The following message comes from Sydney Tearle, House Captain of Garrick House:
Hello Seward House, as we approach the end of another half term of remote learning. For all of us, working from home is a real challenge. It is difficult working without the typical, physical classroom environment with all its resources and face-to-face teaching. It has been a struggle adapting to new methods of working and a new routine. It is also very easy to get distracted at home.
Different does not have to be a bad though. Remote learning is a one-off and we will all return to normal soon. It is ok to enjoy some aspects of it. I feel as though I have been productive and at times less stressed.
I like working from the comforts of home and it can be an advantage to work to a more flexible schedule. Live Teams lessons have been brilliant. They are something new and modern, it is comforting to check in with teachers and my class, knowing that we are all in this together. I count myself incredibly lucky that I have reliable access to the internet. I know that this is not the case for everybody. I do wonder how we would all have got through this without this luxury.
We have some weeks of remote learning ahead yet. My top tips would be to take to regular breaks to maintain a good work-life balance. Create a checklist of tasks as this creates a sense of accomplishment when you can tick these off – Show My Homework is a good way of doing this. Stay healthy by drinking lots of water and getting a good night’s sleep. Keeping up to date is very important as when new tasks are set, workload is less likely to pile up and cause easily avoidable stress.
I am looking forward to a return to normal and hope to see you all soon. I am looking forward to having access to the classrooms and their resources, face-to-face teaching and learning alongside all of you.
The following message comes from Madeleine Walters, Vice-House Captain, of Garrick House:
I know lockdown can be hard and sometimes boring but the truth is that we are all being heroes. One day we will all look back on this time in history.
We all need to try our best to stay positive at this moment in time. I find the best way to do this is by communicating with friends. Even just one call a week can make you feel much better.
We all must keep positive and happy and keep following the rules as they offer us the best hope of getting out of this pandemic.
