La Salle Academy teachers make the most of remote learning while in lockdown

Teachers from La Salle Academy have been doing everything in their power to continue their high standards of teaching, just more remotely.

English and drama teacher Rebekah Williams said she has found the working from home order long overdue based on the current Delta outbreak in NSW.

"...it has been an odd experience travelling out of a lockdown area (Wentworth Falls) into a non lockdown area for essential work purposes for the first half of the term," she said.

For some this lockdown feels harder than the first time in April 2020 but for Ms Williams she said it's 'fifty, fifty'.

"The nature of the Pandemic is worse this time around, but in terms of delivering online learning it is not as challenging this time around as I believe teachers and students are more tech savvy based on the lockdown experience of last year," she said.

Ms Williams said that her students seem good working from home, but it was a challenging time for them.

"I feel families around the state are really feeling the lockdown and the challenges that come with it," she said.

Ms Williams said the most challenging aspect of teaching remotely was not knowing what was happening in NSW week to week.

"Also, I think it's particularly difficult to navigate children through this."

She said that she was excited to go back to face to face teaching when it was 'safe to do so'.

"I don't want to see school staff or our students being placed at risk," she said.

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Ms Williams said that La Salle has supported their students with lots of interesting online learning and being in contact with parents, with co-ordinators doing follows up when needed.

According to Ms Williams students mostly have been seeking extra clarification regarding the content of the lesson.

"When they are online on Google Classroom and they check in for a "Good Morning Miss"...but it is difficult to comprehend that most are stuck at home in Lockdown," she said.

History teacher Jonathon Coller said that he usually does quite a bit of work from home, so separating his work and home life hasn't been an issue.

"This time 'round, teaching remotely has not been so stressful because of hindsight," he said.

"The most challenging aspect is trying to help those students who need help the most.

"The interaction with the students is not the same online but it is difficult to complain. I just imagine what it would have been like if this happened when I first started teaching. Probably posting things in the mail and living in hope that students could do the work."

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Mr Coller said he thinks the kids are coping well and get a good mix of lessons through Zoom and Google Classroom so that they are not overwhelmed.

"So far, I have not had any problems with students not attending or doing their work. Most, if not all, appear to be positive and dealing with the situation really well," he said.

"I'm sure some may get restless in the weeks ahead, but that will just let them appreciate school all the more."

Mr Collers top tips would be to "Remember the mute button" and "when teaching with technology, the most important thing is the teaching, not the technology".

Religion and music teacher Mary Wright said it had been a 'tricky' balance trying to manage her time and she 'really did miss all her students and classes'.

"I think it was a bit deflating when we first heard about the lockdown, I think I'm a little more aware of the fabulous online learning resources and platforms to help us out so I found the transition much easier," she said.

Ms Wright said her students were incredibly fantastic and have been working so hard during this difficult time.

"They have been so positive with getting it all done. We are so looking forward to getting back into the classroom again," she said.

"The most challenging part is not having that personal connection, being able to just have a casual chat and catch up I am really missing that!"

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Ms Wright said she was definitely looking forward to returning to school.

"Especially all the extras that we took for granted, a simple wave or smile, the small moments that really brighten up everyone's day," she said.

She had nothing but praise for the La Salle teaching community during this time.

"Our teachers have been doing such a fabulous job. They are so creative and innovative in their lessons and took the change in delivery in their stride and just got down to it without any fuss," she said.

Ms Wright said that her students have conveyed to her that they can't wait to get back and be at school.

"They realise again how much more than a classroom La Salle is, it is our wonderful community that really makes it the best," she said.

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