Covid: Parramatta principals share tips for homeschooling, advice for parents

After more than two months of homeschooling and preparation for the HSC under way, Parramatta’s top educators are sharing tips on how to survive the rest of the year.

Lockdown 2.0 has thrown Sydney families into disarray, with homes being used as classrooms and bedrooms doubling up as exam halls.

But if the thought of continuing this another extra week haunts you, fear not — we have asked our community’s school principals and teachers to provide tips on surviving the rest of the school year, whether it’s for primary school pupils or those about to sit their HSC.

1. Remember you are doing a good job

Principal Steve Jones helms the Guildford school, which is a suburb of concern and the centre of the Cumberland red zone, which often records the most new cases in NSW.

The school continues to celebrate events such as Wellbeing Wednesday, Book Week, Green Gold Day and National Science Week.

Mr Jones is keen to remind parents that they are passing the homeschooling with flying colours and “that they are doing a great job and that they are not expected to teach their children but provide a learning environment to enable their children to learn which will be different in every household”.

Tips to keep learning on track:

● Keep to a regular bedtime and wake up schedule, this will help keep a routine in place and will help for when school returns.

● Get dressed for the day’s learning, discourage pyjamas!

● Create a learning space (our dining table is now a learning zone!)

● Make a plan for the day, chat about the day’s expectations so there are no surprises.

● Have regular breaks, this can include five to 10-minute brain breaks during tasks.

● Give rewards for tasks completed like 30 minutes of iPad time, fun or special outside activity when the morning activities have been handed in.

● Provide healthy snacks and water, it may be helpful to make a packed lunch in the morning to get them through the day.

● Don’t forget to build in physical activity, creative activities, reading and down time for your children, yourself and family time.

2. Do a digital detox

Parramatta High School’s head teacher Michelle Jones and head of wellbeing Daniel Ghossain have offered some sage advice for students, particularly seniors preparing for their HSC.

One of the most appealing tips we could all take on board in a digital detox.

“Switch off your phone, don’t silence it — turn it off. Silenced phones will still light up, and you will feel obligated to check the phone,’’ Mr Ghossain said.

“Take time out to unwind – even if this means going for a Covid-safe walk or exercise within your LGA.

“Get some fresh air and some sunlight — it can do wonders for your mental health and wellbeing.’’

He recommends “box breathing”.

Step 1: Breathe in counting to four slowly. Feel the air enter your lungs.

Step 2: Hold your breath for four seconds. Try to avoid inhaling or exhaling for four seconds.

Step 3: Slowly exhale through your mouth for four seconds.

Step 4: Repeat steps one to three until you feel re-centred. This will help with lowering your heart rate and regulate your breathing so that you can regain focus and concentrate on the task at hand.

Parramatta High School's head teacher of wellbeing Daniel Ghossain.

Ms Jones recommends drinking plenty of water and avoid caffeinated drinks because they can be dehydrating.

Other tips are:

● Have breakfast — wake up well in advance of your scheduled exam time and have a decent breakfast.

● Create a study timetable and follow it — routine is key to keeping accountable and task focused.

● Try to create a quiet space for study. If this is hard, use music as a way to help maintain concentration and focus. Classical music, or music with no lyrics, is best and won’t distract you.

● Let your family and friends know that you are studying so they are less likely to interrupt you, and keep your study time consistent so that your family and friends come to know your routine.

● Get plenty of sleep — at least seven to eight hours per night. Try to go to bed at the same time and wake at the same time, even on weekends. Good quality sleep repairs the brain and increases higher performance in exams.

● Reward yourself with short breaks rather than trying to study for hours or study in long sessions.

● Set yourself small and achievable goals, try not to study a whole term’s worth of work or module of work at one time. Instead break your study into topics or key areas of focus.

3. Take part in games

The Westmead school is making sure its spirituality is in check along with its academic learning.

“As a Catholic school in the Marist tradition, we continue to pray together (albeit via Zoom) for the health and wellbeing of our community and the wider national and international communities,’’ principal Mark Pauschmann said.

That includes specific activities for each grade based on their needs such as games for Year 8 students, scavenger hunts for those in Year 9 and Friday chats in Year 10 while the whole school is kept informed and entertained through the school’s new radio station, Parra Marist FM Radio.

“For our HSC students, they have continued to develop strong bonds as a cohort through peer-mentoring,’’ Mr Pauschmann said.

That includes Mental Health Mondays and homeroom drop-in sessions to discuss issues in preparing for life after school.

“As a whole school, to keep everyone connected we’ve surveyed our students each week to gauge how they are dealing with lockdown and what their mental health is like, invited mental health guest speakers, organised virtual sporting and other challenges and run a weekly virtual breakfast club celebrating a variety of experiences.’’

4. Let children express their feelings

Principal Lucie Farrugia wants students everywhere to know they should express their feelings especially when the challenges of lockdown get too overwhelming.

“I encourage all students to stay connected and to express themselves genuinely in this period of lockdown and online learning,’’ she said.

“It is important to voice your perspectives and share how you are feeling as each student’s experience is truly unique.

Our Lady of Mercy College Parramatta principal Lucie Farrugia.

“I implore our Year 12 students, and indeed all of us, to acknowledge that your two final years of high school have been challenging. It is our job as educators and as a society to help empower our senior students to thrive, encouraging them through this unusual period which, at times, can feel like a holding pattern.’’

She said HSC students should also plan how they will celebrate the rite of passage that is the end of school.

“Your families, your teachers and all of us want to hear your voice as you step up to this next stage of your lives,’’ she said.

“We walk with you, and we can’t wait to see you take the next steps in your lives and contribute in so many wonderful ways to our society as young adults in the coming years.’’

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