Tuesday 14 April 2020

Kia ora Everyone

I hope your children are well-rested and that Easter was a special time for your and your families. 

Well, we are almost ready to begin a new term in a very different way. Today on the website I have recorded a brief message in which I talk about how we plan to launch the term. I make mention of two documents that we hope you find useful and clear. They are included in this newsletter; these are also on our website. The documents are:

1.  A suggested outline for your child’s day of learning ( Example- as this will look different at each level).
2.  An outline of expectations of students, whanau and staff

 We know there will be questions, technical issues and some anxiety about how this will all work but I can assure you, our amazing staff will be on hand to work with and support you and your child.  The first few days will be spent connecting with you to find out how it’s all going and to offer assistance if it is needed. 

We have worked hard to make the learning tasks purposeful, engaging and manageable.  The teachers have put together a number of ‘How To’ videos to make things easier- to guide and support students -enabling them to carry out learning tasks.  

We don’t know exactly when we will be returning to school or how this might look but as soon as we have confirmation we will share this with  you.

Prior to the lockdown beginning, we were able to distribute a number of devices to support those of you who don’t have these at home, however be sure to tell your child’s teacher if you do not have a device that is able to be used by your child.

We also requested learning support packs from the Ministry for each student but I am unsure when these will be delivered. These packs will provide further support and resources for your children. 

Remember, please contact me if I can be of assistance in any way. I continue to keep you all in my thoughts and prayers,

Celeste Hastings

I recently discovered a wonderful New Zealand resource that sets out to support families in their journey of faith, it is called  faithjourney.co.nz 

One of the tabs on this website is Faith Family and within this area there are links to many beautiful  and powerful reflections.  

Each of these reflections has the same three headings

•  Discover
•  Feed your Soul
•  Live Your Faith

This website I believe presents us with a wonderful opportunity to focus on faith as a family.

The first heading is GRACE- KERARIA.

God's GRACE

makes it possible for us to

LIVE in GOD'S LOVE 

and to 

ACT in GOD'S

​LOVE

What does this mean for us Live in God’s love and Act in God’s love at the moment?  

What will this look like when we come out of our bubbles?  

I invite you to make the time, as a family, to explore this wonderful website where you will find reflections, songs and activities.  There is no better time than now to nurture our faith. 

Our main focus will be on providing support - not pressure - this is a suggested timetable.

• We want you to make the most of this time together as a family.  
• We want our children to be happy and calm.  
• We don’t want you to be under additional pressure.

10:00 - 10:15am

Check your google classroom for the prayer / reflection of the day

  10:15 - 10:45am 

Get Moving!

• Do something that gets your heart rate up.
• Have a quick snack and get a drink so you’re ready to learn

10.45 -11:30am

LITERACY  TIME

Device

• Choose an option from our recommended  Literacy Sites
• Check your google classroom to find out how you can connect with your teacher during this time

No Device

• Read a book to yourself or someone in your bubble.
• Choose a reading or writing activity from your Holy Cross scrapbook.

Morning Tea

12:00 - 12:30pm

MATHS  TIME

Device

• Choose an option from our recommended  Numeracy Sites
• Check your google classroom to find out how to connect with your teacher at this time

No Device

• Practise your basic facts from the activities in the Holy Cross Scrapbook.

Lunch

EXPLORE YOUR TALENTS  

• Device - Choose an Enrichment/Wellbeing activity from the Home Learning Page.
• No Device

• Choose an Enrichment/Wellbeing  activity from your Holy Cross scrapbook.
• Watch the learning channel on TV
• Play games with your family or others in your bubble

Why Are We Learning at Home?

• We are currently in Lockdown, Level 4 of the Covid 19 Response system.
• Wednesday 15th April  is the start of Term 2 in New Zealand.
• Students in schools all over the world are learning in a new way from home.

What Does Holy Cross Home Learning Look Like? 

• Each weekday (Monday to Friday) from 10am-3pm students are encouraged to complete work connected to their  Home Learning Timetable.  

• The times for learning can be adjusted to suit your family's bubble. We want you to make the most of this time together as a family.  We want you and your children to be happy and calm and we want to support your child to manage his or her time with increasing independence. 

How Can Parents and Caregivers Support Home Learning? 

• Be kind to yourself! Home learning is not home schooling! Our teachers will continue to provide support and feedback to your child.  Make the timetable work for your family.

                                      Whatever you can do is enough.

• Read through the daily plan and listen to the teacher’s daily recordings- discuss these with your child(ren), this will help set them up for a successful day.

• Check in with your child(ren) to see how they’re going  when you take a break, 

• Check the devices and websites your children are using and have parental controls in place to keep our learners safe.
• Accept the invitation to the Google Classroom so that you can receive daily or weekly updates about your  child’s/ children’s learning. (We will share a “how to” video)
• Contact your child’s  teacher if there are any issues.

• Remember,  learning is happening at home all the time! When you cook  together, when you go for walks and notice different plants, trees, insects, etc  and when you take the time to write together! Research shows the power of a bedtime story! It will help you to relax, your children will treasure the time with you.  Check out the RNZ stories there are listening stories for all ages to enjoy!

What and How will Holy Cross Students Learn at Home?

• The day is divided up to provide  times for Reflection, Exercise, Literacy, Maths and Exploration the links for these activities are all found on the Holy Cross School website Home Learning Page.
• Each day students need to login into their Google Classroom to check the learning activities and connection times set by the teachers (attach link to “how to” video)
• All learning activities have a device or non device option. 

• All students must complete the online safety assignment (Rs1,2,3 and 5) or quiz (R6,7,11 and 12) before they start any activities on a device. (how to video)

• Younger learners will need support to access the information and learning activities on their google classroom.(attach link for JNR google classroom video)
• Activities will be linked to the Home Learning Ideas which all students have in their scrapbooks. R6, 7, 11 and 12,   R5 and 3,   R1 and 2.
• The Ministry of Education will be providing additional support through the delivery of age appropriate materials and educational TV programmes.

How will Teachers Support Home Learning? 

• Teachers have provided age appropriate Home Learning Ideas for all students in the scrapbooks and links to online through the Holy Cross School website.
• The home learning activities and tasks will be updated regularly to fit the needs and interests of our students. 
• All learning activities and tasks will be chosen to support your child to grow as an independent learner.
• Teachers will be available at different times of the day (see your child’s google classroom) to connect with students and to support caregivers with their learning.

•  Teachers will try to respond to emails on weekdays within a 24 hour period.

Our main focus will be on providing support - not pressure. We want you to make the most of this time together as a family and we are committed to supporting your child’s home learning journey.

On the following page we have put together an easy to follow summary of expectations for each group:  students, whanau and teacher .