In March of 2020, the journey to learning had to rapidly evolve when the Alberta Government announced that face-to-face classes were cancelled.
The COVID-19 pandemic has rapidly changed the way we live our lives. For teachers and students this has been most evident as classrooms turned to virtual learning environments.
“I am very proud of the response by Clearview staff to the challenges of teaching online. Staff are being very creative and thoughtful using a variety of technologies to meet the needs of their students. We have a very excellent percentage of families participating. Schools are making extra efforts with families that are slower to respond. Schools are connecting through email, phone calls, Google meets, MyBlueprint, and SeeSaw,” said Superintendent Peter Barron.
Clearview Public Schools celebrates the success of their students, and the hard work of all Clearview staff.
School boards are committed to creating an inspired future for every child. Students get a broad range of learning to create lifelong learners who are creative and critical thinkers.
Alberta has been celebrating Education Week for over 75 years. It was established by the teaching profession to give Albertans an opportunity to celebrate education and its importance to society.
The school principals from Wm. E. Hay Stettler Secondary Campus and Big Valley School shared how their teachers and students have adapted to the new learning environment.
“The staff at Wm. E. Hay Stettler Secondary Campus and the Stettler Outreach School have truly demonstrated what it means to be consummate professionals with the ability to be flexible,” said Principal Norbert Baharally.
“With only one week to prepare classes to transition into a virtual world, our staff have really knocked it out of the park with a homerun. I couldn’t be more proud of our staff and what they have accomplished in such a short period of time amidst the COVID-19 pandemic with classes being cancelled in Alberta.
“The level of student engagement has also been very impressive with student learning continuing in the virtual world.”
Principal Charlee Mappin shared, “Teachers at Big Valley School have taken to the challenge of the online learning environment with excitement and positivity. Teachers and support staff have showcased their creativity, resourcefulness, and adaptability in a time of great stress and uncertainty.
“We are reaching out to students and parents in any way we can think of: Google Meets, phone calls, YouTube videos, group challenges, online book reading, etc.”
Students have adapted well to the new learning environment, but the online platform will never be a substitution for the face-to-face interactions that happen within schools and the classroom.
It’s a stressful time for parents and students, too. Schools, students, and parents are trying to find ways to balance at-home learning and their own family needs.
“We are hoping parents and students will continue to reach out for help and support.
“We’ve most enjoyed seeing our students and community members during our parade around the village of Big Valley. The staff at Lori’s Leather let the church bells ring loud and clear as we passed by and we were joined by our local fire chief, Lori Gordon, and her firetruck for the celebration as well.
“This simple event impacted our community more deeply than I had ever expected.”
-Submitted