Queensland Government has announced funding for small and medium businesses that have been impacted by the latest lockdowns. Applications for the business support grants will open in mid-August.
For more information on how to apply and eligibility criteria – Click here
Last week, Executive Principal Wade Haynes from Brisbane State High School discussed with our members how schools were tackling online home schooling. Below are some great questions, brought up in the session that outlines in depth the challenges, benefits, relationships and future of home schooling.
Teachers are using some live means of communication, which are not all face-to-face. You are right about the importance of question/response and interactivity. For example, on Showbie the teacher and students can post in real time and see all the responses. Students can build on the ideas and questions and teachers can prompt. On Padlet, the teacher can set a series of questions and students can post responses under these question headings. Students can all see the responses and, again, build on the ideas.
There is definitely a process of checking in as students return. Teachers are doing this in each subject, there is a process for students to reflect on this across all subjects and learning mentors have been doing some check-ins. Of course, where teachers have focussed on checking for understanding through the time spent learning at home, they will already have a great grasp on what students are up to.
2. How will schools manage students being at different levels of knowledge on the return to school after weeks of home schooling?
There is definitely a process of checking in as students return. Teachers are doing this in each subject, there is a process for students to reflect on this across all subjects and learning mentors have been doing some check-ins. Of course, where teachers have focussed on checking for understanding through the time spent learning at home, they will already have a great grasp on what students are up to.
The other point here is that students are all at different points in a regular classroom. Where teachers have been using technology in their classes to assess current levels and provide customised responses, this is fairly seamless – yes, and hard work.
3. What are the signs that I can look for that show my child is not coping with the new online learning processes? Will the teacher be able to see that?
I think you can apply a lot of the usual strategies. Engagement is the first thing to look for. I’d do this by asking about the work. Are they completing it. Do they feel it is sufficient or overwhelming? Completion is more important than time spent. That assumes that the amount of work set is reasonable – you may find that teachers have over-compensated. In this case your child needs advice about how to prioritise.
I’d be looking to see that they are mixing up activities during the day – is there some variety? Some exercise, some cooking, some fun, some reading …. Variety is a great form of protection.
I’d look at eating and sleeping patterns. I would expect some variation. I know my son is going to bed later and that’s ok because he has an extra 2 hours each morning. Expecting some shifts is ok so long as they are productive.
If you are concerned, talk to the teachers. See if they have noticed anything. Most schools I know, are doing some face-to-face screen time with students. This is one point of reference. They are using other platforms to interact and these, typically, let them see responses from everyone in class with a focus on the work – this can give more insight than usual, in some cases.
Most school are using some other means to check in, so that will help indentify concerns. As always, this is about a 3 way partnership – school, student and family. Whoever spots an issue should engage one or more of the others. I think everyone is wanting to help.
4. Have there been any specific strategies/pedagogies for engaging gifted and talented students through this online learning@home?
It is important that we look after all students across a range of need, including those who are gifted or talented.
It would be fair to say that a large part of this was quickly trying to develop coursework for all students and then allowing teachers to differentiate this week by week. We are 3 weeks into this, so I would say that this is early in the process.
Good coursework will have designed extension activities for students. We have built our courses in iTunesU or Showbie. These platforms allow students to access all the resources and allows teachers to direct students to appropriate learning experiences.
5. for many children the home environment may be far more challenging than the classroom for learning…will the school take this into consideration moving forward?
Yes! I’ve seen it be good challenge and I’ve seen it represent a barrier. Just like in a classroom, every child is different. I’m asking teachers to work hard on pulling down barriers well before we return to class.
There is definitely a process of checking in as students return. Teachers are doing this in each subject, there is a process for students to reflect on this across all subjects and learning mentors have been doing some check-ins. Of course, where teachers have focussed on checking for understanding through the time spent learning at home, they will already have a great grasp on what students are up to.
Schools have a range of ways to take this into consideration. There are options around reporting, for example. More importantly, teachers will want to know that their learning, growth and well-being are all ticking over. Over time, teachers will work on all three.
Business South Bank is reaffirming its role of bringing the precinct business community together by implementing new initiatives.
1. COVID-19 Members Update
The website has been updated to provide information on our members activities throughout this period.
To view – Click here
2. Facebook Group – Business South Bank
This Facebook Group has been created for our members to connect with the precinct, share positive stories and help each other.
To Join – Click here
3. Online Professional Development Session
BSB has begun providing online professional development session and aims to provide more frequent and relevant session online throughout this period.
4. #Bsbstayconnected
We have established a hashtag #Bsbstayconnected that members and their staff will be able to use this to continue to see other’s activity virtually.
Email us if you would like your information updated or shared with others.
Business South Bank’s 20-year vision for the precinct has been met with much support and positivity by Brisbane tourism leaders, government and council representatives. The vision recognises the economic and cultural significance of this unique urban precinct and seeks to ensure it remains a precinct of excellence for 20 years and beyond. The vision explores four strategies:
Vision South Bank first emerged in 2014 from a series of breakfast workshops between Griffith University, QPAC and other partners looking for opportunities to collaborate across the precinct. In August 2015, the Hornery Institute who engaged to develop a framework for future collaboration between all of the major precinct stakeholders. A series of workshops were held in early 2016 with approximately 30 precinct stakeholders in attendance and the overwhelming outcome from these workshop was the need to develop of a shared vision for the future of the precinct. An Executive Group was established to guide the visioning process, including extensive research, stakeholder interviews and Executive Group workshops. Vision South Bank is the culmination of this work and has been prepared for further consultation with stakeholders.
