St Michael’s Head Teacher, Clare Greene, offers an overview of how her school is staying in touch with the pupils during this period of home schooling
Here at St Michael’s we use Microsoft teams every day for our remote learning. The teachers set assignments and children are awarded points when they ‘hand’ them in. This allows the teachers to give feedback and praise, as well as enjoying a chat and sending each other GIFs! Among the work we’ve seen has been a stop-go video competition and letters to heroes inspired by Captain Moore.
We sing together using Youtube clips of songs, our Chair of Governors recorded a song for us and we have remote Collective Worship tasks each week too. We’ve also made rainbows and celebrated VE day, including observing a minute’s silence.
The children have sent back videos of them blowing out their birthday candles, while as head teacher, I’ve set assignments too, alongside producing videos to show all the things that are happening at school.
Staff call families each week to check in, supply one-to-one tuition or to encourage the children to complete learning. We have lent out iPads and wifi boxes, as well as delivering printed learning packs. With the help of FareShare and Magic Breakfast, we’ve also provided breakfasts for families, including delivering beans, bagels and cereal, alongside other food supplies too.
Then to round off each week, we celebrate our home learning heroes, just as we would if we were back at school, with staff get shout outs too.