SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENTVIRTUAL CLASSROOMH A N D B O O K 2 0 2 0
2 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
VIRTUAL CLASSROOMFirbankrsquos e-learning platforms provide our student with the ability to continue their Firbank Learning Journey remotely Through online connectivity Firbank can assist students to follow their timetable of class learning and provide access to teachers class resources SOC time and co-curricular activities
The following information aims to provide a learning framework for Firbankrsquos online delivery These Guidelines have been written to support staff and students in the delivery of our programs through the Virtual Classroom At Firbank we remain committed to supporting the emotional physical spiritual cultural and academic growth and achievement of our students
ldquoMany of the skills we are developing while learning in an online environment are those we know will help us in the future Collaboration self-regulation and adaptability are keys to working and living in the world of increasing fluidity and technology
Our commitment is to the education of our students We know who we are as our School motto says lsquoVincit Que Se Vincitrsquo - lsquoOne conquers who conquers oneselfrsquo - we are conquerors of self There are things we are unable to control now but we can always control our reactions and response - we can choose our attitude For us as we work together through this time the focus must be on engagement and connectionrdquo
Jenny Williams Principal
ABOVE (L - R) Kim Wheeler Head of Brighton Junior Campus Brad Nelsen Head of Sandringham Campus Jenny Williams Principal Leandra Turner Deputy Principal and Head of Senior School
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 3
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
HOW IS ONLINE DELIVERY DIFFERENT Definition continuous learning noun
A flexible online and offline approach to the design and delivery of learning and teaching that allows all students to access courses from remote location
Continuous learning (also known as blended remote distance and online learning) does not prescribe a particular pedagogical approach or framework but has the potential to support student-centred and driven approaches to personalised learning growth and achievement
In this time of isolation our mandate to ldquoknow value and carerdquo for our students is even more evident Keeping our students connected and engaged are the foundations of online learning at Firbank Educators around the world have been working and collaborating to look at an online learning model for schools The key ideas that they have identified are bull less is more ndash clear is kind bull relationships are essential bull collaborative learning is necessary bull combine synchronous and asynchronous learning
LESS IS MORE ndash CLEAR IS KINDWith the expert and hard-working IT team we have purposely kept to two key platforms for online delivery This is to maintain security and online safety The key platforms are bull Firefly for content and curriculum storage bull Microsoft Teams for virtual classroom delivery and communication
After heeding feedback from our staff and students last term and watching what educators around the world are suggesting we need to be mindful of what is best for learning with regards to curriculum content delivery Much commentary has suggested that we need to refrain from setting lsquobusyrsquo work and delivering large amounts of content We do not learn well this way online and this maladaptive strategy is harmful to studentsrsquo and teachersrsquo health and wellbeing Learning online is much more than keeping our students busy with work to do Learning should be engaging and interactive a mix of synchronous and asynchronous and all balanced with time for wellbeing
4 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
RELATIONSHIPS ARE ESSENTIAL In order to maintain connection and engagement ongoing and meaningful teacher presence online is vital The following should be noted bull Students need to know when and how to access support from their teacherbull Creating a supportive and connected online community is vital for continuous
learningbull Communication and connection are essential
Through a culture of care and support at Firbank we strive to foster resilient relationships Just as we do on campus we continue to work in partnerships with our students and community to ensure that all our relationships embody trust forgiveness integrity hope and compassion Maintaining these strong relationships are crucial for wellbeing and learning as we continue to work remotely
COLLABORATIVE LEARNING IS NECESSARYMeaningful collaboration in an online environment enhances student learning much more than individual learning Collaborative learning provides authentic methods for students to interact stay connected and engage with their learning working with their peers to solve a problem complete a task or create a product has social psychological academic and assessment benefits It is through collaboration we can build our networking skills
COMBINING SYNCHRONOUS AND ASYNCHRONOUS LEARNING
Syncronous vs Asyncronous
SYNCHRONOUS ASYNCHRONOUS
Instructor facilitated Self-directed self-paced
Requires all participants to be virtually present at the same time
Does not require all participants to be virtually present at the same time
Scheduled and timed online tests virtual classrooms web conferencing technology
and interactive shared whiteboards
Uses message boards discussion groups and self-paced courses
With online delivery learning becomes more asynchronous with class activities not always taking place in real time and face-to-face Students can sometimes complete the learning tasks within a different schedule giving more time for them to reflect and understand the material Synchronous learning is still a very importance part of continuous delivery It provides a structure through which students and teachers can work together remain connected check understanding provide direct delivery of content and instruction and give feedback
Evidence suggests that online delivery works best as a system of different interrelated components that vary according to context age and key learning areas Together these components (shown in Figure 1) foster a learning community that is driven by pedagogy incorporates a range of activities and enables flexible delivery These components can be adapted combined or excluded as required Using this model allows us to customise our content delivery
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 5
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
Adapted From lthttpswwwaitsleduauresearchspotlightwhat-works-in-online-distance-teaching-and-learninggt
Figure 1 Integrated Model of onlinedistance education (Adapted from Picciano 2017 p182)
Content(LMS CMC
Media Games)
Learning Community
Collaboration Student Generated
Content(Wiki Mobile Tech)
Reflection(Blog Journal)
Social Emotional(Face-To-Face Teaching Tutoring Advisement)
Self-Paced Independent
Study(Adaptive Software)
Evaluation Assessment
(Assignments Learning Analytics)
Dialectic Questioning
(Discussion Board)
6 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
A week of lessons might look like
Lesson 1 2 3 4
Before the lesson begins
Open all the documents and apps yoursquoll need
First 10 minutes
Greet the class ndash mark the roll ndash use a brain break or warm up ndash set out the learning intentions for the lesson
30 minutes Share an instructional video introducing a new conceptskill assessment
Revise ndash check for understanding
Students continue with self-directed learning with the classroom teacher checking in with different groups or individuals
Students continue with self-directed learning with the classroom teacher checking in with different groups or individuals
End of week quiz
Explainprovide examples
Set up work expectations of an activityassessment collaborative task
Discuss and answer questions
Provide an exemplar ndash set up groups Students start to work independentlyin collaborative teams
Last 10 minutes
Summariseuse an exit card Plan for next lesson Suggest a breakphysical movement Say goodbye
The following instructions have been given to Senior School students to help them access their virtual classrooms
1 Check your timetable Classes will run as per the on-campus times NOTE there is no morning mentor session Use these 10 minutes to prepare for the day
2 Be logged in and at your device a few minutes before the scheduled class time 3 To avoid being interrupted use headphones if you have them 4 Go to One Login httpsfirbankonelogincom5 Click on the Office 365 tile 6 Click on Teams (if the Teams icon is not visible click on the ldquoall apps arrowrdquo) 7 Find your ldquoteamrdquo for your scheduled class 8 At the scheduled class time your teacher will start a meeting and a ldquomeeting nowrdquo
message will come up in your class team chat 9 Click on ldquojoinrdquo This will take you to the ldquolobbyrdquo 10 Please make sure you then turn off the camera and mic via the toggle buttons This is
an important step as the whole session will be recorded Click on ldquojoin nowrdquo You will then see your teacher and you are in the virtual classroom
11 Keep your microphone and camera off unless your teacher instructs otherwise12 You can open the chat window to ask questions
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 7
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
BE A GOOD DIGITAL CITIZEN ONLINE CLASSROOM ETIQUETTETo enable students to continue their studies online during the time where they are not physically at school Firbank has provided them with a new university-level teaching and learning environment using Microsoft Teams With this additional freedom to contribute however comes an additional responsibility to behave appropriately and show good online classroom etiquette
ADVICE TO STUDENTS bull When entering your online class ensure that your camera and microphone are
switched off unless your teacher instructs otherwise This will allow you to focus on the lesson and your teacher without getting distracted
bull Just because you could doesnrsquot mean you should As yoursquoll often be working in a fully collaborative space where all members can present you may see additional buttons controls or options in your online class (such as the ldquotake controlrdquo option) In the same way that you wouldnrsquot walk over to someonersquos desk in class and start making changes to their laptop donrsquot disrupt others in your digital classrooms
bull At the end of your online class make sure that you leave the class a soon as possible Your teachers need to close your digital classrooms as soon as the lesson has completed Help them out by exiting the online classroom as soon as the lesson has finished ndash unless yoursquove been instructed to remain
r
a
8 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
SENIOR SCHOOLHINTS AND TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL VIRTUAL CLASSROOM LEARNING
bull Where possible students should follow the assigned timetable
bull Ensure that other technology is turned off within the home to reduce distractions
bull As per our ICT guidelines (located in the Student Diary) - Families are encouraged to closely supervise the technology that your child is using Firbank recommends that students learn in a visible space rather than in a bedroom so that adults can supervise the technology
bull Set up a clean and spacious work-station in a public place in your home
bull During the school day (840 am - 330 pm) we request that students do not connectcommunicate with each other through any social media including facetimegroup chatsTIKTOK etc
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 9
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
VIRTUAL CLASSROOM PRINCIPLES FOR STUDENTSbull Be aware that when communicating online sometimes words phrases and lsquoin-jokesrsquo
are not understood and appreciated in the same way as face-to-face bull Try to always add value with your contributions bull Uphold the values of the school community and our Relationships and Engagement
Commitment bull Understand and adhere to all appropriate ICT use and interactions guidelines found
in the front pages of the school diarybull Take responsibility to reflect on your learning and check in with your teachers when
necessary bull Always ask questions when clarity is needed bull Be conscious of the environment and space you are learning in It might be important
to create a physical and mental separation from our schoolwork and our lsquohome timersquo Shift mindsets between work and rest by getting dressed for your day
bull Respect the time that has been scheduled for you to learn together Be online on time
bull Develop ways to self-regulate maintain wellbeing and balance time between online and offline
bull Stay hydrated and nourish your body bull Look for opportunities to meditate be active and have lsquobrain breaksrsquo through the day
VIRTUAL LEARNING PRINCIPLES FOR PARENTSbull Support your child in developing self-regulation bull Help them to balance time between online and offline being conscious of social
connection and wellbeing needs bull Encourage good hydration habits opportunities for mindfulness medications
physical activities and ldquobrain breaksrdquo through the day bull Encourage your child to remain connected with teachers mentors Wellbeing Leaders
and support staff bull Help establish a daily routine bull If possible provide a designated workspace with limited distractions bull Encourage your child to self-manage learning timelines and due dates bull Encourage your child to complete all their work with integrity and academic honesty bull Please connect and communicate with the school if you have any questions or
concerns bull Give your child space to lsquobersquo in their classes without constant scrutiny
10 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
INDIVIDUAL LEARNING NEEDS Students who need individual learning strategies will be supported by our Learning Support Aides when their classes are timetabled - they will form part of the virtual classroom and assist whichever students need extra support (this will include assistance such as scribing for assessments where needed and answering and explaining questions as they would do in the regular classroom)
We are committed to ensuring that students in our care who have individual learning challenges are appropriately supported
ASSESSMENT GUIDELINES AND SUBMISSION
Students will continue to receive feedback and complete assessments online Assessment will conducted through Microsoft Teams with our assessments being delivered in real time with the teacher watching the students undertaking their assessment tasks through either Firefly or OneNote platforms - the expected conditions and rules that apply for assessment tasks will apply when using the remote platform In this way teachers will be able to authenticate studentsrsquo work as effectively as possible without having students physically present Importantly this continues to give students practice in timed assessments from which they will receive valuable feedback from their teachers
bull Assessment are to be delivered using Firefly tasks and Classroom Notebook bull Students submit assessment via Firefly Classroom Notebook and Office Lens bull Email if necessary
All assessment tasks will continue to also be reported upon through our usual progressive reporting method so that parents and students can discuss progress and strategies needed for enhancing academic performance
VCE assessment and SAC calendar dates will remain as we work remotely Specific information regarding the SAC will be given to students by their classroom teachers
ATTENDANCE Every lesson will have the Attendance Roll marked as is the case when students are at school and these will be monitored in the usual way with the expectation of students always being in their remote learning class unless unwell or with an important appointment that their parents have notified the school about
For VCE Students In keeping with our regular school protocols if a student cannot undertake a SAC on the scheduled day due to illness then parents should email their teacher and Wellbeing Leader so that their absence can be officially recorded and their SAC rescheduled through our VCE coordinator jansteefirbankviceduau
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 11
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
WELLBEINGAt Firbank we acknowledge and promote the key role that wellbeing plays in ensuring that students can learn As we move into learning remotely Firbank will continue to ensure that we do our best to support the wellbeing of our students
Year Level Wellbeing Leaders with their teams of mentors foster and facilitate the wellbeing of our students in each year level and they will continue to ensure that the needs of all students are cared for within a supportive environment If you have a wellbeing concern please email your Wellbeing Leader
Students have been sent a link to the Senior School Wellbeing page on Fireflyhttpsfirbankfireflycloudnetausenior-school-well-being
This resource is for staff and students to access information strategies and support to care for the wellbeing of our community Information about mental health mindfulness connectedness and scheduling health breaks while learning remotely will be posted and updated
STUDENT SUPPORT DURING REMOTE LEARNING
During this period of remote learning our aim is to maintain the connections and support we can give our students whilst ensuring the adherence to key online usage duty of care and child safe polices In the senior school during remote learning there are three main reasons for a 11 meeting1 a session with the school psychologistschool counsellor2 a meeting with learning support teachers and aides3 a check in with a wellbeing leader
SCHOOL COUNSELLING SESSIONS
Our School Psychologist and Counsellor will be continuing to provide counselling supports to students as required during this period of remote delivery
Appointments will be available within the same time periods as during regular school operating hours (830 am - 330pm) and term dates
Days of work areJenny Vincent-Green Monday - FridaySally Gorton Tuesday - Thursday
Students with pre-arranged appointments will be given priority New requests will be assessed as to whether the presenting issue and level of associated risk is appropriate to be managed remotely In the event that the presenting issue needs face-to-face management a referral to a provider within the community will be suggested This also applies in the event that a pre-existing clientrsquos presentation changes to the extent that remote support is no longer appropriate Please note that these providers may be similarly affected by the current public health conditions and a referral is not a guarantee that these providers will be able to see your child
12 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
The following information will be sent within the body of appointment invitation to say by accepting the invite you have read and understood the privacy and confidentiality considerations
IMPORTANT PLEASE READ BEFORE ACCEPTING
REMOTE COUNSELLING SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER
PrivacyMake sure you are in a private place for your session Your PsychologistCounsellor will take reasonable steps at their end to protect your privacy but you have responsibility to ensure your privacy at your end Make sure that you are in a place where others can not hear your conversation or see your screen If this is difficult to ensure please let your PsychologistCounsellor know
DistractionsPlease minimise distractions during your session This includes not playing games sending messages other activities during your session Treat your counselling appointment as you would a face-to-face session your PsychologistCounsellor will do likewise
