Blacktown Schools: Tips for home learning from students and teachers
As students prepare to enter another week of home learning in Sydney’s lockdown, principals and school leaders in Blacktown have offered their top tips and advice.
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While a staggered return to learning for NSW students has been announced, for now children remain learning from home. Home schooling has been a tough gig for many Blacktown children and parents this year so we have been in touch with principals and school leaders to find out their best tips.
MICHELE HEDGE, NORTHBOURNE PUBLIC SCHOOL
Northbourne Public School Principal Michele Hedge said her school’s focus was on being kind to yourself.
She said: “We are touching base with our parents and trying to help them help their children.
“We all are trying our best and everyone’s health and wellbeing is the main priority.”
Her top tips include:
– Keeping connected with your friends.
– Setting clear expectations for each day.
– Establishing a good routine. It doesn’t have to be the same as a school routine but set a routine for when you get up, when you work and when you have time for yourself.
– Making sure you have a designated learning space so when you are there your head is in the game.
– Focusing on your family and family unit and making sure your family is as healthy and happy as possible.
– Mixing things up with some cooking/cleaning/gardening to make sure your kids don’t sit on screens all day. Have plenty of screen breaks and have time to connect as a family.
– You can only do what you can do. If you are struggling and everything doesn’t get done, don’t be too hard on yourself.
LARISSA MARAGA, QUAKERS HILL EAST PUBLIC SCHOOL
Quakers Hill East Public School Principal, Larissa Maraga says her main tip is for children to stay connected to their teachers and peers.
She said it is equally important to let them know that their emotions and feelings are valid.
“The main thing is if a child is struggling, please tell someone as everyone is there to support. Just talk to someone,” said Ms Maraga.
Some of her other top tips include;
– Setting up your own reward system. When you complete an online activity, give yourself a bonus, whether that be a treat or some time to play. A built in reward system keeps children motivated and positive.
– Start and finish each day reflecting on what you are grateful for. Share it with a parent, family member or friend and just simply ask yourself, what am I grateful for?
– Keep reading. No matter what age you are, reading each day keeps your brain active and gets you away from a screen.
– Try to connect with friends, online or via Zoom. It is important that you stay connected with your friends.
– If you need help with any tasks, let your teacher know. Even if you can’t see them face-to-face, they are still there to help you.
LAWRENCE LLAVE, QUAKERS HILL EAST PUBLIC SCHOOL
School captain Lawrence Llave, 12, has experienced a different school captain year than most but has been thriving with the flexibility of home learning despite missing socialising at school
“I can take longer breaks when I need time out or when I am struggling. It is easier to make time to have fun,” said Lawrence.
“The bad thing though is less socialising and talking to people. I do miss that,” he said.
Lawrence’s top tips are:
– Stick to a routine. Don’t go out of order and don’t change it. Always stick to a time and an order of what you need to do and when to do it.
– Do whatever comforts you. If you enjoy playing video games make time for it.
– Divide your work up. Try to finish it up each day and don’t leave it until tomorrow or else it piles up.
– Always look at your feedback. Your teachers provide feedback so make sure you look at it and see where you can improve.
AVA CONOL, QUAKERS HILL EAST PUBLIC SCHOOL
Year 6 prefect, Ava Conol, 11, gave her top learning from home tip which is “make sure you ask for help if you are struggling.”
Ava has made the most of her time at home reading and highly recommending the Twisted Tales book series.
She says she has made time to read it by prioritising her work first so she can relax and enjoy her free time at the end of the day without any work hanging over her head.
“Do the work and there will always be free time at the end,” she said.
“Then there is optional activities that are fun to do. Sometimes they give fitness videos or art to do which makes the days fun and different.”
“There is always time at the end of the day to have fun so take your time and do your best work and then have your fun,” said Ava.
EMMA PARARUKOV, DOONSIDE PUBLIC SCHOOL
Doonside Public School has focused on getting creative while learning from home with a particular effort put into this year’s book week, with teachers dressing up and children getting creative outdoors.
Principal David Galea is focusing on the children of Doonside Public School having fun in these tough times.
He said: “Don’t battle with kids about their school work. If children are struggling or you’re struggling, or they’re having trouble with a concept, put that aside and do something fun like play a game or even throw on ABC Education.”
KATHY PIZZINGA, MARAYONG PUBLIC SCHOOL
“Don’t feel pressured to re-create a six-hour school day, particularly for younger students. Have a Fri-Yay, a day where you turn off the screens and have some fun outside,” Principal, Kathy Pizzinga said.
ANDREW SKEHAN, QUAKERS HILL HIGH SCHOOL
“As well as doing your best at your school work, it’s important to take some time out. We encourage you to get outside and exercise, be creative and look after your wellbeing,” Principal, Andrew Skehan said.
DAVID CALLEJA, BLACKTOWN BOYS HIGH SCHOOL
“Get up and get dressed every day and attend your online classes,” Mr Calleja said.
“It is important to stay focused and engaged but also to acknowledge some days may be more trying than others.
“Take time to look after your general health; eat well (avoid junk food), exercise (go outside and do something physical).
“Finally, you need to reduce your time on your computers to give your brain a rest. You need to have some other form of mental and physical stimulation.
“When school is over, turn your computer off and enjoy the rest of the day with someone if you can.”
MARIA TRIMMIS, BLACKTOWN GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL
“Write a daily to-do list and at the end of the day, take time to reflect and check off your accomplishments,” Ms Trimmis said. “It will help you know you are on track and give you a sense of achievement.”
The Department of Education is supporting schools, however, possible during these difficult times.
A NSW Education spokesman said, “The department has a range of resources for schools, students and families at the department’s Learning from Home Hub.
“There are a number of articles, guides, and resource materials on how much time students should spend on each subject area, student behaviour, managing screen time, as well as accessing and using technology.”
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