MIDDLE & SENIOR

Middle Senior Online Learning Guide

Ways of Learning

Teachers will set suitable tasks designed to continue student learning and development of the curriculum. These will be in a variety of formats, though it is important to note that Canvas is the single point of truth for curriculum activities.

Students can expect:

To receive an email for each subject at the start of each school week, outlining the expectations and learning activities to be completed that week;
To work independently on the curriculum activities assigned by their teacher, in both online and offline modes;
To join one or more teleconferencing sessions for each subject, each week; and
To have their attendance recorded for teleconferencing sessions

Scheduling for Learning at Home:

Middle School students will receive and are encouraged to follow the Middle School Remote Learning Timetable, which has been developed to provide suggested time frames for learning.
Senior School students are encouraged to develop their own senior study schedule using the provided template. This is to be shared and discussed with their Pastoral Care teacher (Year 10 students) or their Academic Advisor (Year 11 and 12 students).
Students and parents should refer to the appropriate timeframes for Learning guide.

Learning activities may include:

Directed learning via the textbook
Online learning programs and interactive activities such as Maths Pathways, Kahootz, Quizlet
Traditional worksheets and resources
Viewing and discussion of video content
Contribution to the discussion board in Canvas

Middle and Senior School Priorities and Considerations

After receiving an initial notice from the Principal about school closure and timelines, families will receive an email with Middle / Senior School specific information.
The primary tools for communication between class teachers and families will be Canvas and in some cases email. Learning resources and shared Google documents will be embedded within Canvas.
Students may have both off and on screen learning activities designed to engage learners in experiences that connect to the current curriculum.
Learning tasks and activities will provide direction to students and parents on how best to support student learning and the expected working time.
Students are encouraged to be proactive in reaching out to teachers when they require additional support.
Our Pastoral Care teachers will be available to support students with social or emotional needs. Our School Chaplain, Father Iain Furby can provide additional support for families.
The Head of Senior School, Ms Robyn Deer and the Head of Middle School, Mr Matthew Hughes, will communicate with students and parents regularly throughout the duration of the closure.

Protocols for Middle and Senior Students

Efficient Communication
If students are required to learn from home then considerations for efficient communication will assist in preventing email overload. Where possible:

Teachers will send a single comprehensive, yet concise, email at the start of each week addressing that week’s work, with hyperlinks to activities and resources
Google documents that students are required to access will generally be embedded in Canvas pages rather than shared individually
For questions that require attention prior to teleconferencing sessions, students are encouraged to post such questions to the discussion forum in Canvas rather than emailing questions to teachers

Preparing for Teleconferencing Sessions

Understand that attendance is expected.
Ensure you are well groomed. Your appearance should not attract any unnecessary attention. Dress appropriately - guidelines for free dress day should be followed (e.g. pyjamas are not appropriate, no shirts with offensive messages).
Eat, hydrate and visit the toilet before your class and during usual assigned breaks. You should not eat and drink during a class. You may have a water bottle nearby if necessary.
Keep pets, younger siblings and any other persons away from your work area.
Check your weekly subject email for any tasks that need to be completed prior to the online class.

Before the Teleconferencing Session Begins

Prepare your work space in the main area of your home (not your bedroom).
Sit on a comfortable chair and ensure you have a quiet space with no or minimal background noise (no background music, ensure the TV is turned off).
Ensure all necessary textbooks, pens, writing books, your calculator and any other necessary resources are nearby.
Check your timetable and class times (a print out of these would be helpful).
If you are connecting from a laptop, plug in to the wall power, as battery use can adversely affect video quality.
Ensure that you are connected and online and allow time to troubleshoot and resolve any potential issues with connection. Ensure that your microphone and camera is on. Be prompt and ready for your class.
Locate and click the teleconference link sent by your teacher.
Mute your microphone when not addressing the conference (to avoid excessive noise).
When it is time, join the meeting and wait to follow teacher instructions.

When the Teleconferencing Session Begins:

Your teacher will mark the roll at the start of the lesson - be punctual.
Your teacher may record the lesson.
Maintain eye contact with the camera and stay engaged throughout instruction.
Do not turn your back to the camera, fidget or attract attention through non-verbal communication (no eye rolling, yawning etc).

During the Teleconferencing Session:

Respect your teacher and your classmates through appropriate behaviour.
Adhere to the same standards and expectations of behaviour online that you follow in your normal classes.
Listen, pay attention and do not speak or make side comments. You should leave your mobile phone in another room and you should not be on social networking sites - interacting on a side channel is not acceptable. No side conversations or multi-tasking.
Only post messages relevant to the lessons and speak to one another with respect.
Unmute the microphone only when the teacher gives you permission.
The teacher may call you out on poor etiquette and you will face consequences for poor behaviour on return to school.
You may be asked to refer to Canvas resources and tasks.
You should stay online for the whole lesson.
Hang up when the video conference is over.