03 Apr 2020
Dear Students/Parents/Caregivers
The NSW Government and Department of Education has decided to continue the existing schooling arrangements for Term 2. That is, schools will remain open but parents are encouraged to keep students at home unless they cannot do so. The same online learning will be provided onsite and offsite.
As a consequence of this decision and the latest information from NESA regarding the HSC, HSPA will:
For Week 11, Term 1 (next week)
Years 11 & 12
Teachers will continue to teach students in their timetabled periods.
Years 6 – 10
Self-directed work will be provided to students through discussion and guidance on CANVAS. Students will continue to check into the discussion for their class each day. Feedback to students will occur outside of the normal timetabled period.
Years 3 – 5
Teachers will use Google Classroom to provide self-directed work
Primary School
Teachers in the primary school will begin each day with a Zoom Conference
Please note that these arrangements are necessary to provide teachers with the time to plan 10 weeks of online learning for Term 2, and adjust tasks, weightings and outcomes to be assessed. Teachers will be working during the last four days of term and frequently during the Easter school holidays to develop quality, rigorous and engaging lessons for Term 2.
Term 2
Term 2 will see online learning for all of the school, whether students are on or off site. Each faculty and each subject will provide details of modified assessment tasks and schedules in early Term 2.
As far as practicable, the usual timetabled periods and routines will continue. It is important, however, that we are sufficiently agile to meet teaching and learning needs as they might arise and change. Teachers, students and parents/caregivers are valuable sources of feedback in guiding our thinking.
Years 11 & 12: HSC News
“I can say with certainty that students will have the opportunity to receive their HSC credential this year, so students should continue to learn, complete their assessment tasks and take care of themselves” (Professor Peter Shergold, NESA Chairman)
NESA has also announced that mandatory group performances for Drama and Music Extension will be scrapped and VET students will not be required to undertake work placement. All other performance examinations/assessments that breach social distancing requirements will be modified. NESA will meet again next week to further consider the needs of other subjects.
NESA has given authority to principals to modify the number, type and weighting of assessment tasks for Year 11. HSPA teachers are working on these modifications and notification will be provided asap.
HSPA is fortunate to have very experienced teaching staff, current HSC markers, senior markers and marking supervisors. We are favourably placed to meet the current challenges.
We would like to thank all families for their ongoing support through this difficult period.
Regards
Jo