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Remote learning plan for Covid

Below are the WHS plans for managing learning during Covid

This remote learning plan is activated as needed while we are under the Covid Traffic Light setting, to respond to staff and student absences.

In 2022, we expect to see high rates of staff and student absence as the term and year unfolds. The senior leadership team have been planning around scenarios to cope with high rates of staff and student absences. This may mean rostering of senior year levels home (who will continue to work online) or collapsing the timetable for senior students for a period or two a day. Our priority will be to keep our year 9 and 10 students at school learning and our experience of remote learning over the last couple of years will serve us well in these situations.

Connecting online

We can support students who require a device. If you need support with home wifi / internet connection, please let us know. 

Setting up at home

We encourage all learners to set themselves up with a daily structure if they have to study from home. Use this handy guide!

How will the learning work?

Every class is supported by an online Google Classroom, and all resources will be posted there.

  • If a student is well but isolating/working from home, they should follow the instructions set in Google Classroom.
  • If a teacher is away, work will  usually be set in Google Classroom and students may be asked to work online— they should bring their device and headphones every day.
  • If a year level is rostered home, they should continue with work that was started at school.

Note that, in some practical subjects, it is not always possible to complete practical tasks that require the use of school facilities. Alternative ideas may be offered. Teachers will aim to ensure that tasks are easy to follow.

The online platforms we use are Google Classroom, Gmail, Google docs/slides, Education Perfect (Maths), Stile (Science) and Google Meet. Teachers may also create other recorded digital lessons. Our students are familiar with these already.

Seeking help from teachers

While the school is open, teachers will be teaching classes face-to-face during the day and have limited capacity to respond to individual queries from multiple students. If a student is at home, and needs support, they should:

  • Check Google Classroom for that subject
  • Contact the teacher if needed via email, on the understanding that an immediate response will not be possible.
  • Contact another student in that class who may be able to assist.

Assessment and NCEA

If assessments are usually set and submitted through Google Classroom/Google docs then assignments submitted by students online will be marked as normal. 

We are continuing to follow our NCEA assessment policy, in line with guidance from NZQA.  Where required, due to absences, faculties may defer assessments and alter deadlines. We will work to ensure that, if there are any assessments, they continue to be reliably and consistently managed. 

Whānau support

You can support your student’s learning by checking in with them and their work plan each day. Encourage them to take breaks, seek fresh air and maintain a balance of online and offline time.

Student support for wellbeing

Check out this great advice from the team to help you manage your feelings: Tips from our Guidance team

If students need to reach out for help, they can email our Guidance Team to request remote support: counselling@whs.school.nz.

For other support, students can also contact:

  • 1737 – Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counselor.
  • Lifeline – 0800 543 354 or free text 4357 (HELP)
  • Youthline – 0800 376 633 or free text 234
  • Samaritans – 0800 726 666
  • Netsafe — for help with online incidents. Call toll-free on 0508 NETSAFE (0508 638 723) or text ‘Netsafe’ to 4282