MOUNT Gambier North Primary School continues to look at the bright side during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic as educators brainstorm alternate learning methods for students.
Year 7 teacher Heath Masters said while negative impacts of the coronavirus situation were highlighted daily, he had drawn inspiration from the strength and enthusiasm shown by students.
“We have looked at new ways to teach students while complying with government recommended distance measures when delivering the curriculum,” Mr Masters said, ahead of today’s final school day for Term 1.
Classrooms have been overhauled to create greater distance between students, with hygiene also a focus of each day.
Mr Masters said many learning activities had been moved outside as a safety precaution, also providing a different experience for students.
“Outside activities like Finska, which involves numeracy strategies, have been highly successful,” Mr Masters said.
“Using Google Classroom to keep in contact with classmates at home helps to keep culture close during a time when we are so separated.
“Anything we can do to keep some semblance of normalcy happening in such a changed environment is important.”
Mr Masters said other teachers had hosted crazy sock and shoe days, where staff wear bright or odd socks and shoes, to spread bring joy to students.
“It helps to lighten the mood for our students who make the effort to come to school,” he said.