Confidentiality and SafetyIn the event that your psychologist or counsellor is concerned about your safety or the safety of another student the usual limitations around confidentiality exist Information regarding risk and safety will be shared with an adult who is able to monitor your safety or the safety of the student concerned
By accepting the appointment invitation you agree that you have read and understand the above If you are unsure please ask a parent to help you understand or reply by email to me with any questions
MAKING AN APPOINTMENTAppointment times can be arranged via direct email request to the School Psychologist and Counsellor jvincentgreenfirbankviceduau andsgortonfirbankviceduau
Senior School students will receive an appointment invitation via Outlook Any real-time lessons scheduled will take precedence
As always our team are available to support parents in regard to their childrenrsquos wellbeing Parents may request a call or video conference via the above email addresses
HOW THE SESSIONS WILL WORKIf students would like a video session the psychologist or counsellor will connect with the student via the video conferencing function within Microsoft Teams at the time advised in a meeting invitation
Students will be advised as to privacy and confidentiality considerations and encouraged to take the video conference in a private location Many families have rules at home about phones and devices in bedrooms or other private places so this will need to be discussed with your child in the event that they choose to access counselling support
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 13
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
WELLBEING LEADER CHATS
Year Level Wellbeing Leaders with their teams of mentors foster and facilitate the wellbeing of our students in each year level and they will continue to ensure that the needs of all students are cared for within a supportive environment If students have a wellbeing concern they can email their Wellbeing Leader to make a time for a chat Wellbeing leaders may also initiate a check in with one of the students in their year level
The following information will be sent within the body of the calendar invitation
IMPORTANT PLEASE READ BEFORE ACCEPTING CALENDAR INVITE FOR THIS CATCH UPbull Make sure you are in a quiet place Your Wellbeing Leader will take reasonable steps
at their end to protect your privacy but you have responsibility to ensure your privacy at your end
bull Please minimise distractions during your session This includes not playing games sending messages other activities during your session Treat this conversation as you would a face-to-face session
bull Confidentiality and Safety In the event that your Wellbeing Leader is concerned about your safety or the safety of another student the usual limitations around confidentiality exist Information regarding risk and safety will be shared with an adult who is able to monitor your safety or the safety of the student concerned
bull Use a backdrop during the meetingbull Follow the standard guidelines for video conferencing outlined in the FGS Virtual
Classroom Handbook
By accepting the appointment invitation you agree that you have read and understand the above If you are unsure please ask a parent to help you understand or reply by email to me with any questions
LEARNING SUPPORT APPOINTMENTS
Families of students with identified individual learning needs have been emailed the letter on the left A request for permission has been posted on Consent2Go
14 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
CLASSROOM TEACHER ACADEMIC SUPPORT
The direct chat feature between educators and students is disabled in our Teams environment The main reason for this is an e-safety preventative measure Classroom teachers can conduct audio chats with a group of students but will not be conducting 11 video audio or chat sessions with a student If for example staff wanted to talk through an assessment or personally explain a concept and the best way to do this requires a discussion this can be achieved through a small group audio discussion These discussions can take place with a minimum of 3 people Staff can email the group with a Teams calendar invite In order for students to connect and engage with each other they are able to turn their video on when they are in groups in ldquohangoutrdquo channels within a Teams classroom meeting The video of these channels will not be recorded Please remember that students should keep their videos for all recorded lessons (with the exception of SACs where the recorded videos will not be posted onto Firefly)
The following information will be sent within the body of the calendar invitation
IMPORTANT PLEASE READ BEFORE ACCEPTING CALENDAR INVITE FOR THIS CATCH UPbull The purpose of this meeting is to support your learningbull The minimum number of participants in this session is 3 peoplebull Make sure you are in a quiet placebull Please make sure your video is switched offbull Please minimise distractions during your session This includes not playing games
sending messages other activities during your session Treat this conversation as you would on campus
bull Follow the standard guidelines for video conferencing outlined in the FGS Virtual Classroom Handbook
bull By accepting the appointment invitation you agree that you have read and understand the above If you are unsure please ask a parent to help you understand or reply by email to me with any questions
ADVICE FROM THE E-SAFETY COMMISSION
Using social media and online collaboration platforms Communication and content should always reflect professional staffstudent or staffparentcarer relationships Regardless of the current global events it is important for staff to bull follow the normal school procedures and codes of conduct bull only use school-authorised accounts or platforms when corresponding with students
and parentscarers bull maintain professional boundaries on social media and avoid sharing personal mobile
numbers or accepting or requesting students or parents carers as lsquofriendsrsquo on personal accounts
bull understand your schoolrsquos reporting and referral procedures for disclosures and duty of care concerns
httpswwwesafetygovauabout-usblogcovid-19-keeping-schools-and-learning-safe-online
COVID19 RESOURCES FOR FAMILIESbull How parents can talk to kids about the coronavirus (video)
httpsfirbankvicschooltvmewellbeing_newsspecial-report-coronavirusbull Tips from the Australian Psychological Society for coping with coronavirus anxiety
httpswwwpsychologyorgaugetmedia38073179-4701-48bd-afd9-988c560ee2f920APS-IS-COVID-19-P1pdf
bull This website has a range of resources on coping with anxiety meditations and podcast discussions httpswwwtenpercentcomcoronavirussanityguide
These services all provide counselling by phone and via text chatbull Kids Help Line 1800 55 1800
httpskidshelplinecomauget-helpwebchat-counsellingbull Headspace
httpsheadspaceorgaueheadspacebull Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
httpswwwbeyondblueorgauget-supportnational-help-lines-and-websitesbull Lifeline 13 11 14
httpswwwlifelineorgau
16 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
REFERENCE LIST 1 Aitsl (2020) Spotlight What Works in OnlineDistance Teaching and Learning
Retrieved from httpswwwaitsleduauresearchspotlightwhat-works-in-online-distance-teaching-and-learning
2 Beyer W Minshall C amp Vennesland K (2020) Tips for success in online learning [PDF] Retrieved from httpswwwqueensucaacademicsonlinelearning
3 Brown B (2018) Dare to Lead London Ebury 4 Centre for Innovation Research Creativity and Leadership in Education A SCHOOL
FOR TOMORROW ndash CONTINUOUS LEARNING TOOLKIT [PDF] Retrieved from httpscircleeducationcircles-research-in-education
5 Department of Education and Training State of Victoria (2020) High Impact Teaching Strategies [PDF] Retrieved from httpswwweducationvicgovauschoolteachersteachingresourcespracticeimprovePageshitsaspx
6 Hattie J amp Corwin SAGE Company (2019) Visible Learning 250+Influences on Student Achievement [PDF] Retrieved from httpswwwvisiblelearningcomresources
7 National Standards for Quality Online Teaching (nsqol) amp Quality Matters and Virtual Leadership Alliance (2020) Httpswwwnsqolorgthe-standardsquality-online -teaching Retrieved from httpswwwnsqolorgthe-standardsquality-online -teaching
8 OrsquoBrien ML (2020) Learning in the time of COVID-19 Retrieved from httpswwwmlobriencomlearning-in-the-time-of-c ovid-19
9 Prestridge S Dr amp Cox D (2020) School teachers rapid response and How teachers are moving online Retrieved from httpswwwteachingonlinecomauschool-teachers
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 17
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
KEY CONTACTSparenthelpdeskfirbankviceduau
Staff are available to be contacted by their Firbank email addresses
For Queries Abouthellip Email
Learning activities and assessment Your classroom teacher
Student related technology problem or issue
IT helpdesk helpdeskfirbankviceduau
A personal or social-emotional concern Your Mentor or Wellbeing Leader
All other queries and information parenthelpdeskfirbankviceduau
18 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
51 Outer Crescent Brighton Vic 3186 bull ELC - Year 12 bull Girls Campus 45 Royal Avenue Sandringham Vic 3191 bull ELC - Year 6 bull Co-educational Campus
firbankviceduau bull CRICOS Provider No 00140K
2 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
VIRTUAL CLASSROOMFirbankrsquos e-learning platforms provide our student with the ability to continue their Firbank Learning Journey remotely Through online connectivity Firbank can assist students to follow their timetable of class learning and provide access to teachers class resources SOC time and co-curricular activities
The following information aims to provide a learning framework for Firbankrsquos online delivery These Guidelines have been written to support staff and students in the delivery of our programs through the Virtual Classroom At Firbank we remain committed to supporting the emotional physical spiritual cultural and academic growth and achievement of our students
ldquoMany of the skills we are developing while learning in an online environment are those we know will help us in the future Collaboration self-regulation and adaptability are keys to working and living in the world of increasing fluidity and technology
Our commitment is to the education of our students We know who we are as our School motto says lsquoVincit Que Se Vincitrsquo - lsquoOne conquers who conquers oneselfrsquo - we are conquerors of self There are things we are unable to control now but we can always control our reactions and response - we can choose our attitude For us as we work together through this time the focus must be on engagement and connectionrdquo
Jenny Williams Principal
ABOVE (L - R) Kim Wheeler Head of Brighton Junior Campus Brad Nelsen Head of Sandringham Campus Jenny Williams Principal Leandra Turner Deputy Principal and Head of Senior School
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 3
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
HOW IS ONLINE DELIVERY DIFFERENT Definition continuous learning noun
A flexible online and offline approach to the design and delivery of learning and teaching that allows all students to access courses from remote location
Continuous learning (also known as blended remote distance and online learning) does not prescribe a particular pedagogical approach or framework but has the potential to support student-centred and driven approaches to personalised learning growth and achievement
In this time of isolation our mandate to ldquoknow value and carerdquo for our students is even more evident Keeping our students connected and engaged are the foundations of online learning at Firbank Educators around the world have been working and collaborating to look at an online learning model for schools The key ideas that they have identified are bull less is more ndash clear is kind bull relationships are essential bull collaborative learning is necessary bull combine synchronous and asynchronous learning
LESS IS MORE ndash CLEAR IS KINDWith the expert and hard-working IT team we have purposely kept to two key platforms for online delivery This is to maintain security and online safety The key platforms are bull Firefly for content and curriculum storage bull Microsoft Teams for virtual classroom delivery and communication
After heeding feedback from our staff and students last term and watching what educators around the world are suggesting we need to be mindful of what is best for learning with regards to curriculum content delivery Much commentary has suggested that we need to refrain from setting lsquobusyrsquo work and delivering large amounts of content We do not learn well this way online and this maladaptive strategy is harmful to studentsrsquo and teachersrsquo health and wellbeing Learning online is much more than keeping our students busy with work to do Learning should be engaging and interactive a mix of synchronous and asynchronous and all balanced with time for wellbeing
4 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
RELATIONSHIPS ARE ESSENTIAL In order to maintain connection and engagement ongoing and meaningful teacher presence online is vital The following should be noted bull Students need to know when and how to access support from their teacherbull Creating a supportive and connected online community is vital for continuous
learningbull Communication and connection are essential
Through a culture of care and support at Firbank we strive to foster resilient relationships Just as we do on campus we continue to work in partnerships with our students and community to ensure that all our relationships embody trust forgiveness integrity hope and compassion Maintaining these strong relationships are crucial for wellbeing and learning as we continue to work remotely
COLLABORATIVE LEARNING IS NECESSARYMeaningful collaboration in an online environment enhances student learning much more than individual learning Collaborative learning provides authentic methods for students to interact stay connected and engage with their learning working with their peers to solve a problem complete a task or create a product has social psychological academic and assessment benefits It is through collaboration we can build our networking skills
COMBINING SYNCHRONOUS AND ASYNCHRONOUS LEARNING
Syncronous vs Asyncronous
SYNCHRONOUS ASYNCHRONOUS
Instructor facilitated Self-directed self-paced
Requires all participants to be virtually present at the same time
Does not require all participants to be virtually present at the same time
Scheduled and timed online tests virtual classrooms web conferencing technology
and interactive shared whiteboards
Uses message boards discussion groups and self-paced courses
With online delivery learning becomes more asynchronous with class activities not always taking place in real time and face-to-face Students can sometimes complete the learning tasks within a different schedule giving more time for them to reflect and understand the material Synchronous learning is still a very importance part of continuous delivery It provides a structure through which students and teachers can work together remain connected check understanding provide direct delivery of content and instruction and give feedback
Evidence suggests that online delivery works best as a system of different interrelated components that vary according to context age and key learning areas Together these components (shown in Figure 1) foster a learning community that is driven by pedagogy incorporates a range of activities and enables flexible delivery These components can be adapted combined or excluded as required Using this model allows us to customise our content delivery
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 5
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
Adapted From lthttpswwwaitsleduauresearchspotlightwhat-works-in-online-distance-teaching-and-learninggt
Figure 1 Integrated Model of onlinedistance education (Adapted from Picciano 2017 p182)
Content(LMS CMC
Media Games)
Learning Community
Collaboration Student Generated
Content(Wiki Mobile Tech)
Reflection(Blog Journal)
Social Emotional(Face-To-Face Teaching Tutoring Advisement)
Self-Paced Independent
Study(Adaptive Software)
Evaluation Assessment
(Assignments Learning Analytics)
Dialectic Questioning
(Discussion Board)
6 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
A week of lessons might look like
Lesson 1 2 3 4
Before the lesson begins
Open all the documents and apps yoursquoll need
First 10 minutes
Greet the class ndash mark the roll ndash use a brain break or warm up ndash set out the learning intentions for the lesson
30 minutes Share an instructional video introducing a new conceptskill assessment
Revise ndash check for understanding
Students continue with self-directed learning with the classroom teacher checking in with different groups or individuals
Students continue with self-directed learning with the classroom teacher checking in with different groups or individuals
End of week quiz
Explainprovide examples
Set up work expectations of an activityassessment collaborative task
Discuss and answer questions
Provide an exemplar ndash set up groups Students start to work independentlyin collaborative teams
Last 10 minutes
Summariseuse an exit card Plan for next lesson Suggest a breakphysical movement Say goodbye
The following instructions have been given to Senior School students to help them access their virtual classrooms
1 Check your timetable Classes will run as per the on-campus times NOTE there is no morning mentor session Use these 10 minutes to prepare for the day
2 Be logged in and at your device a few minutes before the scheduled class time 3 To avoid being interrupted use headphones if you have them 4 Go to One Login httpsfirbankonelogincom5 Click on the Office 365 tile 6 Click on Teams (if the Teams icon is not visible click on the ldquoall apps arrowrdquo) 7 Find your ldquoteamrdquo for your scheduled class 8 At the scheduled class time your teacher will start a meeting and a ldquomeeting nowrdquo
message will come up in your class team chat 9 Click on ldquojoinrdquo This will take you to the ldquolobbyrdquo 10 Please make sure you then turn off the camera and mic via the toggle buttons This is
an important step as the whole session will be recorded Click on ldquojoin nowrdquo You will then see your teacher and you are in the virtual classroom
11 Keep your microphone and camera off unless your teacher instructs otherwise12 You can open the chat window to ask questions
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 7
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
BE A GOOD DIGITAL CITIZEN ONLINE CLASSROOM ETIQUETTETo enable students to continue their studies online during the time where they are not physically at school Firbank has provided them with a new university-level teaching and learning environment using Microsoft Teams With this additional freedom to contribute however comes an additional responsibility to behave appropriately and show good online classroom etiquette
ADVICE TO STUDENTS bull When entering your online class ensure that your camera and microphone are
switched off unless your teacher instructs otherwise This will allow you to focus on the lesson and your teacher without getting distracted
bull Just because you could doesnrsquot mean you should As yoursquoll often be working in a fully collaborative space where all members can present you may see additional buttons controls or options in your online class (such as the ldquotake controlrdquo option) In the same way that you wouldnrsquot walk over to someonersquos desk in class and start making changes to their laptop donrsquot disrupt others in your digital classrooms
bull At the end of your online class make sure that you leave the class a soon as possible Your teachers need to close your digital classrooms as soon as the lesson has completed Help them out by exiting the online classroom as soon as the lesson has finished ndash unless yoursquove been instructed to remain
r
a
