The academic year is up and running and we are fast approaching the anniversary of our first steps into a distance learning model. One of the things that has snapped into focus more clearly than ever before is the big picture of education and how the most successful programme relies both on input in the classroom and support from the home.

Distance Learning Models at Springfield

We have used what we learned last year to refine the way that distance learning works will at Springfield for 2021 and going by some of the questions we’ve received from the parent body, some clarification might help all of the pupils to remain on track when they need to work from home, in the case of comorbidities or quarantine.

• There is one standard work plan document for each grade that includes codes for each class’s Google Classroom and its associated Google Meet link. Each learning area has a page on that document which breaks down the work covered week by week. The pupils are able to access these at any time via the whole grade Google Classrooms.

• Lessons that are presented may take different forms depending on the learning area and the content that needs to be covered. Some sections may involve self-directed learning using notes, videos and activities. Other sections may be taught through a Google Meet, with a pupil following along with what is happening in class. There may be times when it is appropriate to remediate content with a learner one-on-one. If you are unsure of any requirements for a particular class, please make direct contact with the subject teacher involved.

• Afternoon Study slots are available for pupils who miss tests during lessons. This is an opportunity for pupils who need to work from home to come in and write a test on the afternoon of the day on which it is written, except for pupils who need to isolate themselves, who may write - as in the case of usual absenteeism - their assessments in consecutive afternoons in the order in which they were missed. Please remember that catching up assessments in Study takes precedence over extramural activities. The dates on which assessments are caught up should be confirmed with the subject teacher involved and the Connect teachers are always there to help a pupil structure their catch-up plan if there is someone who has missed a few assessments and is unsure of where to start.

I hope that clarifies some of the general practices for everyone so that all of our pupils have access to their classes when circumstances necessitate that they work from home.

Elevate Education Parent Webinars

We’re excited to announce that Springfield parents exclusive access to Elevate Education’s Parent Webinar Series for Term 1, 2021. Elevate works with our pupils through our Grade 10 Life Orientation programme, delivering high impact workshops on study skills, motivation, wellbeing, and exam preparation. By tuning into their webinar series you will learn how to better support your children at home through reinforcing the skills they learn at school.

The webinars take place across Term 1, beginning this evening, 17 February, at 18:00. This evening’s topic is Time Management, with webinars on Note Taking (3 March) and Motivation (17 March) to follow. Registration is essential and is free for parents of Springfield Convent School. You can register by clicking here.

The webinars run live online from 18:00 - 19:00, during which time the presenter will share Elevate’s key research and skills and conduct a live Q&A so you can ask them questions directly. Should you have questions or would like to contact Elevate directly, you can on them on 021 140 0803, make contact via email on zacoaching@elevateeducation.com or visit their website.

WCED Matters

I am still in the process of working through all of the applicatons for learning accommodations and additional subjects. In cases where applications need to be made to or confirmed by the department, I will communicate directly with the parents, pupils and teachers involved. However, please feel free to check in with me should you wish to receive an update on your child’s application.

Until we “meet” again, have a great fortnight.

DAVID FICK

Head of Academics

This week we watched a short clip on climate change by Bill Nye (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=EtW2rrLHs08) and discussed some easy ways to reduce your carbon footprint and help stop climate change! Some of the tips discussed were to:

- Reduce the amount of meat you eat

- Buy local and seasonal fruit and veg

- Use public transport, carpools or lift clubs

- Recycle your plastic & paper

- Switch off your lights, tv or electricals when you’re not using them

- Buy second hand clothes / appliances

& much more!

The students are also in the process of making climate change posters that will be displayed around the school soon.

Next week we will tackle the topic of plastic pollution, and a speaker from The Beach Co-op will join us on a google meet to further educate us on this interesting topic. Follow us on Instagram @sfc.eco for more info on eco month and how to live a more eco friendly lifestyle <3

Eco Portfolio, Ms Cooper and Ms Wyllie

We are so super excited to return to sport this week!!! The sign ups for Term One have been phenomenal and we are looking forward to seeing our girls socialising, getting fit, being active and having fun. Whilst Sport is not compulsory at Springfield, our expectation is that once you sign up for a sport you commit to it for the season. Please excuse yourself from a session by contacting your coach if you are unable to make a session.

Strict Covid19 protocols are in place so please remember:

*NO SPECTATORS ALLOWED

*PARENTS TO DROP AND COLLECT IN THE PARKING LOT AND MAY NOT WAIT FOR THE DURATION OF THE SESSION IN THE PARKING LOT

*MASKS TO BE WORN AT ALL TIMES (unless vigorous exercise is required at the discretion of the coach)

*NO ACCESS TO CHANGE ROOMS FOR CHANGING

*COME TO SCHOOL IN SPORTS KIT

*ALL BAGS ETC TO BE LEFT OUTSIDE THE VENUES - ONLY VALUABLES, TOWELS/SWEAT TOWELS AND WATER BOTTLES ALLOWED

*ENTER AND LEAVE VENUES IN AN ORDERLY MANNER WITH STRICT ADHERENCE TO PHYSICAL DISTANCING

*DO NOT ATTEND ANY SESSION IF YOU ARE NOT FEELING WELL. GO HOME. STAY AT HOME.

*LEAVE SCHOOL STRAIGHT AFTER YOUR SESSION AND DO NOT LOITER

*COVID IS REAL. DON'T GET IT! DON'T SPREAD IT!

Mrs Colleen Reed

Head of Senior School Sport