A School response to COVID19…

THE COVID19 RESPONSE FROM DHOON SCHOOL AND LAXEY SCHOOL

As many schools and school leaders have had to react to the coronavirus implications, Maxim Kelly outlines the response to COVID19 that his schools have taken.

Comprehensive home-learning offer

Since the beginning of this crisis both Dhoon and Laxey School have worked hard to provide a comprehensive home-learning offer. Information and bespoke resources are available on the school websites. We’ve opted for a package which does not rely on internet / screens and is entirely optional.

Maintaining a sense of school community

Whilst recognising that our home-learning offer is optional – we believe parents do not require the additional pressures of mandatory timetables and activities – we have been happy to “celebrate” what our families have been up to through examples and photographs on our website and social media channels, keeping our community alive & connected!

Care for key-worker / vulnerable children

Although both Dhoon School & Laxey School are closed during the COVID19 crisis, the staff teams from both schools have been re-deployed to local hubs in Rhumsaa School and Onchan School to provide care for vulnerable children and those whose parents are classed as key workers critical to the Island’s COVID19 response.

Regular and on-going communication

The federation has worked hard to stay connected with the pupils and families of both Dhoon School & Laxey School during the COVID19 crisis. Teachers have recorded video messages which have been posted to the social media channels. The website and Facebook page are regularly updated and teachers are constantly thinking about new, inventive, ways to keep in contact.

Professional and fully committed staff team

Our school staff are part of a rota system and are regularly working in the hub schools. Outside of this, our staff team is committed to working from home; planning home-learning opportunities, working on preparations for reopening when it is safe to do so, and responding to queries and questions from our families. This has included working on Bank Holidays and throughout the Easter Holidays.