8 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
SENIOR SCHOOLHINTS AND TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL VIRTUAL CLASSROOM LEARNING
bull Where possible students should follow the assigned timetable
bull Ensure that other technology is turned off within the home to reduce distractions
bull As per our ICT guidelines (located in the Student Diary) - Families are encouraged to closely supervise the technology that your child is using Firbank recommends that students learn in a visible space rather than in a bedroom so that adults can supervise the technology
bull Set up a clean and spacious work-station in a public place in your home
bull During the school day (840 am - 330 pm) we request that students do not connectcommunicate with each other through any social media including facetimegroup chatsTIKTOK etc
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 9
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
VIRTUAL CLASSROOM PRINCIPLES FOR STUDENTSbull Be aware that when communicating online sometimes words phrases and lsquoin-jokesrsquo
are not understood and appreciated in the same way as face-to-face bull Try to always add value with your contributions bull Uphold the values of the school community and our Relationships and Engagement
Commitment bull Understand and adhere to all appropriate ICT use and interactions guidelines found
in the front pages of the school diarybull Take responsibility to reflect on your learning and check in with your teachers when
necessary bull Always ask questions when clarity is needed bull Be conscious of the environment and space you are learning in It might be important
to create a physical and mental separation from our schoolwork and our lsquohome timersquo Shift mindsets between work and rest by getting dressed for your day
bull Respect the time that has been scheduled for you to learn together Be online on time
bull Develop ways to self-regulate maintain wellbeing and balance time between online and offline
bull Stay hydrated and nourish your body bull Look for opportunities to meditate be active and have lsquobrain breaksrsquo through the day
VIRTUAL LEARNING PRINCIPLES FOR PARENTSbull Support your child in developing self-regulation bull Help them to balance time between online and offline being conscious of social
connection and wellbeing needs bull Encourage good hydration habits opportunities for mindfulness medications
physical activities and ldquobrain breaksrdquo through the day bull Encourage your child to remain connected with teachers mentors Wellbeing Leaders
and support staff bull Help establish a daily routine bull If possible provide a designated workspace with limited distractions bull Encourage your child to self-manage learning timelines and due dates bull Encourage your child to complete all their work with integrity and academic honesty bull Please connect and communicate with the school if you have any questions or
concerns bull Give your child space to lsquobersquo in their classes without constant scrutiny
10 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
INDIVIDUAL LEARNING NEEDS Students who need individual learning strategies will be supported by our Learning Support Aides when their classes are timetabled - they will form part of the virtual classroom and assist whichever students need extra support (this will include assistance such as scribing for assessments where needed and answering and explaining questions as they would do in the regular classroom)
We are committed to ensuring that students in our care who have individual learning challenges are appropriately supported
ASSESSMENT GUIDELINES AND SUBMISSION
Students will continue to receive feedback and complete assessments online Assessment will conducted through Microsoft Teams with our assessments being delivered in real time with the teacher watching the students undertaking their assessment tasks through either Firefly or OneNote platforms - the expected conditions and rules that apply for assessment tasks will apply when using the remote platform In this way teachers will be able to authenticate studentsrsquo work as effectively as possible without having students physically present Importantly this continues to give students practice in timed assessments from which they will receive valuable feedback from their teachers
bull Assessment are to be delivered using Firefly tasks and Classroom Notebook bull Students submit assessment via Firefly Classroom Notebook and Office Lens bull Email if necessary
All assessment tasks will continue to also be reported upon through our usual progressive reporting method so that parents and students can discuss progress and strategies needed for enhancing academic performance
VCE assessment and SAC calendar dates will remain as we work remotely Specific information regarding the SAC will be given to students by their classroom teachers
ATTENDANCE Every lesson will have the Attendance Roll marked as is the case when students are at school and these will be monitored in the usual way with the expectation of students always being in their remote learning class unless unwell or with an important appointment that their parents have notified the school about
For VCE Students In keeping with our regular school protocols if a student cannot undertake a SAC on the scheduled day due to illness then parents should email their teacher and Wellbeing Leader so that their absence can be officially recorded and their SAC rescheduled through our VCE coordinator jansteefirbankviceduau
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 11
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
WELLBEINGAt Firbank we acknowledge and promote the key role that wellbeing plays in ensuring that students can learn As we move into learning remotely Firbank will continue to ensure that we do our best to support the wellbeing of our students
Year Level Wellbeing Leaders with their teams of mentors foster and facilitate the wellbeing of our students in each year level and they will continue to ensure that the needs of all students are cared for within a supportive environment If you have a wellbeing concern please email your Wellbeing Leader
Students have been sent a link to the Senior School Wellbeing page on Fireflyhttpsfirbankfireflycloudnetausenior-school-well-being
This resource is for staff and students to access information strategies and support to care for the wellbeing of our community Information about mental health mindfulness connectedness and scheduling health breaks while learning remotely will be posted and updated
STUDENT SUPPORT DURING REMOTE LEARNING
During this period of remote learning our aim is to maintain the connections and support we can give our students whilst ensuring the adherence to key online usage duty of care and child safe polices In the senior school during remote learning there are three main reasons for a 11 meeting1 a session with the school psychologistschool counsellor2 a meeting with learning support teachers and aides3 a check in with a wellbeing leader
SCHOOL COUNSELLING SESSIONS
Our School Psychologist and Counsellor will be continuing to provide counselling supports to students as required during this period of remote delivery
Appointments will be available within the same time periods as during regular school operating hours (830 am - 330pm) and term dates
Days of work areJenny Vincent-Green Monday - FridaySally Gorton Tuesday - Thursday
Students with pre-arranged appointments will be given priority New requests will be assessed as to whether the presenting issue and level of associated risk is appropriate to be managed remotely In the event that the presenting issue needs face-to-face management a referral to a provider within the community will be suggested This also applies in the event that a pre-existing clientrsquos presentation changes to the extent that remote support is no longer appropriate Please note that these providers may be similarly affected by the current public health conditions and a referral is not a guarantee that these providers will be able to see your child
12 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
The following information will be sent within the body of appointment invitation to say by accepting the invite you have read and understood the privacy and confidentiality considerations
IMPORTANT PLEASE READ BEFORE ACCEPTING
REMOTE COUNSELLING SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER
PrivacyMake sure you are in a private place for your session Your PsychologistCounsellor will take reasonable steps at their end to protect your privacy but you have responsibility to ensure your privacy at your end Make sure that you are in a place where others can not hear your conversation or see your screen If this is difficult to ensure please let your PsychologistCounsellor know
DistractionsPlease minimise distractions during your session This includes not playing games sending messages other activities during your session Treat your counselling appointment as you would a face-to-face session your PsychologistCounsellor will do likewise
Confidentiality and SafetyIn the event that your psychologist or counsellor is concerned about your safety or the safety of another student the usual limitations around confidentiality exist Information regarding risk and safety will be shared with an adult who is able to monitor your safety or the safety of the student concerned
By accepting the appointment invitation you agree that you have read and understand the above If you are unsure please ask a parent to help you understand or reply by email to me with any questions
MAKING AN APPOINTMENTAppointment times can be arranged via direct email request to the School Psychologist and Counsellor jvincentgreenfirbankviceduau andsgortonfirbankviceduau
Senior School students will receive an appointment invitation via Outlook Any real-time lessons scheduled will take precedence
As always our team are available to support parents in regard to their childrenrsquos wellbeing Parents may request a call or video conference via the above email addresses
HOW THE SESSIONS WILL WORKIf students would like a video session the psychologist or counsellor will connect with the student via the video conferencing function within Microsoft Teams at the time advised in a meeting invitation
Students will be advised as to privacy and confidentiality considerations and encouraged to take the video conference in a private location Many families have rules at home about phones and devices in bedrooms or other private places so this will need to be discussed with your child in the event that they choose to access counselling support
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 13
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
WELLBEING LEADER CHATS
Year Level Wellbeing Leaders with their teams of mentors foster and facilitate the wellbeing of our students in each year level and they will continue to ensure that the needs of all students are cared for within a supportive environment If students have a wellbeing concern they can email their Wellbeing Leader to make a time for a chat Wellbeing leaders may also initiate a check in with one of the students in their year level
The following information will be sent within the body of the calendar invitation
IMPORTANT PLEASE READ BEFORE ACCEPTING CALENDAR INVITE FOR THIS CATCH UPbull Make sure you are in a quiet place Your Wellbeing Leader will take reasonable steps
at their end to protect your privacy but you have responsibility to ensure your privacy at your end
bull Please minimise distractions during your session This includes not playing games sending messages other activities during your session Treat this conversation as you would a face-to-face session
bull Confidentiality and Safety In the event that your Wellbeing Leader is concerned about your safety or the safety of another student the usual limitations around confidentiality exist Information regarding risk and safety will be shared with an adult who is able to monitor your safety or the safety of the student concerned
bull Use a backdrop during the meetingbull Follow the standard guidelines for video conferencing outlined in the FGS Virtual
Classroom Handbook
By accepting the appointment invitation you agree that you have read and understand the above If you are unsure please ask a parent to help you understand or reply by email to me with any questions
LEARNING SUPPORT APPOINTMENTS
Families of students with identified individual learning needs have been emailed the letter on the left A request for permission has been posted on Consent2Go
14 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
CLASSROOM TEACHER ACADEMIC SUPPORT
The direct chat feature between educators and students is disabled in our Teams environment The main reason for this is an e-safety preventative measure Classroom teachers can conduct audio chats with a group of students but will not be conducting 11 video audio or chat sessions with a student If for example staff wanted to talk through an assessment or personally explain a concept and the best way to do this requires a discussion this can be achieved through a small group audio discussion These discussions can take place with a minimum of 3 people Staff can email the group with a Teams calendar invite In order for students to connect and engage with each other they are able to turn their video on when they are in groups in ldquohangoutrdquo channels within a Teams classroom meeting The video of these channels will not be recorded Please remember that students should keep their videos for all recorded lessons (with the exception of SACs where the recorded videos will not be posted onto Firefly)
The following information will be sent within the body of the calendar invitation
IMPORTANT PLEASE READ BEFORE ACCEPTING CALENDAR INVITE FOR THIS CATCH UPbull The purpose of this meeting is to support your learningbull The minimum number of participants in this session is 3 peoplebull Make sure you are in a quiet placebull Please make sure your video is switched offbull Please minimise distractions during your session This includes not playing games
sending messages other activities during your session Treat this conversation as you would on campus
bull Follow the standard guidelines for video conferencing outlined in the FGS Virtual Classroom Handbook
bull By accepting the appointment invitation you agree that you have read and understand the above If you are unsure please ask a parent to help you understand or reply by email to me with any questions
ADVICE FROM THE E-SAFETY COMMISSION
Using social media and online collaboration platforms Communication and content should always reflect professional staffstudent or staffparentcarer relationships Regardless of the current global events it is important for staff to bull follow the normal school procedures and codes of conduct bull only use school-authorised accounts or platforms when corresponding with students
and parentscarers bull maintain professional boundaries on social media and avoid sharing personal mobile
numbers or accepting or requesting students or parents carers as lsquofriendsrsquo on personal accounts
bull understand your schoolrsquos reporting and referral procedures for disclosures and duty of care concerns
httpswwwesafetygovauabout-usblogcovid-19-keeping-schools-and-learning-safe-online
COVID19 RESOURCES FOR FAMILIESbull How parents can talk to kids about the coronavirus (video)
httpsfirbankvicschooltvmewellbeing_newsspecial-report-coronavirusbull Tips from the Australian Psychological Society for coping with coronavirus anxiety
httpswwwpsychologyorgaugetmedia38073179-4701-48bd-afd9-988c560ee2f920APS-IS-COVID-19-P1pdf
bull This website has a range of resources on coping with anxiety meditations and podcast discussions httpswwwtenpercentcomcoronavirussanityguide
These services all provide counselling by phone and via text chatbull Kids Help Line 1800 55 1800
httpskidshelplinecomauget-helpwebchat-counsellingbull Headspace
httpsheadspaceorgaueheadspacebull Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
httpswwwbeyondblueorgauget-supportnational-help-lines-and-websitesbull Lifeline 13 11 14
httpswwwlifelineorgau
16 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
REFERENCE LIST 1 Aitsl (2020) Spotlight What Works in OnlineDistance Teaching and Learning
Retrieved from httpswwwaitsleduauresearchspotlightwhat-works-in-online-distance-teaching-and-learning
2 Beyer W Minshall C amp Vennesland K (2020) Tips for success in online learning [PDF] Retrieved from httpswwwqueensucaacademicsonlinelearning
3 Brown B (2018) Dare to Lead London Ebury 4 Centre for Innovation Research Creativity and Leadership in Education A SCHOOL
FOR TOMORROW ndash CONTINUOUS LEARNING TOOLKIT [PDF] Retrieved from httpscircleeducationcircles-research-in-education
5 Department of Education and Training State of Victoria (2020) High Impact Teaching Strategies [PDF] Retrieved from httpswwweducationvicgovauschoolteachersteachingresourcespracticeimprovePageshitsaspx
6 Hattie J amp Corwin SAGE Company (2019) Visible Learning 250+Influences on Student Achievement [PDF] Retrieved from httpswwwvisiblelearningcomresources
7 National Standards for Quality Online Teaching (nsqol) amp Quality Matters and Virtual Leadership Alliance (2020) Httpswwwnsqolorgthe-standardsquality-online -teaching Retrieved from httpswwwnsqolorgthe-standardsquality-online -teaching
8 OrsquoBrien ML (2020) Learning in the time of COVID-19 Retrieved from httpswwwmlobriencomlearning-in-the-time-of-c ovid-19
9 Prestridge S Dr amp Cox D (2020) School teachers rapid response and How teachers are moving online Retrieved from httpswwwteachingonlinecomauschool-teachers
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 17
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
KEY CONTACTSparenthelpdeskfirbankviceduau
Staff are available to be contacted by their Firbank email addresses
For Queries Abouthellip Email
Learning activities and assessment Your classroom teacher
Student related technology problem or issue
IT helpdesk helpdeskfirbankviceduau
A personal or social-emotional concern Your Mentor or Wellbeing Leader
All other queries and information parenthelpdeskfirbankviceduau
18 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
51 Outer Crescent Brighton Vic 3186 bull ELC - Year 12 bull Girls Campus 45 Royal Avenue Sandringham Vic 3191 bull ELC - Year 6 bull Co-educational Campus
firbankviceduau bull CRICOS Provider No 00140K
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 3
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
HOW IS ONLINE DELIVERY DIFFERENT Definition continuous learning noun
A flexible online and offline approach to the design and delivery of learning and teaching that allows all students to access courses from remote location
Continuous learning (also known as blended remote distance and online learning) does not prescribe a particular pedagogical approach or framework but has the potential to support student-centred and driven approaches to personalised learning growth and achievement
In this time of isolation our mandate to ldquoknow value and carerdquo for our students is even more evident Keeping our students connected and engaged are the foundations of online learning at Firbank Educators around the world have been working and collaborating to look at an online learning model for schools The key ideas that they have identified are bull less is more ndash clear is kind bull relationships are essential bull collaborative learning is necessary bull combine synchronous and asynchronous learning
LESS IS MORE ndash CLEAR IS KINDWith the expert and hard-working IT team we have purposely kept to two key platforms for online delivery This is to maintain security and online safety The key platforms are bull Firefly for content and curriculum storage bull Microsoft Teams for virtual classroom delivery and communication
