COVID-19 Update 14

Dear Kuyper Families,

As we approach a new term, I wish to assure you of our full attention to developing workable solutions for the new learning environment brought on by the latest outbreak of the Delta variant of COVID-19.  Staff are working hard to recommence School@Home on Monday 19 July 2021. We are back to online learning for next week and until the restrictions ease.

You will be receiving a technology-at-home survey via email. This survey will assist us in our planning and support of your needs at home. We are assuming that most families will have the ability to connect their children online and print from home, reducing the risk of virus spread. We understand that some need additional support, and we will endeavour to provide whatever each family needs. 

A refreshed School@Home webpage will be accessible on our website before the end of this week. It will continue to be an information source for parents and students regarding the School’s response to COVID-19 and learning from home. You can also find detailed instructions about using Google Classroom and other useful information in the Resources section of our website.

Next week the following changes will unfold.

Prep

  • The Prep class will not run. Families will receive a work pack emailed home to each family.

Primary

  • K-6 students will be using Google Classroom as the hub for their learning.
  • Google Classroom will be the primary place for students to communicate with teachers, access and complete work and receive feedback.
  • Printable paper resources will accompany online work. Teachers will advise students regarding the storage and marking of completed worksheets.
  • Pre-recorded instructional videos will be central to the delivery of some lessons.
  • Live video sessions using Google Meet will run each morning, commencing at 9:00 am. Teachers will use this time to share devotions with students, pray and talk about the day ahead. (See the Google Meet Appropriate Use Guidelines found in the Resources section of our school website.)

The changes brought upon us by the COVID-19 crisis have been stressful and far-reaching. New technologies can be daunting at first, especially for those with children in the early years, where greater levels of parental assistance are required. Please be assured that we desire to support and assist you as much as we possibly can.

Secondary

  • 7-12 students will continue using Google Classroom as the hub for their classwork.
  • Google Classroom will be the primary place for students to communicate with teachers, access and complete work, and receive feedback. Students may also choose to email their teachers as required.
  • Teachers will schedule lessons to follow the current student timetable. This will ensure that work for each subject is available across multiple days in the week. Students will be responsible for completing work requirements for each class at pace with the timetable.
  • The Secondary timetable will be made available in Core classes.
  • Printed textbooks will not be required in Week 1. All resources will be in the Google Classroom.
  • Pre-recorded instructional videos will be central to delivering some lessons, these will be available in Google Classroom.
  • Live video sessions using Google Meet will be used each morning in Core classes commencing at 9:00 am. Teachers will use this time to share devotions with students, pray and talk about the day ahead. Students should expect an invitation via email in readiness for Monday morning. Please ensure students have dressed appropriately for this online meeting. (See the Google Meet Appropriate Use Guidelines found in the Resources section of our school website.)
  • Stage 6 students will have more personalised support as they prepare for HSC exams. Staff will communicate regularly with students from Years 11 & 12. Year 11 & 12 HSC students may have an exemption to come to school for specific HSC classes only during the lockdown, following strict COVID-safe protocols. More information about this will be provided.

We will continue to work in partnership with families to achieve the best possible educational outcomes for our students in these challenging circumstances. More than that, we look forward to seeing the ways in which our students will grow in perhaps unexpected ways as our good God continues His work in their lives.

If you are an essential worker or unable to accommodate learning from home, the school will be open with reduced staffing to facilitate online learning with small numbers of students. They will have the same online work to complete as those at home. Wearing masks indoors is now essential onsite for students in Years 7-12 and staff. (Read more about the latest requirements for schools in Greater Sydney).

I trust that your time at home in the role of learning facilitator will be rewarding for you. Look for ways to make this lockdown a memorable time with your family, turning the negative into a positive wherever possible. Don’t be afraid of confronting the horror either. Christ’s death was great horror, but it brought great wonder for those who understand Jesus’ offer of amazing grace.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body, you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Colossians 3:15

Yours in Christ,

Ian Shaw
Principal

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