and engagement inside and outside of the (virtual) classroom.
Download the resources from the Student Voice Hub website
Learning from home: PV media comment
PV's Executive Officer Gail McHardy was interviewed on ABC 774 this morning, talking to Virginia Trioli about the home learning situation in Victorian schools. Along with Dr Ben Jensen from Learning First, Gail discussed the importance of parent engagement, a partnership approach and relationship-based education in meeting the challenges of remote learning.