After heeding feedback from our staff and students last term and watching what educators around the world are suggesting we need to be mindful of what is best for learning with regards to curriculum content delivery Much commentary has suggested that we need to refrain from setting lsquobusyrsquo work and delivering large amounts of content We do not learn well this way online and this maladaptive strategy is harmful to studentsrsquo and teachersrsquo health and wellbeing Learning online is much more than keeping our students busy with work to do Learning should be engaging and interactive a mix of synchronous and asynchronous and all balanced with time for wellbeing
4 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
RELATIONSHIPS ARE ESSENTIAL In order to maintain connection and engagement ongoing and meaningful teacher presence online is vital The following should be noted bull Students need to know when and how to access support from their teacherbull Creating a supportive and connected online community is vital for continuous
learningbull Communication and connection are essential
Through a culture of care and support at Firbank we strive to foster resilient relationships Just as we do on campus we continue to work in partnerships with our students and community to ensure that all our relationships embody trust forgiveness integrity hope and compassion Maintaining these strong relationships are crucial for wellbeing and learning as we continue to work remotely
COLLABORATIVE LEARNING IS NECESSARYMeaningful collaboration in an online environment enhances student learning much more than individual learning Collaborative learning provides authentic methods for students to interact stay connected and engage with their learning working with their peers to solve a problem complete a task or create a product has social psychological academic and assessment benefits It is through collaboration we can build our networking skills
COMBINING SYNCHRONOUS AND ASYNCHRONOUS LEARNING
Syncronous vs Asyncronous
SYNCHRONOUS ASYNCHRONOUS
Instructor facilitated Self-directed self-paced
Requires all participants to be virtually present at the same time
Does not require all participants to be virtually present at the same time
Scheduled and timed online tests virtual classrooms web conferencing technology
and interactive shared whiteboards
Uses message boards discussion groups and self-paced courses
With online delivery learning becomes more asynchronous with class activities not always taking place in real time and face-to-face Students can sometimes complete the learning tasks within a different schedule giving more time for them to reflect and understand the material Synchronous learning is still a very importance part of continuous delivery It provides a structure through which students and teachers can work together remain connected check understanding provide direct delivery of content and instruction and give feedback
Evidence suggests that online delivery works best as a system of different interrelated components that vary according to context age and key learning areas Together these components (shown in Figure 1) foster a learning community that is driven by pedagogy incorporates a range of activities and enables flexible delivery These components can be adapted combined or excluded as required Using this model allows us to customise our content delivery
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 5
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
Adapted From lthttpswwwaitsleduauresearchspotlightwhat-works-in-online-distance-teaching-and-learninggt
Figure 1 Integrated Model of onlinedistance education (Adapted from Picciano 2017 p182)
Content(LMS CMC
Media Games)
Learning Community
Collaboration Student Generated
Content(Wiki Mobile Tech)
Reflection(Blog Journal)
Social Emotional(Face-To-Face Teaching Tutoring Advisement)
Self-Paced Independent
Study(Adaptive Software)
Evaluation Assessment
(Assignments Learning Analytics)
Dialectic Questioning
(Discussion Board)
6 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
A week of lessons might look like
Lesson 1 2 3 4
Before the lesson begins
Open all the documents and apps yoursquoll need
First 10 minutes
Greet the class ndash mark the roll ndash use a brain break or warm up ndash set out the learning intentions for the lesson
30 minutes Share an instructional video introducing a new conceptskill assessment
Revise ndash check for understanding
Students continue with self-directed learning with the classroom teacher checking in with different groups or individuals
Students continue with self-directed learning with the classroom teacher checking in with different groups or individuals
End of week quiz
Explainprovide examples
Set up work expectations of an activityassessment collaborative task
Discuss and answer questions
Provide an exemplar ndash set up groups Students start to work independentlyin collaborative teams
Last 10 minutes
Summariseuse an exit card Plan for next lesson Suggest a breakphysical movement Say goodbye
The following instructions have been given to Senior School students to help them access their virtual classrooms
1 Check your timetable Classes will run as per the on-campus times NOTE there is no morning mentor session Use these 10 minutes to prepare for the day
2 Be logged in and at your device a few minutes before the scheduled class time 3 To avoid being interrupted use headphones if you have them 4 Go to One Login httpsfirbankonelogincom5 Click on the Office 365 tile 6 Click on Teams (if the Teams icon is not visible click on the ldquoall apps arrowrdquo) 7 Find your ldquoteamrdquo for your scheduled class 8 At the scheduled class time your teacher will start a meeting and a ldquomeeting nowrdquo
message will come up in your class team chat 9 Click on ldquojoinrdquo This will take you to the ldquolobbyrdquo 10 Please make sure you then turn off the camera and mic via the toggle buttons This is
an important step as the whole session will be recorded Click on ldquojoin nowrdquo You will then see your teacher and you are in the virtual classroom
11 Keep your microphone and camera off unless your teacher instructs otherwise12 You can open the chat window to ask questions
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 7
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
BE A GOOD DIGITAL CITIZEN ONLINE CLASSROOM ETIQUETTETo enable students to continue their studies online during the time where they are not physically at school Firbank has provided them with a new university-level teaching and learning environment using Microsoft Teams With this additional freedom to contribute however comes an additional responsibility to behave appropriately and show good online classroom etiquette
ADVICE TO STUDENTS bull When entering your online class ensure that your camera and microphone are
switched off unless your teacher instructs otherwise This will allow you to focus on the lesson and your teacher without getting distracted
bull Just because you could doesnrsquot mean you should As yoursquoll often be working in a fully collaborative space where all members can present you may see additional buttons controls or options in your online class (such as the ldquotake controlrdquo option) In the same way that you wouldnrsquot walk over to someonersquos desk in class and start making changes to their laptop donrsquot disrupt others in your digital classrooms
bull At the end of your online class make sure that you leave the class a soon as possible Your teachers need to close your digital classrooms as soon as the lesson has completed Help them out by exiting the online classroom as soon as the lesson has finished ndash unless yoursquove been instructed to remain
r
a
8 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
SENIOR SCHOOLHINTS AND TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL VIRTUAL CLASSROOM LEARNING
bull Where possible students should follow the assigned timetable
bull Ensure that other technology is turned off within the home to reduce distractions
bull As per our ICT guidelines (located in the Student Diary) - Families are encouraged to closely supervise the technology that your child is using Firbank recommends that students learn in a visible space rather than in a bedroom so that adults can supervise the technology
bull Set up a clean and spacious work-station in a public place in your home
bull During the school day (840 am - 330 pm) we request that students do not connectcommunicate with each other through any social media including facetimegroup chatsTIKTOK etc
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 9
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
VIRTUAL CLASSROOM PRINCIPLES FOR STUDENTSbull Be aware that when communicating online sometimes words phrases and lsquoin-jokesrsquo
are not understood and appreciated in the same way as face-to-face bull Try to always add value with your contributions bull Uphold the values of the school community and our Relationships and Engagement
Commitment bull Understand and adhere to all appropriate ICT use and interactions guidelines found
in the front pages of the school diarybull Take responsibility to reflect on your learning and check in with your teachers when
necessary bull Always ask questions when clarity is needed bull Be conscious of the environment and space you are learning in It might be important
to create a physical and mental separation from our schoolwork and our lsquohome timersquo Shift mindsets between work and rest by getting dressed for your day
bull Respect the time that has been scheduled for you to learn together Be online on time
bull Develop ways to self-regulate maintain wellbeing and balance time between online and offline
bull Stay hydrated and nourish your body bull Look for opportunities to meditate be active and have lsquobrain breaksrsquo through the day
VIRTUAL LEARNING PRINCIPLES FOR PARENTSbull Support your child in developing self-regulation bull Help them to balance time between online and offline being conscious of social
connection and wellbeing needs bull Encourage good hydration habits opportunities for mindfulness medications
physical activities and ldquobrain breaksrdquo through the day bull Encourage your child to remain connected with teachers mentors Wellbeing Leaders
and support staff bull Help establish a daily routine bull If possible provide a designated workspace with limited distractions bull Encourage your child to self-manage learning timelines and due dates bull Encourage your child to complete all their work with integrity and academic honesty bull Please connect and communicate with the school if you have any questions or
concerns bull Give your child space to lsquobersquo in their classes without constant scrutiny
10 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
INDIVIDUAL LEARNING NEEDS Students who need individual learning strategies will be supported by our Learning Support Aides when their classes are timetabled - they will form part of the virtual classroom and assist whichever students need extra support (this will include assistance such as scribing for assessments where needed and answering and explaining questions as they would do in the regular classroom)
We are committed to ensuring that students in our care who have individual learning challenges are appropriately supported
ASSESSMENT GUIDELINES AND SUBMISSION
Students will continue to receive feedback and complete assessments online Assessment will conducted through Microsoft Teams with our assessments being delivered in real time with the teacher watching the students undertaking their assessment tasks through either Firefly or OneNote platforms - the expected conditions and rules that apply for assessment tasks will apply when using the remote platform In this way teachers will be able to authenticate studentsrsquo work as effectively as possible without having students physically present Importantly this continues to give students practice in timed assessments from which they will receive valuable feedback from their teachers
bull Assessment are to be delivered using Firefly tasks and Classroom Notebook bull Students submit assessment via Firefly Classroom Notebook and Office Lens bull Email if necessary
All assessment tasks will continue to also be reported upon through our usual progressive reporting method so that parents and students can discuss progress and strategies needed for enhancing academic performance
VCE assessment and SAC calendar dates will remain as we work remotely Specific information regarding the SAC will be given to students by their classroom teachers
ATTENDANCE Every lesson will have the Attendance Roll marked as is the case when students are at school and these will be monitored in the usual way with the expectation of students always being in their remote learning class unless unwell or with an important appointment that their parents have notified the school about
For VCE Students In keeping with our regular school protocols if a student cannot undertake a SAC on the scheduled day due to illness then parents should email their teacher and Wellbeing Leader so that their absence can be officially recorded and their SAC rescheduled through our VCE coordinator jansteefirbankviceduau
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 11
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
WELLBEINGAt Firbank we acknowledge and promote the key role that wellbeing plays in ensuring that students can learn As we move into learning remotely Firbank will continue to ensure that we do our best to support the wellbeing of our students
Year Level Wellbeing Leaders with their teams of mentors foster and facilitate the wellbeing of our students in each year level and they will continue to ensure that the needs of all students are cared for within a supportive environment If you have a wellbeing concern please email your Wellbeing Leader
Students have been sent a link to the Senior School Wellbeing page on Fireflyhttpsfirbankfireflycloudnetausenior-school-well-being
This resource is for staff and students to access information strategies and support to care for the wellbeing of our community Information about mental health mindfulness connectedness and scheduling health breaks while learning remotely will be posted and updated
STUDENT SUPPORT DURING REMOTE LEARNING
During this period of remote learning our aim is to maintain the connections and support we can give our students whilst ensuring the adherence to key online usage duty of care and child safe polices In the senior school during remote learning there are three main reasons for a 11 meeting1 a session with the school psychologistschool counsellor2 a meeting with learning support teachers and aides3 a check in with a wellbeing leader
SCHOOL COUNSELLING SESSIONS
Our School Psychologist and Counsellor will be continuing to provide counselling supports to students as required during this period of remote delivery
Appointments will be available within the same time periods as during regular school operating hours (830 am - 330pm) and term dates
Days of work areJenny Vincent-Green Monday - FridaySally Gorton Tuesday - Thursday
Students with pre-arranged appointments will be given priority New requests will be assessed as to whether the presenting issue and level of associated risk is appropriate to be managed remotely In the event that the presenting issue needs face-to-face management a referral to a provider within the community will be suggested This also applies in the event that a pre-existing clientrsquos presentation changes to the extent that remote support is no longer appropriate Please note that these providers may be similarly affected by the current public health conditions and a referral is not a guarantee that these providers will be able to see your child
12 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
The following information will be sent within the body of appointment invitation to say by accepting the invite you have read and understood the privacy and confidentiality considerations
IMPORTANT PLEASE READ BEFORE ACCEPTING
REMOTE COUNSELLING SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER
PrivacyMake sure you are in a private place for your session Your PsychologistCounsellor will take reasonable steps at their end to protect your privacy but you have responsibility to ensure your privacy at your end Make sure that you are in a place where others can not hear your conversation or see your screen If this is difficult to ensure please let your PsychologistCounsellor know
DistractionsPlease minimise distractions during your session This includes not playing games sending messages other activities during your session Treat your counselling appointment as you would a face-to-face session your PsychologistCounsellor will do likewise
Confidentiality and SafetyIn the event that your psychologist or counsellor is concerned about your safety or the safety of another student the usual limitations around confidentiality exist Information regarding risk and safety will be shared with an adult who is able to monitor your safety or the safety of the student concerned
By accepting the appointment invitation you agree that you have read and understand the above If you are unsure please ask a parent to help you understand or reply by email to me with any questions
MAKING AN APPOINTMENTAppointment times can be arranged via direct email request to the School Psychologist and Counsellor jvincentgreenfirbankviceduau andsgortonfirbankviceduau
Senior School students will receive an appointment invitation via Outlook Any real-time lessons scheduled will take precedence
As always our team are available to support parents in regard to their childrenrsquos wellbeing Parents may request a call or video conference via the above email addresses
HOW THE SESSIONS WILL WORKIf students would like a video session the psychologist or counsellor will connect with the student via the video conferencing function within Microsoft Teams at the time advised in a meeting invitation
Students will be advised as to privacy and confidentiality considerations and encouraged to take the video conference in a private location Many families have rules at home about phones and devices in bedrooms or other private places so this will need to be discussed with your child in the event that they choose to access counselling support
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 13
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
WELLBEING LEADER CHATS
Year Level Wellbeing Leaders with their teams of mentors foster and facilitate the wellbeing of our students in each year level and they will continue to ensure that the needs of all students are cared for within a supportive environment If students have a wellbeing concern they can email their Wellbeing Leader to make a time for a chat Wellbeing leaders may also initiate a check in with one of the students in their year level
The following information will be sent within the body of the calendar invitation
IMPORTANT PLEASE READ BEFORE ACCEPTING CALENDAR INVITE FOR THIS CATCH UPbull Make sure you are in a quiet place Your Wellbeing Leader will take reasonable steps
at their end to protect your privacy but you have responsibility to ensure your privacy at your end
bull Please minimise distractions during your session This includes not playing games sending messages other activities during your session Treat this conversation as you would a face-to-face session
bull Confidentiality and Safety In the event that your Wellbeing Leader is concerned about your safety or the safety of another student the usual limitations around confidentiality exist Information regarding risk and safety will be shared with an adult who is able to monitor your safety or the safety of the student concerned
bull Use a backdrop during the meetingbull Follow the standard guidelines for video conferencing outlined in the FGS Virtual
Classroom Handbook
By accepting the appointment invitation you agree that you have read and understand the above If you are unsure please ask a parent to help you understand or reply by email to me with any questions
LEARNING SUPPORT APPOINTMENTS
Families of students with identified individual learning needs have been emailed the letter on the left A request for permission has been posted on Consent2Go
