LCIS Secondary parent Krystynia D ’ Arville shared her thoughts on the school ’ s approach to virtual learning during another innovation - the virtual Principal ’ s Coffee Morning - through which Principal Mindorff shared updates on the school ’ s COVID-19 response with parents and answered their questions . “ As we work to make decisions in our businesses and in other arenas during this extraordinary time , I really appreciate not having the pressure to worry about our children and the decisions that are being made regarding their learning ,” said Mrs D ’ Arville .
What seemed like a tremendous challenge at first became an embraced opportunity for rapid growth both personally and professionally for many educators . LCIS teachers were no different . Individual teachers and teams looked for ways to help students meet the goals of the planned curriculum and experience grade-level traditions . Cross-cultural connections were fostered when Integrated Humanities teacher Ms Michelle Griffith arranged for Grade 6 and 7 students to meet virtually with students from the International School of Curitiba in Brazil to discuss their experiences during lockdown measures ; and , thanks to the hard work of students , teachers and administrators , Grade 5 students were able to hold the School ’ s first virtual PYP Exhibition to close out their journey in the Primary Years Programme ( PYP ). The students presented their research virtually to the school community and to students from other IB schools .
Ms Annisa Albury , Physical Education ( PE ) teacher , had to re-imagine teaching in the virtual space . “ Having to go from interacting with over 100 students a day to only getting to see the students on-screen was definitely a difficult adjustment . Students struggled with not being able to participate in team activities and also not being able to get outside with their friends . Our PE team really focused on ensuring students stayed active and that we provided regular mental health check-ins ,” said Ms Albury .
Making the most of the situation , Ms Albury thought of a unique way to encourage her Grade 6 advisees during the lockdown . She delivered hand-made signs and doughnuts to each of their homes while wearing a mask and following social distancing guidelines .
“ As we work to make decisions in our businesses and in other arenas during this extraordinary time , I really appreciate not having the pressure to worry about our children and the decisions that are being made regarding their learning .” - Krystynia D ’ Arville , Secondary Parent
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