Schools wrap up first week of orientation

After a tumultuous third term of virtual classes, a pandemic, a general election and change in education ministers, schools have wrapped up the first week of orientation for teachers on the upcoming term.

“We are extremely proud of our principals,” said Sharon Mangroo, CEO of the Catholic Education Board of Management. “They have certainly risen to the occasion.”

Mangroo said principals of 96 of the schools under the board's purview met with Archbishop Jason Gordon in a virtual meeting to discuss school reopening.

She said the meeting allowed educators to ask questions, share resources and strategies with each other on how to move forward.

The Ministry of Education’s proposal was a good outline to follow, she said.

“I don’t expect anyone to produce anything that is perfect. Perfection will come with practice,” she said.

She said the board has schools which are using advanced software and some using ministry resources and printed materials.

“It all depends on where they are…rural schools will have to rely on printed materials because they don’t have the connectivity.”

She said schools are still asking parents, the community and businesses to help provide students with devices.

“Schools are still looking…(Principals) have been able to get for some schools, but not all.”

She said at least one school was able to get devices for all its students. But others are at a disadvantage because they don’t even have a photocopier to copy the packaged materials.

“We are looking for a donation of a photocopy machine for Brasso Seco RC,” she mentioned.

One special education teacher, who wished to remain anonymous, said her school has also been preparing students for reopening, but because children have been working online since March, they are already familiar with the online platforms and so not much orientation was required for that.

“What we had was a ‘netiquette’ session with students, explaining how they had to dress to attend the Zoom classes, the behaviour we expected and the time frame (for classes).”

The private institution for special students has received tablets from a corporate sponsor, which were given to both teachers and a few students who were able to use them. Unfortunately, the tablets are not compatible with the platform the teachers use.

“Teachers received devices as well, but it is not outfitted for us. We have to navigate software such as Wisdom CRM (a Microsoft 365 platform) which was introduced in March or April (but) for it to be used well, we need laptops, otherwise it is very difficult to use.”

She explained while they have the option of using another platform, this one is best suited for students with special needs, both high functioning and those in between.

She said the school still anticipates some issues in the new term because it teaches a number of low-functioning students who are unable to use the devices, but printed packages are being prepared for them.

She also said parents were not given a book list because the curriculum from the last term has not yet been completed.

Newsday reported on Thursday many bookstores are complaining of low sales. The teacher said she understands why teachers are opting not to provide book lists.

“The
ministry has a wealth of resources for teachers to use online within the curriculum, so for some teachers, it doesn’t make sense. Parents are not working, either, so they don’t have the money.”