14 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
CLASSROOM TEACHER ACADEMIC SUPPORT
The direct chat feature between educators and students is disabled in our Teams environment The main reason for this is an e-safety preventative measure Classroom teachers can conduct audio chats with a group of students but will not be conducting 11 video audio or chat sessions with a student If for example staff wanted to talk through an assessment or personally explain a concept and the best way to do this requires a discussion this can be achieved through a small group audio discussion These discussions can take place with a minimum of 3 people Staff can email the group with a Teams calendar invite In order for students to connect and engage with each other they are able to turn their video on when they are in groups in ldquohangoutrdquo channels within a Teams classroom meeting The video of these channels will not be recorded Please remember that students should keep their videos for all recorded lessons (with the exception of SACs where the recorded videos will not be posted onto Firefly)
The following information will be sent within the body of the calendar invitation
IMPORTANT PLEASE READ BEFORE ACCEPTING CALENDAR INVITE FOR THIS CATCH UPbull The purpose of this meeting is to support your learningbull The minimum number of participants in this session is 3 peoplebull Make sure you are in a quiet placebull Please make sure your video is switched offbull Please minimise distractions during your session This includes not playing games
sending messages other activities during your session Treat this conversation as you would on campus
bull Follow the standard guidelines for video conferencing outlined in the FGS Virtual Classroom Handbook
bull By accepting the appointment invitation you agree that you have read and understand the above If you are unsure please ask a parent to help you understand or reply by email to me with any questions
ADVICE FROM THE E-SAFETY COMMISSION
Using social media and online collaboration platforms Communication and content should always reflect professional staffstudent or staffparentcarer relationships Regardless of the current global events it is important for staff to bull follow the normal school procedures and codes of conduct bull only use school-authorised accounts or platforms when corresponding with students
and parentscarers bull maintain professional boundaries on social media and avoid sharing personal mobile
numbers or accepting or requesting students or parents carers as lsquofriendsrsquo on personal accounts
bull understand your schoolrsquos reporting and referral procedures for disclosures and duty of care concerns
httpswwwesafetygovauabout-usblogcovid-19-keeping-schools-and-learning-safe-online
COVID19 RESOURCES FOR FAMILIESbull How parents can talk to kids about the coronavirus (video)
httpsfirbankvicschooltvmewellbeing_newsspecial-report-coronavirusbull Tips from the Australian Psychological Society for coping with coronavirus anxiety
httpswwwpsychologyorgaugetmedia38073179-4701-48bd-afd9-988c560ee2f920APS-IS-COVID-19-P1pdf
bull This website has a range of resources on coping with anxiety meditations and podcast discussions httpswwwtenpercentcomcoronavirussanityguide
These services all provide counselling by phone and via text chatbull Kids Help Line 1800 55 1800
httpskidshelplinecomauget-helpwebchat-counsellingbull Headspace
httpsheadspaceorgaueheadspacebull Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
httpswwwbeyondblueorgauget-supportnational-help-lines-and-websitesbull Lifeline 13 11 14
httpswwwlifelineorgau
16 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
REFERENCE LIST 1 Aitsl (2020) Spotlight What Works in OnlineDistance Teaching and Learning
Retrieved from httpswwwaitsleduauresearchspotlightwhat-works-in-online-distance-teaching-and-learning
2 Beyer W Minshall C amp Vennesland K (2020) Tips for success in online learning [PDF] Retrieved from httpswwwqueensucaacademicsonlinelearning
3 Brown B (2018) Dare to Lead London Ebury 4 Centre for Innovation Research Creativity and Leadership in Education A SCHOOL
FOR TOMORROW ndash CONTINUOUS LEARNING TOOLKIT [PDF] Retrieved from httpscircleeducationcircles-research-in-education
5 Department of Education and Training State of Victoria (2020) High Impact Teaching Strategies [PDF] Retrieved from httpswwweducationvicgovauschoolteachersteachingresourcespracticeimprovePageshitsaspx
6 Hattie J amp Corwin SAGE Company (2019) Visible Learning 250+Influences on Student Achievement [PDF] Retrieved from httpswwwvisiblelearningcomresources
7 National Standards for Quality Online Teaching (nsqol) amp Quality Matters and Virtual Leadership Alliance (2020) Httpswwwnsqolorgthe-standardsquality-online -teaching Retrieved from httpswwwnsqolorgthe-standardsquality-online -teaching
8 OrsquoBrien ML (2020) Learning in the time of COVID-19 Retrieved from httpswwwmlobriencomlearning-in-the-time-of-c ovid-19
9 Prestridge S Dr amp Cox D (2020) School teachers rapid response and How teachers are moving online Retrieved from httpswwwteachingonlinecomauschool-teachers
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 17
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
KEY CONTACTSparenthelpdeskfirbankviceduau
Staff are available to be contacted by their Firbank email addresses
For Queries Abouthellip Email
Learning activities and assessment Your classroom teacher
Student related technology problem or issue
IT helpdesk helpdeskfirbankviceduau
A personal or social-emotional concern Your Mentor or Wellbeing Leader
All other queries and information parenthelpdeskfirbankviceduau
18 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
51 Outer Crescent Brighton Vic 3186 bull ELC - Year 12 bull Girls Campus 45 Royal Avenue Sandringham Vic 3191 bull ELC - Year 6 bull Co-educational Campus
firbankviceduau bull CRICOS Provider No 00140K
4 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
RELATIONSHIPS ARE ESSENTIAL In order to maintain connection and engagement ongoing and meaningful teacher presence online is vital The following should be noted bull Students need to know when and how to access support from their teacherbull Creating a supportive and connected online community is vital for continuous
learningbull Communication and connection are essential
Through a culture of care and support at Firbank we strive to foster resilient relationships Just as we do on campus we continue to work in partnerships with our students and community to ensure that all our relationships embody trust forgiveness integrity hope and compassion Maintaining these strong relationships are crucial for wellbeing and learning as we continue to work remotely
COLLABORATIVE LEARNING IS NECESSARYMeaningful collaboration in an online environment enhances student learning much more than individual learning Collaborative learning provides authentic methods for students to interact stay connected and engage with their learning working with their peers to solve a problem complete a task or create a product has social psychological academic and assessment benefits It is through collaboration we can build our networking skills
COMBINING SYNCHRONOUS AND ASYNCHRONOUS LEARNING
Syncronous vs Asyncronous
SYNCHRONOUS ASYNCHRONOUS
Instructor facilitated Self-directed self-paced
Requires all participants to be virtually present at the same time
Does not require all participants to be virtually present at the same time
Scheduled and timed online tests virtual classrooms web conferencing technology
and interactive shared whiteboards
Uses message boards discussion groups and self-paced courses
With online delivery learning becomes more asynchronous with class activities not always taking place in real time and face-to-face Students can sometimes complete the learning tasks within a different schedule giving more time for them to reflect and understand the material Synchronous learning is still a very importance part of continuous delivery It provides a structure through which students and teachers can work together remain connected check understanding provide direct delivery of content and instruction and give feedback
Evidence suggests that online delivery works best as a system of different interrelated components that vary according to context age and key learning areas Together these components (shown in Figure 1) foster a learning community that is driven by pedagogy incorporates a range of activities and enables flexible delivery These components can be adapted combined or excluded as required Using this model allows us to customise our content delivery
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 5
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
Adapted From lthttpswwwaitsleduauresearchspotlightwhat-works-in-online-distance-teaching-and-learninggt
Figure 1 Integrated Model of onlinedistance education (Adapted from Picciano 2017 p182)
Content(LMS CMC
Media Games)
Learning Community
Collaboration Student Generated
Content(Wiki Mobile Tech)
Reflection(Blog Journal)
Social Emotional(Face-To-Face Teaching Tutoring Advisement)
Self-Paced Independent
Study(Adaptive Software)
Evaluation Assessment
(Assignments Learning Analytics)
Dialectic Questioning
(Discussion Board)
6 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
A week of lessons might look like
Lesson 1 2 3 4
Before the lesson begins
Open all the documents and apps yoursquoll need
First 10 minutes
Greet the class ndash mark the roll ndash use a brain break or warm up ndash set out the learning intentions for the lesson
30 minutes Share an instructional video introducing a new conceptskill assessment
Revise ndash check for understanding
Students continue with self-directed learning with the classroom teacher checking in with different groups or individuals
Students continue with self-directed learning with the classroom teacher checking in with different groups or individuals
End of week quiz
Explainprovide examples
Set up work expectations of an activityassessment collaborative task
Discuss and answer questions
Provide an exemplar ndash set up groups Students start to work independentlyin collaborative teams
Last 10 minutes
Summariseuse an exit card Plan for next lesson Suggest a breakphysical movement Say goodbye
The following instructions have been given to Senior School students to help them access their virtual classrooms
1 Check your timetable Classes will run as per the on-campus times NOTE there is no morning mentor session Use these 10 minutes to prepare for the day
2 Be logged in and at your device a few minutes before the scheduled class time 3 To avoid being interrupted use headphones if you have them 4 Go to One Login httpsfirbankonelogincom5 Click on the Office 365 tile 6 Click on Teams (if the Teams icon is not visible click on the ldquoall apps arrowrdquo) 7 Find your ldquoteamrdquo for your scheduled class 8 At the scheduled class time your teacher will start a meeting and a ldquomeeting nowrdquo
message will come up in your class team chat 9 Click on ldquojoinrdquo This will take you to the ldquolobbyrdquo 10 Please make sure you then turn off the camera and mic via the toggle buttons This is
an important step as the whole session will be recorded Click on ldquojoin nowrdquo You will then see your teacher and you are in the virtual classroom
11 Keep your microphone and camera off unless your teacher instructs otherwise12 You can open the chat window to ask questions
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 7
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
BE A GOOD DIGITAL CITIZEN ONLINE CLASSROOM ETIQUETTETo enable students to continue their studies online during the time where they are not physically at school Firbank has provided them with a new university-level teaching and learning environment using Microsoft Teams With this additional freedom to contribute however comes an additional responsibility to behave appropriately and show good online classroom etiquette
ADVICE TO STUDENTS bull When entering your online class ensure that your camera and microphone are
switched off unless your teacher instructs otherwise This will allow you to focus on the lesson and your teacher without getting distracted
bull Just because you could doesnrsquot mean you should As yoursquoll often be working in a fully collaborative space where all members can present you may see additional buttons controls or options in your online class (such as the ldquotake controlrdquo option) In the same way that you wouldnrsquot walk over to someonersquos desk in class and start making changes to their laptop donrsquot disrupt others in your digital classrooms
bull At the end of your online class make sure that you leave the class a soon as possible Your teachers need to close your digital classrooms as soon as the lesson has completed Help them out by exiting the online classroom as soon as the lesson has finished ndash unless yoursquove been instructed to remain
r
a
8 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
SENIOR SCHOOLHINTS AND TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL VIRTUAL CLASSROOM LEARNING
bull Where possible students should follow the assigned timetable
bull Ensure that other technology is turned off within the home to reduce distractions
bull As per our ICT guidelines (located in the Student Diary) - Families are encouraged to closely supervise the technology that your child is using Firbank recommends that students learn in a visible space rather than in a bedroom so that adults can supervise the technology
bull Set up a clean and spacious work-station in a public place in your home
bull During the school day (840 am - 330 pm) we request that students do not connectcommunicate with each other through any social media including facetimegroup chatsTIKTOK etc
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 9
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
VIRTUAL CLASSROOM PRINCIPLES FOR STUDENTSbull Be aware that when communicating online sometimes words phrases and lsquoin-jokesrsquo
are not understood and appreciated in the same way as face-to-face bull Try to always add value with your contributions bull Uphold the values of the school community and our Relationships and Engagement
Commitment bull Understand and adhere to all appropriate ICT use and interactions guidelines found
in the front pages of the school diarybull Take responsibility to reflect on your learning and check in with your teachers when
necessary bull Always ask questions when clarity is needed bull Be conscious of the environment and space you are learning in It might be important
to create a physical and mental separation from our schoolwork and our lsquohome timersquo Shift mindsets between work and rest by getting dressed for your day
bull Respect the time that has been scheduled for you to learn together Be online on time
bull Develop ways to self-regulate maintain wellbeing and balance time between online and offline
bull Stay hydrated and nourish your body bull Look for opportunities to meditate be active and have lsquobrain breaksrsquo through the day
VIRTUAL LEARNING PRINCIPLES FOR PARENTSbull Support your child in developing self-regulation bull Help them to balance time between online and offline being conscious of social
connection and wellbeing needs bull Encourage good hydration habits opportunities for mindfulness medications
physical activities and ldquobrain breaksrdquo through the day bull Encourage your child to remain connected with teachers mentors Wellbeing Leaders
and support staff bull Help establish a daily routine bull If possible provide a designated workspace with limited distractions bull Encourage your child to self-manage learning timelines and due dates bull Encourage your child to complete all their work with integrity and academic honesty bull Please connect and communicate with the school if you have any questions or
concerns bull Give your child space to lsquobersquo in their classes without constant scrutiny
10 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
INDIVIDUAL LEARNING NEEDS Students who need individual learning strategies will be supported by our Learning Support Aides when their classes are timetabled - they will form part of the virtual classroom and assist whichever students need extra support (this will include assistance such as scribing for assessments where needed and answering and explaining questions as they would do in the regular classroom)
We are committed to ensuring that students in our care who have individual learning challenges are appropriately supported
ASSESSMENT GUIDELINES AND SUBMISSION
Students will continue to receive feedback and complete assessments online Assessment will conducted through Microsoft Teams with our assessments being delivered in real time with the teacher watching the students undertaking their assessment tasks through either Firefly or OneNote platforms - the expected conditions and rules that apply for assessment tasks will apply when using the remote platform In this way teachers will be able to authenticate studentsrsquo work as effectively as possible without having students physically present Importantly this continues to give students practice in timed assessments from which they will receive valuable feedback from their teachers
bull Assessment are to be delivered using Firefly tasks and Classroom Notebook bull Students submit assessment via Firefly Classroom Notebook and Office Lens bull Email if necessary
All assessment tasks will continue to also be reported upon through our usual progressive reporting method so that parents and students can discuss progress and strategies needed for enhancing academic performance
VCE assessment and SAC calendar dates will remain as we work remotely Specific information regarding the SAC will be given to students by their classroom teachers
ATTENDANCE Every lesson will have the Attendance Roll marked as is the case when students are at school and these will be monitored in the usual way with the expectation of students always being in their remote learning class unless unwell or with an important appointment that their parents have notified the school about
For VCE Students In keeping with our regular school protocols if a student cannot undertake a SAC on the scheduled day due to illness then parents should email their teacher and Wellbeing Leader so that their absence can be officially recorded and their SAC rescheduled through our VCE coordinator jansteefirbankviceduau
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 11
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
WELLBEINGAt Firbank we acknowledge and promote the key role that wellbeing plays in ensuring that students can learn As we move into learning remotely Firbank will continue to ensure that we do our best to support the wellbeing of our students
Year Level Wellbeing Leaders with their teams of mentors foster and facilitate the wellbeing of our students in each year level and they will continue to ensure that the needs of all students are cared for within a supportive environment If you have a wellbeing concern please email your Wellbeing Leader
Students have been sent a link to the Senior School Wellbeing page on Fireflyhttpsfirbankfireflycloudnetausenior-school-well-being
This resource is for staff and students to access information strategies and support to care for the wellbeing of our community Information about mental health mindfulness connectedness and scheduling health breaks while learning remotely will be posted and updated
STUDENT SUPPORT DURING REMOTE LEARNING
During this period of remote learning our aim is to maintain the connections and support we can give our students whilst ensuring the adherence to key online usage duty of care and child safe polices In the senior school during remote learning there are three main reasons for a 11 meeting1 a session with the school psychologistschool counsellor2 a meeting with learning support teachers and aides3 a check in with a wellbeing leader
SCHOOL COUNSELLING SESSIONS
