As South Africa prepared itself for lockdown and school gates were closed across the country, the Ichthus staff gathered their term 2 books and resources and prepared to teach from home.
Turning to technology, the Ichthus school term started on 6 April as planned, with lessons being sent to parents and students via WhatsApp.
The daily lessons comprise of videos, voice notes and photographs of work covered in the syllabus including Bible devotions, Languages, Social Sciences and Mathematics, with a morning praise and worship session provided by headmistress, Helena Viljoen.
While the first day was an interesting challenge for parents, learners and teachers alike, all quickly found their groove. Completed assignments returned via WhatsApp photograph from the learners who were excited to start “home schooling” with the input from their teachers and parents.
A big thank you to our parents and care givers who have faced this challenge with love and compassion: you are all so appreciated!
We give all the glory to God for the creativity, innovation, patience and joy we have experienced in this time.
Ichthus tested the water by asking some Grade 6 and 7 learners: How do you feel about not being able to go to school?
Muhle Khambule Grade 7: I feel like I’m missing out on fun lunches, laughing together and talking. Not being able to ask a teacher a question while looking in their eyes, lacks emotion.
Amiel Laloo Grade 7: I don’t like it!
Entle Zondi Grade 6: It is kind of fun, but it makes me want to rush my work!
Teacher and mom Tarryn McMillan: As a mom I am amazed at how the teachers are putting in every effort to teach in this situation. There is evidently plenty of work behind the scenes, as lessons are put together carefully and thoughtfully.
As a teacher, it has been an interesting challenge to put my personal teaching style to the test and try and condense lessons to short videos and voice notes. I am just so grateful we have the technology and ability to have this contact with our learners and the other staff.
As a mom/teacher I am grateful to have a glimpse into my child’s daily work.
In general it is exhausting and most often overwhelming trying to plan, record, teach, be a mom, run a household and work from home under the pressure of the circumstances of a worldwide pandemic.
It is only through God’s grace that it all gets done. His strength and power and unrelenting love carry us through!
Onderwyseres Lizl Hesom: Dit is verblydend dat die kinders so goed reageer op die omwenteling, wys jou net weer hoe aanpasbaar hulle is. Dit is ‘n uitdaging, maar soos die spreekwoord sê: nood leer bid.
Onderwyseresse is ‘n baie kreatiewe spesie, ons maak dinge werk. Ek verkies natuurlik 100 maal eerder my klas met die kinders voor my! Ek mis die gesiggies!
Onderwyseres Hendrien Jordaan: Ek dink dit gaan goed met die meeste van die leerlinge. Ek mis hulle ook!
Headmistress Helena Viljoen: I am thankful to God for the opportunity to be able to teach in this current situation and I am very proud of the teachers, learners and parents!
To all our learners and parents, the team of teachers at Ichthus Christian School would like to say: We pray that God will bless you and give you strength and we thank you for your valuable input and encouragement. Like we say in Afrikaans: VASBYT!
HAVE YOUR SAY:
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