CAGS principal Steve Gale said the staff has spent countless hours during the holidays planning and preparing a working model to suit the Foundation to Year 12 structure.
The school has embraced Google Classroom as its primary online sharing platform.
The school also has students logging into Microsoft Teams for a check-in with homeroom teachers each morning to engage face-to-face with students.
“We are very well aware that all students learn at different paces, families have access to various (or lack thereof) suitable internet and technology, so we knew we had to deliver our program that was flexible, but engaging,” Mr Gale said.
“The first few weeks was enormous for everyone across the state, there was no end of anxiousness from families and staff alike as we braved the unknown, but we have such an engaging and supportive school community that we knew it wouldn’t take long for us all to be moving in the right direction quickly.
“With Victorian schools now well and truly into the full swing of remote learning, CAGS staff and students have moved forward into this new phase smoothly which we are all very proud of.
“We will do whatever we are directed by (Victorian Premier) Mr (Daniel) Andrews and will manage this as best we can to ensure our families and our students are comfortable for as long as this takes.
“There has been many wonderful stories and positive experiences to come out of remote learning at our school; that really highlights our wonderful school community that is more like a family across our juniors right through to our senior students.”
An example was where a Foundation class collated a card for the Year 12 students with messages of encouragement to ensure they stay motivated.
Another was where many of the classes enjoyed a “pet parade” during homeroom where students were asked to show off their pet during their early morning online check-in, which the students loved.
Anzac Day tributes were also very special with many students and families engaged in at-home reflections for the driveway dawn services, hand-making beautiful wreaths and paying their respects together.
“The most important thing at this time is that we want our families to know we are here with them every step of the way,” Mr Gale said.
“And whilst some students will embrace their tasks and be craving and needing more, which we have aimed to provide, we certainly understand that there are others that will have days where attempting only a few small tasks is okay too.
“Teachers at CAGS have ensured they have catered for all levels of learning from home, and flexibility has been the key.
“We are truly grateful to our full-time ICT department at our school, where our staff, parents and students have had and continue to have ongoing access to Leigh Elgar and James Noonan who have been the backbone of our remote learning program in ensuring all of our students have been able to access devices and IT support.
"We have also been really proud and most impressed with our online attendance across our junior, middle and senior schools every day of term two so far.
“A true credit to our staff, but most importantly our parents and carers who have been pivotal in ensuring their children have been able to navigate this new way of life together, under all different stresses and circumstances.
“We thank each every one of our families for their support during this time and encourage them to keep doing such a terrific job.”
10°C