Our School Psychologist and Counsellor will be continuing to provide counselling supports to students as required during this period of remote delivery
Appointments will be available within the same time periods as during regular school operating hours (830 am - 330pm) and term dates
Days of work areJenny Vincent-Green Monday - FridaySally Gorton Tuesday - Thursday
Students with pre-arranged appointments will be given priority New requests will be assessed as to whether the presenting issue and level of associated risk is appropriate to be managed remotely In the event that the presenting issue needs face-to-face management a referral to a provider within the community will be suggested This also applies in the event that a pre-existing clientrsquos presentation changes to the extent that remote support is no longer appropriate Please note that these providers may be similarly affected by the current public health conditions and a referral is not a guarantee that these providers will be able to see your child
12 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
The following information will be sent within the body of appointment invitation to say by accepting the invite you have read and understood the privacy and confidentiality considerations
IMPORTANT PLEASE READ BEFORE ACCEPTING
REMOTE COUNSELLING SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER
PrivacyMake sure you are in a private place for your session Your PsychologistCounsellor will take reasonable steps at their end to protect your privacy but you have responsibility to ensure your privacy at your end Make sure that you are in a place where others can not hear your conversation or see your screen If this is difficult to ensure please let your PsychologistCounsellor know
DistractionsPlease minimise distractions during your session This includes not playing games sending messages other activities during your session Treat your counselling appointment as you would a face-to-face session your PsychologistCounsellor will do likewise
Confidentiality and SafetyIn the event that your psychologist or counsellor is concerned about your safety or the safety of another student the usual limitations around confidentiality exist Information regarding risk and safety will be shared with an adult who is able to monitor your safety or the safety of the student concerned
By accepting the appointment invitation you agree that you have read and understand the above If you are unsure please ask a parent to help you understand or reply by email to me with any questions
MAKING AN APPOINTMENTAppointment times can be arranged via direct email request to the School Psychologist and Counsellor jvincentgreenfirbankviceduau andsgortonfirbankviceduau
Senior School students will receive an appointment invitation via Outlook Any real-time lessons scheduled will take precedence
As always our team are available to support parents in regard to their childrenrsquos wellbeing Parents may request a call or video conference via the above email addresses
HOW THE SESSIONS WILL WORKIf students would like a video session the psychologist or counsellor will connect with the student via the video conferencing function within Microsoft Teams at the time advised in a meeting invitation
Students will be advised as to privacy and confidentiality considerations and encouraged to take the video conference in a private location Many families have rules at home about phones and devices in bedrooms or other private places so this will need to be discussed with your child in the event that they choose to access counselling support
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 13
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
WELLBEING LEADER CHATS
Year Level Wellbeing Leaders with their teams of mentors foster and facilitate the wellbeing of our students in each year level and they will continue to ensure that the needs of all students are cared for within a supportive environment If students have a wellbeing concern they can email their Wellbeing Leader to make a time for a chat Wellbeing leaders may also initiate a check in with one of the students in their year level
The following information will be sent within the body of the calendar invitation
IMPORTANT PLEASE READ BEFORE ACCEPTING CALENDAR INVITE FOR THIS CATCH UPbull Make sure you are in a quiet place Your Wellbeing Leader will take reasonable steps
at their end to protect your privacy but you have responsibility to ensure your privacy at your end
bull Please minimise distractions during your session This includes not playing games sending messages other activities during your session Treat this conversation as you would a face-to-face session
bull Confidentiality and Safety In the event that your Wellbeing Leader is concerned about your safety or the safety of another student the usual limitations around confidentiality exist Information regarding risk and safety will be shared with an adult who is able to monitor your safety or the safety of the student concerned
bull Use a backdrop during the meetingbull Follow the standard guidelines for video conferencing outlined in the FGS Virtual
Classroom Handbook
By accepting the appointment invitation you agree that you have read and understand the above If you are unsure please ask a parent to help you understand or reply by email to me with any questions
LEARNING SUPPORT APPOINTMENTS
Families of students with identified individual learning needs have been emailed the letter on the left A request for permission has been posted on Consent2Go
14 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
CLASSROOM TEACHER ACADEMIC SUPPORT
The direct chat feature between educators and students is disabled in our Teams environment The main reason for this is an e-safety preventative measure Classroom teachers can conduct audio chats with a group of students but will not be conducting 11 video audio or chat sessions with a student If for example staff wanted to talk through an assessment or personally explain a concept and the best way to do this requires a discussion this can be achieved through a small group audio discussion These discussions can take place with a minimum of 3 people Staff can email the group with a Teams calendar invite In order for students to connect and engage with each other they are able to turn their video on when they are in groups in ldquohangoutrdquo channels within a Teams classroom meeting The video of these channels will not be recorded Please remember that students should keep their videos for all recorded lessons (with the exception of SACs where the recorded videos will not be posted onto Firefly)
The following information will be sent within the body of the calendar invitation
IMPORTANT PLEASE READ BEFORE ACCEPTING CALENDAR INVITE FOR THIS CATCH UPbull The purpose of this meeting is to support your learningbull The minimum number of participants in this session is 3 peoplebull Make sure you are in a quiet placebull Please make sure your video is switched offbull Please minimise distractions during your session This includes not playing games
sending messages other activities during your session Treat this conversation as you would on campus
bull Follow the standard guidelines for video conferencing outlined in the FGS Virtual Classroom Handbook
bull By accepting the appointment invitation you agree that you have read and understand the above If you are unsure please ask a parent to help you understand or reply by email to me with any questions
ADVICE FROM THE E-SAFETY COMMISSION
Using social media and online collaboration platforms Communication and content should always reflect professional staffstudent or staffparentcarer relationships Regardless of the current global events it is important for staff to bull follow the normal school procedures and codes of conduct bull only use school-authorised accounts or platforms when corresponding with students
and parentscarers bull maintain professional boundaries on social media and avoid sharing personal mobile
numbers or accepting or requesting students or parents carers as lsquofriendsrsquo on personal accounts
bull understand your schoolrsquos reporting and referral procedures for disclosures and duty of care concerns
httpswwwesafetygovauabout-usblogcovid-19-keeping-schools-and-learning-safe-online
COVID19 RESOURCES FOR FAMILIESbull How parents can talk to kids about the coronavirus (video)
httpsfirbankvicschooltvmewellbeing_newsspecial-report-coronavirusbull Tips from the Australian Psychological Society for coping with coronavirus anxiety
httpswwwpsychologyorgaugetmedia38073179-4701-48bd-afd9-988c560ee2f920APS-IS-COVID-19-P1pdf
bull This website has a range of resources on coping with anxiety meditations and podcast discussions httpswwwtenpercentcomcoronavirussanityguide
These services all provide counselling by phone and via text chatbull Kids Help Line 1800 55 1800
httpskidshelplinecomauget-helpwebchat-counsellingbull Headspace
httpsheadspaceorgaueheadspacebull Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
httpswwwbeyondblueorgauget-supportnational-help-lines-and-websitesbull Lifeline 13 11 14
httpswwwlifelineorgau
16 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
REFERENCE LIST 1 Aitsl (2020) Spotlight What Works in OnlineDistance Teaching and Learning
Retrieved from httpswwwaitsleduauresearchspotlightwhat-works-in-online-distance-teaching-and-learning
2 Beyer W Minshall C amp Vennesland K (2020) Tips for success in online learning [PDF] Retrieved from httpswwwqueensucaacademicsonlinelearning
3 Brown B (2018) Dare to Lead London Ebury 4 Centre for Innovation Research Creativity and Leadership in Education A SCHOOL
FOR TOMORROW ndash CONTINUOUS LEARNING TOOLKIT [PDF] Retrieved from httpscircleeducationcircles-research-in-education
5 Department of Education and Training State of Victoria (2020) High Impact Teaching Strategies [PDF] Retrieved from httpswwweducationvicgovauschoolteachersteachingresourcespracticeimprovePageshitsaspx
6 Hattie J amp Corwin SAGE Company (2019) Visible Learning 250+Influences on Student Achievement [PDF] Retrieved from httpswwwvisiblelearningcomresources
7 National Standards for Quality Online Teaching (nsqol) amp Quality Matters and Virtual Leadership Alliance (2020) Httpswwwnsqolorgthe-standardsquality-online -teaching Retrieved from httpswwwnsqolorgthe-standardsquality-online -teaching
8 OrsquoBrien ML (2020) Learning in the time of COVID-19 Retrieved from httpswwwmlobriencomlearning-in-the-time-of-c ovid-19
9 Prestridge S Dr amp Cox D (2020) School teachers rapid response and How teachers are moving online Retrieved from httpswwwteachingonlinecomauschool-teachers
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 17
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
KEY CONTACTSparenthelpdeskfirbankviceduau
Staff are available to be contacted by their Firbank email addresses
For Queries Abouthellip Email
Learning activities and assessment Your classroom teacher
Student related technology problem or issue
IT helpdesk helpdeskfirbankviceduau
A personal or social-emotional concern Your Mentor or Wellbeing Leader
All other queries and information parenthelpdeskfirbankviceduau
18 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
51 Outer Crescent Brighton Vic 3186 bull ELC - Year 12 bull Girls Campus 45 Royal Avenue Sandringham Vic 3191 bull ELC - Year 6 bull Co-educational Campus
firbankviceduau bull CRICOS Provider No 00140K
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 5
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
Adapted From lthttpswwwaitsleduauresearchspotlightwhat-works-in-online-distance-teaching-and-learninggt
Figure 1 Integrated Model of onlinedistance education (Adapted from Picciano 2017 p182)
Content(LMS CMC
Media Games)
Learning Community
Collaboration Student Generated
Content(Wiki Mobile Tech)
Reflection(Blog Journal)
Social Emotional(Face-To-Face Teaching Tutoring Advisement)
Self-Paced Independent
Study(Adaptive Software)
Evaluation Assessment
(Assignments Learning Analytics)
Dialectic Questioning
(Discussion Board)
6 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
A week of lessons might look like
Lesson 1 2 3 4
Before the lesson begins
Open all the documents and apps yoursquoll need
First 10 minutes
Greet the class ndash mark the roll ndash use a brain break or warm up ndash set out the learning intentions for the lesson
30 minutes Share an instructional video introducing a new conceptskill assessment
Revise ndash check for understanding
Students continue with self-directed learning with the classroom teacher checking in with different groups or individuals
Students continue with self-directed learning with the classroom teacher checking in with different groups or individuals
End of week quiz
Explainprovide examples
Set up work expectations of an activityassessment collaborative task
Discuss and answer questions
Provide an exemplar ndash set up groups Students start to work independentlyin collaborative teams
Last 10 minutes
Summariseuse an exit card Plan for next lesson Suggest a breakphysical movement Say goodbye
The following instructions have been given to Senior School students to help them access their virtual classrooms
1 Check your timetable Classes will run as per the on-campus times NOTE there is no morning mentor session Use these 10 minutes to prepare for the day
2 Be logged in and at your device a few minutes before the scheduled class time 3 To avoid being interrupted use headphones if you have them 4 Go to One Login httpsfirbankonelogincom5 Click on the Office 365 tile 6 Click on Teams (if the Teams icon is not visible click on the ldquoall apps arrowrdquo) 7 Find your ldquoteamrdquo for your scheduled class 8 At the scheduled class time your teacher will start a meeting and a ldquomeeting nowrdquo
message will come up in your class team chat 9 Click on ldquojoinrdquo This will take you to the ldquolobbyrdquo 10 Please make sure you then turn off the camera and mic via the toggle buttons This is
an important step as the whole session will be recorded Click on ldquojoin nowrdquo You will then see your teacher and you are in the virtual classroom
11 Keep your microphone and camera off unless your teacher instructs otherwise12 You can open the chat window to ask questions
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 7
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
BE A GOOD DIGITAL CITIZEN ONLINE CLASSROOM ETIQUETTETo enable students to continue their studies online during the time where they are not physically at school Firbank has provided them with a new university-level teaching and learning environment using Microsoft Teams With this additional freedom to contribute however comes an additional responsibility to behave appropriately and show good online classroom etiquette
ADVICE TO STUDENTS bull When entering your online class ensure that your camera and microphone are
switched off unless your teacher instructs otherwise This will allow you to focus on the lesson and your teacher without getting distracted
bull Just because you could doesnrsquot mean you should As yoursquoll often be working in a fully collaborative space where all members can present you may see additional buttons controls or options in your online class (such as the ldquotake controlrdquo option) In the same way that you wouldnrsquot walk over to someonersquos desk in class and start making changes to their laptop donrsquot disrupt others in your digital classrooms
bull At the end of your online class make sure that you leave the class a soon as possible Your teachers need to close your digital classrooms as soon as the lesson has completed Help them out by exiting the online classroom as soon as the lesson has finished ndash unless yoursquove been instructed to remain
r
a
8 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
SENIOR SCHOOLHINTS AND TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL VIRTUAL CLASSROOM LEARNING
bull Where possible students should follow the assigned timetable
bull Ensure that other technology is turned off within the home to reduce distractions
bull As per our ICT guidelines (located in the Student Diary) - Families are encouraged to closely supervise the technology that your child is using Firbank recommends that students learn in a visible space rather than in a bedroom so that adults can supervise the technology
bull Set up a clean and spacious work-station in a public place in your home
bull During the school day (840 am - 330 pm) we request that students do not connectcommunicate with each other through any social media including facetimegroup chatsTIKTOK etc
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 9
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
VIRTUAL CLASSROOM PRINCIPLES FOR STUDENTSbull Be aware that when communicating online sometimes words phrases and lsquoin-jokesrsquo
are not understood and appreciated in the same way as face-to-face bull Try to always add value with your contributions bull Uphold the values of the school community and our Relationships and Engagement
Commitment bull Understand and adhere to all appropriate ICT use and interactions guidelines found
in the front pages of the school diarybull Take responsibility to reflect on your learning and check in with your teachers when
necessary bull Always ask questions when clarity is needed bull Be conscious of the environment and space you are learning in It might be important
to create a physical and mental separation from our schoolwork and our lsquohome timersquo Shift mindsets between work and rest by getting dressed for your day
bull Respect the time that has been scheduled for you to learn together Be online on time
bull Develop ways to self-regulate maintain wellbeing and balance time between online and offline
bull Stay hydrated and nourish your body bull Look for opportunities to meditate be active and have lsquobrain breaksrsquo through the day
VIRTUAL LEARNING PRINCIPLES FOR PARENTSbull Support your child in developing self-regulation bull Help them to balance time between online and offline being conscious of social
connection and wellbeing needs bull Encourage good hydration habits opportunities for mindfulness medications
physical activities and ldquobrain breaksrdquo through the day bull Encourage your child to remain connected with teachers mentors Wellbeing Leaders
and support staff bull Help establish a daily routine bull If possible provide a designated workspace with limited distractions bull Encourage your child to self-manage learning timelines and due dates bull Encourage your child to complete all their work with integrity and academic honesty bull Please connect and communicate with the school if you have any questions or
concerns bull Give your child space to lsquobersquo in their classes without constant scrutiny
10 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
INDIVIDUAL LEARNING NEEDS Students who need individual learning strategies will be supported by our Learning Support Aides when their classes are timetabled - they will form part of the virtual classroom and assist whichever students need extra support (this will include assistance such as scribing for assessments where needed and answering and explaining questions as they would do in the regular classroom)
We are committed to ensuring that students in our care who have individual learning challenges are appropriately supported
ASSESSMENT GUIDELINES AND SUBMISSION
Students will continue to receive feedback and complete assessments online Assessment will conducted through Microsoft Teams with our assessments being delivered in real time with the teacher watching the students undertaking their assessment tasks through either Firefly or OneNote platforms - the expected conditions and rules that apply for assessment tasks will apply when using the remote platform In this way teachers will be able to authenticate studentsrsquo work as effectively as possible without having students physically present Importantly this continues to give students practice in timed assessments from which they will receive valuable feedback from their teachers
