Back to school with a hop and a skip!

With a return to face-to-face teaching in May, students are enjoying seeing their friends, playing in the playground and learning in their classrooms with their friends and teachers. Jack, a Year 4 student from Our Lady of Perpetual Succour (OLPS) Catholic School at West Pymble reflected, “I enjoyed HBL (Home-Based Learning) because I was with my family and we were on computers a lot. I also liked starting and finishing my work early. It’s been great to see all my friends in person now I am back at school.”

Sue Host, Principal at OLPS said, “we do find ourselves in a new place post-HBL. The leadership team are wondering what learnings from HBL can now be transferred into classrooms and across the whole school”.

Alison Perosin, a teacher at OLPS said, “I am forever grateful to the co-teachers of HBL - the parents. Their patience and feedback in the triangle of support did not go unnoticed. Together we allowed our learners to travel from I do/We do/ You do with the gradual release of responsibility which for so many of our students has paid off. Back in the classroom we are seeing a more independent learner with greater output and better self-direction.”

Meanwhile Josie Vescio, Principal at St Rose Catholic School, Collaroy said, “a return to school could not have come any sooner, with students racing to the gate to see their friends and teachers.”

“Whilst there are still restrictions with parents unable to enter the site, and a hygienist diligently cleaning twice daily, the sounds of students playing and chatting has never been sweeter”.

“This has brought a new dynamic to teaching and learning which is amazing to witness at such a young age,” added Ms Vescio. “We talk a lot about children and resilience, but it is not until something like COVID-19 occurs where you truly see how adaptable and resilient children are. We look forward to seeing our students thrive in this new normal”.

Bishop Anthony Randazzo welcomed students, teachers and staff back to school and commended school communities for the huge efforts made to adapt to Home-Based Learning during the COVID-19 restrictions.

Watch his video message here:

https://vimeo.com/422270149