Staff have worked hard to adapt to social isolation restrictions
Staff from Adventist schools across Australia and New Zealand have worked hard to adapt to COVID-19 social isolation restrictions. Listed below are some of the creative initiatives by students, chaplains and teachers designed to help nurture healthy school communities during this time.
Prescott College (Adelaide, SA), Denise Nelson, Record staff
Students and teachers from Prescott College were proactive and well prepared for COVID-19, thanks to Zoom training, plenty of hand-sanitizer and a survey to gauge the mental health of students.
“When COVID-19 reared its ugly head, our intrepid principal Peter Charleson bought a plentiful supply of hand sanitizer, before the hoarders bought it all and there was none left,” explained senior English teacher Denise Nelson. “Our resourceful science lab technician prepared a 70 percent ethanol grade disinfectant for staff and students to wipe down desks, chairs, and door handles regularly, while our student body was still present at school.”
Prior to the South Australian government announcing their isolation policy, the school facilitated a seamless transition from classroom teaching to Zoom lessons, beginning March 25. Chapel services and class worships were also conducted online to meet students’ spiritual needs.
In addition, physical education teachers prepared humorous and motivational videos to encourage students to stay fit at home. The school also conducted a survey to gauge students’ mental health while studying remotely. Parents commented favorably about the “proactive, thorough and measured response” taken by the college.
Students have now returned to school for the second term—80 percent returned the first day, and 90 percent the next.
“Overall, at a time of societal uncertainty and apprehension, the students from Prescott College experienced the least disruption to their learning program,” said Mrs. Nelson.
Tweed Valley Adventist College (Murwillumbah, NSW), Paul Fua, Record staff
In response to COVID-19, Tweed Valley Adventist College (TVAC) developed a well-rounded educational timetable and home agricultural program to help students thrive academically, spiritually, physically, and emotionally.
Principal Paul Fua shared that through trial and error, the school developed a new timetable designed to limit screen time and incorporate a home agriculture program, daily exercise, and modified expectation of learning content.
Each school day began with a devotional video from the school chaplains and an invitation to join the Bible reading plan sent to all students, staff, and parents. Weekly Bible studies also continued through Zoom, with pastoral support being a priority for chaplains and teachers.
In addition, seed packs and instructions were prepared and posted to every home for students to start a home garden. In the meantime, students of essential workers—who continued to attend school—planted the school gardens. “The gardens thrived and have provided produce for families when fresh food prices soared and people were panic buying toilet paper and other essentials,” said Mr. Fua.
One of the school’s teachers developed a service program called “COVERT-19” to encourage students to perform random acts of kindness and service. It included cooking the evening meal, vacuuming the floor, or mowing the lawn without being asked. Students were required to journal their activity in their Google classroom.
Further video content—including messages of hope and encouragement to fellow students—was posted by the school principal, chaplains, and primary and secondary captains. Students and staff also formed a virtual choir to perform “It Is Well.”
Parents’ reaction to TVAC’s proactive and well-rounded COVID-19 response has been overwhelmingly positive, with multiple parents writing in and thanking the school for their leadership, clarity, adaptability, and nurture.
“We want to thank our parents for the way they have traveled this bumpy road with us,” said Fua. “We all know that online learning is not the most suitable option for education, but they were grateful for our efforts to maintain a continuity of learning.”
The school’s doors were recently reopened to students, and they were welcomed back with a breakfast served by teachers.
Northpine Christian College (Dakabin, Qld), Adventists South Queensland Facebook/Record staff
TVAC isn’t the only school to perform as a virtual choir. Students and staff from Northpine Christian College performed the song “Waymaker” online during the second term.
“While we have been unable to meet together this term, we’ve still been able to sing together,” the video said.
Whangarei Adventist Christian School (Whangarei, NZ), Rosalie McFarlane, Record Staff
While in lockdown, Whangarei Adventist Christian School started a health initiative called “Movement May” as a way of connecting with families and helping them keep active during lockdown.
The school has set up a Facebook group to encourage and facilitate connection as part of the initiative.
Gilson College (Mernda, Vic), Helen Jakupec, Record staff
During lockdown at Gilson College, spiritual health was a central focus; each school day began with nearly 100 percent staff attendance for morning worship. School captains and senior student leaders created regular broadcasts for the school community, sharing messages of encouragement and hope.
In addition, chaplains conducted weekly chapels online, Friday evening Zoom catch-ups called “Fired Up,” and visited college families on Friday and Sunday afternoons, sharing GLOW tracts called “Live More Happy” by Dr. Darren Morton and having prayer on the porch with most families.
In addition to spiritual health, physical health is also a priority at Gilson College, thanks to the work of sports coordinator Ryan Starrett.
Starrett created a fitness challenge for the school community during May using STRAVA, a social-fitness network that tracks exercise. Students have committed themselves to complete daily physical activity, and the results show many students beating their personal best times.
So far for May, there are more than 40 active participants, 211 activities uploaded, 1300 kilometres traveled, and 9000 minutes of exercise.
Wellington Seventh-day Adventist School (Wellington, NZ), Karla Mitchell/Record staff
Staff and administrators at Wellington Seventh-day Adventist School handed out devices to nearly every student who needed one prior to lockdown. Each class has a Zoom meeting every morning for worship and scheduled meetings throughout the day for group reading and math classes. Families are encouraged to take time out from school learning if they need a break.
Every Friday afternoon, the whole school community gathers for chapel (“God Connection”) on Zoom. Attendance is very good and parents often join their students.
“Worship has been really enjoyable. My son really struggled not being at school but we found when he was willing to participate it was great and the learning was made fun to keep them engaged.”
“The school did well at preparing the schoolwork and tasks and selecting apps and videos that really work for the kids. Also, the words of encouragement they receive from all of you really help them a lot.”
“The daily messages from principal Karla [Mitchell] have been awesome and reassuring . . . Encouraging participation from parents/families as well with God Connection/singing on Fridays—awesome. It was lovely to have the school chaplain Tolo ring us to see how we were doing during this time. Thank you.”
Rotorua Seventh-day Adventist School (Rotorua, NZ), Lanea Strickland/Record staff
Students from Rotorua Seventh-day Adventist School took part in the “Stand at Dawn” Ceremony despite being in Level 4 lockdown. The annual “Stand at Dawn” campaign honors Australia New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) and the lives sacrificed in service to the country. Students made ANZAC biscuits, painted poppies and created mini displays to put at their front letterbox to remember soldiers.
School families shared photos of themselves, up before the sun at 6 a.m., standing on their street alongside others at the usual dawn service time. The school believes that keeping relationships, community and whanaungatanga (a Māori term for a sense of family connection through shared experiences) is important during this time and that such activities are vital for students’ wellbeing.
This article was originally published on the website of Adventist Record