bull Assessment are to be delivered using Firefly tasks and Classroom Notebook bull Students submit assessment via Firefly Classroom Notebook and Office Lens bull Email if necessary
All assessment tasks will continue to also be reported upon through our usual progressive reporting method so that parents and students can discuss progress and strategies needed for enhancing academic performance
VCE assessment and SAC calendar dates will remain as we work remotely Specific information regarding the SAC will be given to students by their classroom teachers
ATTENDANCE Every lesson will have the Attendance Roll marked as is the case when students are at school and these will be monitored in the usual way with the expectation of students always being in their remote learning class unless unwell or with an important appointment that their parents have notified the school about
For VCE Students In keeping with our regular school protocols if a student cannot undertake a SAC on the scheduled day due to illness then parents should email their teacher and Wellbeing Leader so that their absence can be officially recorded and their SAC rescheduled through our VCE coordinator jansteefirbankviceduau
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 11
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
WELLBEINGAt Firbank we acknowledge and promote the key role that wellbeing plays in ensuring that students can learn As we move into learning remotely Firbank will continue to ensure that we do our best to support the wellbeing of our students
Year Level Wellbeing Leaders with their teams of mentors foster and facilitate the wellbeing of our students in each year level and they will continue to ensure that the needs of all students are cared for within a supportive environment If you have a wellbeing concern please email your Wellbeing Leader
Students have been sent a link to the Senior School Wellbeing page on Fireflyhttpsfirbankfireflycloudnetausenior-school-well-being
This resource is for staff and students to access information strategies and support to care for the wellbeing of our community Information about mental health mindfulness connectedness and scheduling health breaks while learning remotely will be posted and updated
STUDENT SUPPORT DURING REMOTE LEARNING
During this period of remote learning our aim is to maintain the connections and support we can give our students whilst ensuring the adherence to key online usage duty of care and child safe polices In the senior school during remote learning there are three main reasons for a 11 meeting1 a session with the school psychologistschool counsellor2 a meeting with learning support teachers and aides3 a check in with a wellbeing leader
SCHOOL COUNSELLING SESSIONS
Our School Psychologist and Counsellor will be continuing to provide counselling supports to students as required during this period of remote delivery
Appointments will be available within the same time periods as during regular school operating hours (830 am - 330pm) and term dates
Days of work areJenny Vincent-Green Monday - FridaySally Gorton Tuesday - Thursday
Students with pre-arranged appointments will be given priority New requests will be assessed as to whether the presenting issue and level of associated risk is appropriate to be managed remotely In the event that the presenting issue needs face-to-face management a referral to a provider within the community will be suggested This also applies in the event that a pre-existing clientrsquos presentation changes to the extent that remote support is no longer appropriate Please note that these providers may be similarly affected by the current public health conditions and a referral is not a guarantee that these providers will be able to see your child
12 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
The following information will be sent within the body of appointment invitation to say by accepting the invite you have read and understood the privacy and confidentiality considerations
IMPORTANT PLEASE READ BEFORE ACCEPTING
REMOTE COUNSELLING SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER
PrivacyMake sure you are in a private place for your session Your PsychologistCounsellor will take reasonable steps at their end to protect your privacy but you have responsibility to ensure your privacy at your end Make sure that you are in a place where others can not hear your conversation or see your screen If this is difficult to ensure please let your PsychologistCounsellor know
DistractionsPlease minimise distractions during your session This includes not playing games sending messages other activities during your session Treat your counselling appointment as you would a face-to-face session your PsychologistCounsellor will do likewise
Confidentiality and SafetyIn the event that your psychologist or counsellor is concerned about your safety or the safety of another student the usual limitations around confidentiality exist Information regarding risk and safety will be shared with an adult who is able to monitor your safety or the safety of the student concerned
By accepting the appointment invitation you agree that you have read and understand the above If you are unsure please ask a parent to help you understand or reply by email to me with any questions
MAKING AN APPOINTMENTAppointment times can be arranged via direct email request to the School Psychologist and Counsellor jvincentgreenfirbankviceduau andsgortonfirbankviceduau
Senior School students will receive an appointment invitation via Outlook Any real-time lessons scheduled will take precedence
As always our team are available to support parents in regard to their childrenrsquos wellbeing Parents may request a call or video conference via the above email addresses
HOW THE SESSIONS WILL WORKIf students would like a video session the psychologist or counsellor will connect with the student via the video conferencing function within Microsoft Teams at the time advised in a meeting invitation
Students will be advised as to privacy and confidentiality considerations and encouraged to take the video conference in a private location Many families have rules at home about phones and devices in bedrooms or other private places so this will need to be discussed with your child in the event that they choose to access counselling support
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 13
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
WELLBEING LEADER CHATS
Year Level Wellbeing Leaders with their teams of mentors foster and facilitate the wellbeing of our students in each year level and they will continue to ensure that the needs of all students are cared for within a supportive environment If students have a wellbeing concern they can email their Wellbeing Leader to make a time for a chat Wellbeing leaders may also initiate a check in with one of the students in their year level
The following information will be sent within the body of the calendar invitation
IMPORTANT PLEASE READ BEFORE ACCEPTING CALENDAR INVITE FOR THIS CATCH UPbull Make sure you are in a quiet place Your Wellbeing Leader will take reasonable steps
at their end to protect your privacy but you have responsibility to ensure your privacy at your end
bull Please minimise distractions during your session This includes not playing games sending messages other activities during your session Treat this conversation as you would a face-to-face session
bull Confidentiality and Safety In the event that your Wellbeing Leader is concerned about your safety or the safety of another student the usual limitations around confidentiality exist Information regarding risk and safety will be shared with an adult who is able to monitor your safety or the safety of the student concerned
bull Use a backdrop during the meetingbull Follow the standard guidelines for video conferencing outlined in the FGS Virtual
Classroom Handbook
By accepting the appointment invitation you agree that you have read and understand the above If you are unsure please ask a parent to help you understand or reply by email to me with any questions
LEARNING SUPPORT APPOINTMENTS
Families of students with identified individual learning needs have been emailed the letter on the left A request for permission has been posted on Consent2Go
14 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
CLASSROOM TEACHER ACADEMIC SUPPORT
The direct chat feature between educators and students is disabled in our Teams environment The main reason for this is an e-safety preventative measure Classroom teachers can conduct audio chats with a group of students but will not be conducting 11 video audio or chat sessions with a student If for example staff wanted to talk through an assessment or personally explain a concept and the best way to do this requires a discussion this can be achieved through a small group audio discussion These discussions can take place with a minimum of 3 people Staff can email the group with a Teams calendar invite In order for students to connect and engage with each other they are able to turn their video on when they are in groups in ldquohangoutrdquo channels within a Teams classroom meeting The video of these channels will not be recorded Please remember that students should keep their videos for all recorded lessons (with the exception of SACs where the recorded videos will not be posted onto Firefly)
The following information will be sent within the body of the calendar invitation
IMPORTANT PLEASE READ BEFORE ACCEPTING CALENDAR INVITE FOR THIS CATCH UPbull The purpose of this meeting is to support your learningbull The minimum number of participants in this session is 3 peoplebull Make sure you are in a quiet placebull Please make sure your video is switched offbull Please minimise distractions during your session This includes not playing games
sending messages other activities during your session Treat this conversation as you would on campus
bull Follow the standard guidelines for video conferencing outlined in the FGS Virtual Classroom Handbook
bull By accepting the appointment invitation you agree that you have read and understand the above If you are unsure please ask a parent to help you understand or reply by email to me with any questions
ADVICE FROM THE E-SAFETY COMMISSION
Using social media and online collaboration platforms Communication and content should always reflect professional staffstudent or staffparentcarer relationships Regardless of the current global events it is important for staff to bull follow the normal school procedures and codes of conduct bull only use school-authorised accounts or platforms when corresponding with students
and parentscarers bull maintain professional boundaries on social media and avoid sharing personal mobile
numbers or accepting or requesting students or parents carers as lsquofriendsrsquo on personal accounts
bull understand your schoolrsquos reporting and referral procedures for disclosures and duty of care concerns
httpswwwesafetygovauabout-usblogcovid-19-keeping-schools-and-learning-safe-online
COVID19 RESOURCES FOR FAMILIESbull How parents can talk to kids about the coronavirus (video)
httpsfirbankvicschooltvmewellbeing_newsspecial-report-coronavirusbull Tips from the Australian Psychological Society for coping with coronavirus anxiety
httpswwwpsychologyorgaugetmedia38073179-4701-48bd-afd9-988c560ee2f920APS-IS-COVID-19-P1pdf
bull This website has a range of resources on coping with anxiety meditations and podcast discussions httpswwwtenpercentcomcoronavirussanityguide
These services all provide counselling by phone and via text chatbull Kids Help Line 1800 55 1800
httpskidshelplinecomauget-helpwebchat-counsellingbull Headspace
httpsheadspaceorgaueheadspacebull Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
httpswwwbeyondblueorgauget-supportnational-help-lines-and-websitesbull Lifeline 13 11 14
httpswwwlifelineorgau
16 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
REFERENCE LIST 1 Aitsl (2020) Spotlight What Works in OnlineDistance Teaching and Learning
Retrieved from httpswwwaitsleduauresearchspotlightwhat-works-in-online-distance-teaching-and-learning
2 Beyer W Minshall C amp Vennesland K (2020) Tips for success in online learning [PDF] Retrieved from httpswwwqueensucaacademicsonlinelearning
3 Brown B (2018) Dare to Lead London Ebury 4 Centre for Innovation Research Creativity and Leadership in Education A SCHOOL
FOR TOMORROW ndash CONTINUOUS LEARNING TOOLKIT [PDF] Retrieved from httpscircleeducationcircles-research-in-education
5 Department of Education and Training State of Victoria (2020) High Impact Teaching Strategies [PDF] Retrieved from httpswwweducationvicgovauschoolteachersteachingresourcespracticeimprovePageshitsaspx
6 Hattie J amp Corwin SAGE Company (2019) Visible Learning 250+Influences on Student Achievement [PDF] Retrieved from httpswwwvisiblelearningcomresources
7 National Standards for Quality Online Teaching (nsqol) amp Quality Matters and Virtual Leadership Alliance (2020) Httpswwwnsqolorgthe-standardsquality-online -teaching Retrieved from httpswwwnsqolorgthe-standardsquality-online -teaching
8 OrsquoBrien ML (2020) Learning in the time of COVID-19 Retrieved from httpswwwmlobriencomlearning-in-the-time-of-c ovid-19
9 Prestridge S Dr amp Cox D (2020) School teachers rapid response and How teachers are moving online Retrieved from httpswwwteachingonlinecomauschool-teachers
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 17
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
KEY CONTACTSparenthelpdeskfirbankviceduau
Staff are available to be contacted by their Firbank email addresses
For Queries Abouthellip Email
Learning activities and assessment Your classroom teacher
Student related technology problem or issue
IT helpdesk helpdeskfirbankviceduau
A personal or social-emotional concern Your Mentor or Wellbeing Leader
All other queries and information parenthelpdeskfirbankviceduau
18 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
51 Outer Crescent Brighton Vic 3186 bull ELC - Year 12 bull Girls Campus 45 Royal Avenue Sandringham Vic 3191 bull ELC - Year 6 bull Co-educational Campus
firbankviceduau bull CRICOS Provider No 00140K
6 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
A week of lessons might look like
Lesson 1 2 3 4
Before the lesson begins
Open all the documents and apps yoursquoll need
First 10 minutes
Greet the class ndash mark the roll ndash use a brain break or warm up ndash set out the learning intentions for the lesson
30 minutes Share an instructional video introducing a new conceptskill assessment
Revise ndash check for understanding
Students continue with self-directed learning with the classroom teacher checking in with different groups or individuals
Students continue with self-directed learning with the classroom teacher checking in with different groups or individuals
End of week quiz
Explainprovide examples
Set up work expectations of an activityassessment collaborative task
Discuss and answer questions
Provide an exemplar ndash set up groups Students start to work independentlyin collaborative teams
Last 10 minutes
Summariseuse an exit card Plan for next lesson Suggest a breakphysical movement Say goodbye
The following instructions have been given to Senior School students to help them access their virtual classrooms
1 Check your timetable Classes will run as per the on-campus times NOTE there is no morning mentor session Use these 10 minutes to prepare for the day
2 Be logged in and at your device a few minutes before the scheduled class time 3 To avoid being interrupted use headphones if you have them 4 Go to One Login httpsfirbankonelogincom5 Click on the Office 365 tile 6 Click on Teams (if the Teams icon is not visible click on the ldquoall apps arrowrdquo) 7 Find your ldquoteamrdquo for your scheduled class 8 At the scheduled class time your teacher will start a meeting and a ldquomeeting nowrdquo
message will come up in your class team chat 9 Click on ldquojoinrdquo This will take you to the ldquolobbyrdquo 10 Please make sure you then turn off the camera and mic via the toggle buttons This is
an important step as the whole session will be recorded Click on ldquojoin nowrdquo You will then see your teacher and you are in the virtual classroom
11 Keep your microphone and camera off unless your teacher instructs otherwise12 You can open the chat window to ask questions
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 7
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
BE A GOOD DIGITAL CITIZEN ONLINE CLASSROOM ETIQUETTETo enable students to continue their studies online during the time where they are not physically at school Firbank has provided them with a new university-level teaching and learning environment using Microsoft Teams With this additional freedom to contribute however comes an additional responsibility to behave appropriately and show good online classroom etiquette
ADVICE TO STUDENTS bull When entering your online class ensure that your camera and microphone are
switched off unless your teacher instructs otherwise This will allow you to focus on the lesson and your teacher without getting distracted
bull Just because you could doesnrsquot mean you should As yoursquoll often be working in a fully collaborative space where all members can present you may see additional buttons controls or options in your online class (such as the ldquotake controlrdquo option) In the same way that you wouldnrsquot walk over to someonersquos desk in class and start making changes to their laptop donrsquot disrupt others in your digital classrooms
bull At the end of your online class make sure that you leave the class a soon as possible Your teachers need to close your digital classrooms as soon as the lesson has completed Help them out by exiting the online classroom as soon as the lesson has finished ndash unless yoursquove been instructed to remain
r
a
8 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
SENIOR SCHOOLHINTS AND TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL VIRTUAL CLASSROOM LEARNING
bull Where possible students should follow the assigned timetable
bull Ensure that other technology is turned off within the home to reduce distractions
bull As per our ICT guidelines (located in the Student Diary) - Families are encouraged to closely supervise the technology that your child is using Firbank recommends that students learn in a visible space rather than in a bedroom so that adults can supervise the technology
bull Set up a clean and spacious work-station in a public place in your home
bull During the school day (840 am - 330 pm) we request that students do not connectcommunicate with each other through any social media including facetimegroup chatsTIKTOK etc
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 9
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
VIRTUAL CLASSROOM PRINCIPLES FOR STUDENTSbull Be aware that when communicating online sometimes words phrases and lsquoin-jokesrsquo
are not understood and appreciated in the same way as face-to-face bull Try to always add value with your contributions bull Uphold the values of the school community and our Relationships and Engagement
Commitment bull Understand and adhere to all appropriate ICT use and interactions guidelines found
in the front pages of the school diarybull Take responsibility to reflect on your learning and check in with your teachers when
necessary bull Always ask questions when clarity is needed bull Be conscious of the environment and space you are learning in It might be important
to create a physical and mental separation from our schoolwork and our lsquohome timersquo Shift mindsets between work and rest by getting dressed for your day
bull Respect the time that has been scheduled for you to learn together Be online on time
bull Develop ways to self-regulate maintain wellbeing and balance time between online and offline
bull Stay hydrated and nourish your body bull Look for opportunities to meditate be active and have lsquobrain breaksrsquo through the day
VIRTUAL LEARNING PRINCIPLES FOR PARENTSbull Support your child in developing self-regulation bull Help them to balance time between online and offline being conscious of social
connection and wellbeing needs bull Encourage good hydration habits opportunities for mindfulness medications
physical activities and ldquobrain breaksrdquo through the day bull Encourage your child to remain connected with teachers mentors Wellbeing Leaders
and support staff bull Help establish a daily routine bull If possible provide a designated workspace with limited distractions bull Encourage your child to self-manage learning timelines and due dates bull Encourage your child to complete all their work with integrity and academic honesty bull Please connect and communicate with the school if you have any questions or
concerns bull Give your child space to lsquobersquo in their classes without constant scrutiny
10 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
INDIVIDUAL LEARNING NEEDS Students who need individual learning strategies will be supported by our Learning Support Aides when their classes are timetabled - they will form part of the virtual classroom and assist whichever students need extra support (this will include assistance such as scribing for assessments where needed and answering and explaining questions as they would do in the regular classroom)
We are committed to ensuring that students in our care who have individual learning challenges are appropriately supported
ASSESSMENT GUIDELINES AND SUBMISSION
Students will continue to receive feedback and complete assessments online Assessment will conducted through Microsoft Teams with our assessments being delivered in real time with the teacher watching the students undertaking their assessment tasks through either Firefly or OneNote platforms - the expected conditions and rules that apply for assessment tasks will apply when using the remote platform In this way teachers will be able to authenticate studentsrsquo work as effectively as possible without having students physically present Importantly this continues to give students practice in timed assessments from which they will receive valuable feedback from their teachers
bull Assessment are to be delivered using Firefly tasks and Classroom Notebook bull Students submit assessment via Firefly Classroom Notebook and Office Lens bull Email if necessary
All assessment tasks will continue to also be reported upon through our usual progressive reporting method so that parents and students can discuss progress and strategies needed for enhancing academic performance
VCE assessment and SAC calendar dates will remain as we work remotely Specific information regarding the SAC will be given to students by their classroom teachers
ATTENDANCE Every lesson will have the Attendance Roll marked as is the case when students are at school and these will be monitored in the usual way with the expectation of students always being in their remote learning class unless unwell or with an important appointment that their parents have notified the school about
For VCE Students In keeping with our regular school protocols if a student cannot undertake a SAC on the scheduled day due to illness then parents should email their teacher and Wellbeing Leader so that their absence can be officially recorded and their SAC rescheduled through our VCE coordinator jansteefirbankviceduau
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 11
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
WELLBEINGAt Firbank we acknowledge and promote the key role that wellbeing plays in ensuring that students can learn As we move into learning remotely Firbank will continue to ensure that we do our best to support the wellbeing of our students
Year Level Wellbeing Leaders with their teams of mentors foster and facilitate the wellbeing of our students in each year level and they will continue to ensure that the needs of all students are cared for within a supportive environment If you have a wellbeing concern please email your Wellbeing Leader
Students have been sent a link to the Senior School Wellbeing page on Fireflyhttpsfirbankfireflycloudnetausenior-school-well-being
This resource is for staff and students to access information strategies and support to care for the wellbeing of our community Information about mental health mindfulness connectedness and scheduling health breaks while learning remotely will be posted and updated
STUDENT SUPPORT DURING REMOTE LEARNING
During this period of remote learning our aim is to maintain the connections and support we can give our students whilst ensuring the adherence to key online usage duty of care and child safe polices In the senior school during remote learning there are three main reasons for a 11 meeting1 a session with the school psychologistschool counsellor2 a meeting with learning support teachers and aides3 a check in with a wellbeing leader
SCHOOL COUNSELLING SESSIONS
Our School Psychologist and Counsellor will be continuing to provide counselling supports to students as required during this period of remote delivery
Appointments will be available within the same time periods as during regular school operating hours (830 am - 330pm) and term dates
Days of work areJenny Vincent-Green Monday - FridaySally Gorton Tuesday - Thursday
Students with pre-arranged appointments will be given priority New requests will be assessed as to whether the presenting issue and level of associated risk is appropriate to be managed remotely In the event that the presenting issue needs face-to-face management a referral to a provider within the community will be suggested This also applies in the event that a pre-existing clientrsquos presentation changes to the extent that remote support is no longer appropriate Please note that these providers may be similarly affected by the current public health conditions and a referral is not a guarantee that these providers will be able to see your child
12 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
The following information will be sent within the body of appointment invitation to say by accepting the invite you have read and understood the privacy and confidentiality considerations
IMPORTANT PLEASE READ BEFORE ACCEPTING
REMOTE COUNSELLING SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER
PrivacyMake sure you are in a private place for your session Your PsychologistCounsellor will take reasonable steps at their end to protect your privacy but you have responsibility to ensure your privacy at your end Make sure that you are in a place where others can not hear your conversation or see your screen If this is difficult to ensure please let your PsychologistCounsellor know
DistractionsPlease minimise distractions during your session This includes not playing games sending messages other activities during your session Treat your counselling appointment as you would a face-to-face session your PsychologistCounsellor will do likewise
Confidentiality and SafetyIn the event that your psychologist or counsellor is concerned about your safety or the safety of another student the usual limitations around confidentiality exist Information regarding risk and safety will be shared with an adult who is able to monitor your safety or the safety of the student concerned
By accepting the appointment invitation you agree that you have read and understand the above If you are unsure please ask a parent to help you understand or reply by email to me with any questions
MAKING AN APPOINTMENTAppointment times can be arranged via direct email request to the School Psychologist and Counsellor jvincentgreenfirbankviceduau andsgortonfirbankviceduau
Senior School students will receive an appointment invitation via Outlook Any real-time lessons scheduled will take precedence
As always our team are available to support parents in regard to their childrenrsquos wellbeing Parents may request a call or video conference via the above email addresses
HOW THE SESSIONS WILL WORKIf students would like a video session the psychologist or counsellor will connect with the student via the video conferencing function within Microsoft Teams at the time advised in a meeting invitation
Students will be advised as to privacy and confidentiality considerations and encouraged to take the video conference in a private location Many families have rules at home about phones and devices in bedrooms or other private places so this will need to be discussed with your child in the event that they choose to access counselling support
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 13
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
WELLBEING LEADER CHATS
Year Level Wellbeing Leaders with their teams of mentors foster and facilitate the wellbeing of our students in each year level and they will continue to ensure that the needs of all students are cared for within a supportive environment If students have a wellbeing concern they can email their Wellbeing Leader to make a time for a chat Wellbeing leaders may also initiate a check in with one of the students in their year level
The following information will be sent within the body of the calendar invitation
IMPORTANT PLEASE READ BEFORE ACCEPTING CALENDAR INVITE FOR THIS CATCH UPbull Make sure you are in a quiet place Your Wellbeing Leader will take reasonable steps
at their end to protect your privacy but you have responsibility to ensure your privacy at your end
bull Please minimise distractions during your session This includes not playing games sending messages other activities during your session Treat this conversation as you would a face-to-face session
bull Confidentiality and Safety In the event that your Wellbeing Leader is concerned about your safety or the safety of another student the usual limitations around confidentiality exist Information regarding risk and safety will be shared with an adult who is able to monitor your safety or the safety of the student concerned
bull Use a backdrop during the meetingbull Follow the standard guidelines for video conferencing outlined in the FGS Virtual
Classroom Handbook
By accepting the appointment invitation you agree that you have read and understand the above If you are unsure please ask a parent to help you understand or reply by email to me with any questions
LEARNING SUPPORT APPOINTMENTS
Families of students with identified individual learning needs have been emailed the letter on the left A request for permission has been posted on Consent2Go
14 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
CLASSROOM TEACHER ACADEMIC SUPPORT
The direct chat feature between educators and students is disabled in our Teams environment The main reason for this is an e-safety preventative measure Classroom teachers can conduct audio chats with a group of students but will not be conducting 11 video audio or chat sessions with a student If for example staff wanted to talk through an assessment or personally explain a concept and the best way to do this requires a discussion this can be achieved through a small group audio discussion These discussions can take place with a minimum of 3 people Staff can email the group with a Teams calendar invite In order for students to connect and engage with each other they are able to turn their video on when they are in groups in ldquohangoutrdquo channels within a Teams classroom meeting The video of these channels will not be recorded Please remember that students should keep their videos for all recorded lessons (with the exception of SACs where the recorded videos will not be posted onto Firefly)
The following information will be sent within the body of the calendar invitation
IMPORTANT PLEASE READ BEFORE ACCEPTING CALENDAR INVITE FOR THIS CATCH UPbull The purpose of this meeting is to support your learningbull The minimum number of participants in this session is 3 peoplebull Make sure you are in a quiet placebull Please make sure your video is switched offbull Please minimise distractions during your session This includes not playing games
sending messages other activities during your session Treat this conversation as you would on campus
bull Follow the standard guidelines for video conferencing outlined in the FGS Virtual Classroom Handbook
bull By accepting the appointment invitation you agree that you have read and understand the above If you are unsure please ask a parent to help you understand or reply by email to me with any questions
ADVICE FROM THE E-SAFETY COMMISSION
Using social media and online collaboration platforms Communication and content should always reflect professional staffstudent or staffparentcarer relationships Regardless of the current global events it is important for staff to bull follow the normal school procedures and codes of conduct bull only use school-authorised accounts or platforms when corresponding with students
and parentscarers bull maintain professional boundaries on social media and avoid sharing personal mobile
numbers or accepting or requesting students or parents carers as lsquofriendsrsquo on personal accounts
bull understand your schoolrsquos reporting and referral procedures for disclosures and duty of care concerns
httpswwwesafetygovauabout-usblogcovid-19-keeping-schools-and-learning-safe-online
COVID19 RESOURCES FOR FAMILIESbull How parents can talk to kids about the coronavirus (video)
httpsfirbankvicschooltvmewellbeing_newsspecial-report-coronavirusbull Tips from the Australian Psychological Society for coping with coronavirus anxiety
httpswwwpsychologyorgaugetmedia38073179-4701-48bd-afd9-988c560ee2f920APS-IS-COVID-19-P1pdf
bull This website has a range of resources on coping with anxiety meditations and podcast discussions httpswwwtenpercentcomcoronavirussanityguide
These services all provide counselling by phone and via text chatbull Kids Help Line 1800 55 1800
httpskidshelplinecomauget-helpwebchat-counsellingbull Headspace
httpsheadspaceorgaueheadspacebull Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
httpswwwbeyondblueorgauget-supportnational-help-lines-and-websitesbull Lifeline 13 11 14
httpswwwlifelineorgau
16 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
REFERENCE LIST 1 Aitsl (2020) Spotlight What Works in OnlineDistance Teaching and Learning
Retrieved from httpswwwaitsleduauresearchspotlightwhat-works-in-online-distance-teaching-and-learning
2 Beyer W Minshall C amp Vennesland K (2020) Tips for success in online learning [PDF] Retrieved from httpswwwqueensucaacademicsonlinelearning
3 Brown B (2018) Dare to Lead London Ebury 4 Centre for Innovation Research Creativity and Leadership in Education A SCHOOL
FOR TOMORROW ndash CONTINUOUS LEARNING TOOLKIT [PDF] Retrieved from httpscircleeducationcircles-research-in-education
5 Department of Education and Training State of Victoria (2020) High Impact Teaching Strategies [PDF] Retrieved from httpswwweducationvicgovauschoolteachersteachingresourcespracticeimprovePageshitsaspx
6 Hattie J amp Corwin SAGE Company (2019) Visible Learning 250+Influences on Student Achievement [PDF] Retrieved from httpswwwvisiblelearningcomresources
7 National Standards for Quality Online Teaching (nsqol) amp Quality Matters and Virtual Leadership Alliance (2020) Httpswwwnsqolorgthe-standardsquality-online -teaching Retrieved from httpswwwnsqolorgthe-standardsquality-online -teaching
8 OrsquoBrien ML (2020) Learning in the time of COVID-19 Retrieved from httpswwwmlobriencomlearning-in-the-time-of-c ovid-19
9 Prestridge S Dr amp Cox D (2020) School teachers rapid response and How teachers are moving online Retrieved from httpswwwteachingonlinecomauschool-teachers
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 17
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
KEY CONTACTSparenthelpdeskfirbankviceduau
Staff are available to be contacted by their Firbank email addresses
For Queries Abouthellip Email
Learning activities and assessment Your classroom teacher
Student related technology problem or issue
IT helpdesk helpdeskfirbankviceduau
A personal or social-emotional concern Your Mentor or Wellbeing Leader
All other queries and information parenthelpdeskfirbankviceduau
18 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
51 Outer Crescent Brighton Vic 3186 bull ELC - Year 12 bull Girls Campus 45 Royal Avenue Sandringham Vic 3191 bull ELC - Year 6 bull Co-educational Campus
firbankviceduau bull CRICOS Provider No 00140K
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 7
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
BE A GOOD DIGITAL CITIZEN ONLINE CLASSROOM ETIQUETTETo enable students to continue their studies online during the time where they are not physically at school Firbank has provided them with a new university-level teaching and learning environment using Microsoft Teams With this additional freedom to contribute however comes an additional responsibility to behave appropriately and show good online classroom etiquette
ADVICE TO STUDENTS bull When entering your online class ensure that your camera and microphone are
switched off unless your teacher instructs otherwise This will allow you to focus on the lesson and your teacher without getting distracted
bull Just because you could doesnrsquot mean you should As yoursquoll often be working in a fully collaborative space where all members can present you may see additional buttons controls or options in your online class (such as the ldquotake controlrdquo option) In the same way that you wouldnrsquot walk over to someonersquos desk in class and start making changes to their laptop donrsquot disrupt others in your digital classrooms
bull At the end of your online class make sure that you leave the class a soon as possible Your teachers need to close your digital classrooms as soon as the lesson has completed Help them out by exiting the online classroom as soon as the lesson has finished ndash unless yoursquove been instructed to remain
r
a
8 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
SENIOR SCHOOLHINTS AND TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL VIRTUAL CLASSROOM LEARNING
bull Where possible students should follow the assigned timetable
bull Ensure that other technology is turned off within the home to reduce distractions
bull As per our ICT guidelines (located in the Student Diary) - Families are encouraged to closely supervise the technology that your child is using Firbank recommends that students learn in a visible space rather than in a bedroom so that adults can supervise the technology
bull Set up a clean and spacious work-station in a public place in your home
bull During the school day (840 am - 330 pm) we request that students do not connectcommunicate with each other through any social media including facetimegroup chatsTIKTOK etc
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 9
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
VIRTUAL CLASSROOM PRINCIPLES FOR STUDENTSbull Be aware that when communicating online sometimes words phrases and lsquoin-jokesrsquo
are not understood and appreciated in the same way as face-to-face bull Try to always add value with your contributions bull Uphold the values of the school community and our Relationships and Engagement
Commitment bull Understand and adhere to all appropriate ICT use and interactions guidelines found
in the front pages of the school diarybull Take responsibility to reflect on your learning and check in with your teachers when
necessary bull Always ask questions when clarity is needed bull Be conscious of the environment and space you are learning in It might be important
to create a physical and mental separation from our schoolwork and our lsquohome timersquo Shift mindsets between work and rest by getting dressed for your day
bull Respect the time that has been scheduled for you to learn together Be online on time
bull Develop ways to self-regulate maintain wellbeing and balance time between online and offline
bull Stay hydrated and nourish your body bull Look for opportunities to meditate be active and have lsquobrain breaksrsquo through the day
VIRTUAL LEARNING PRINCIPLES FOR PARENTSbull Support your child in developing self-regulation bull Help them to balance time between online and offline being conscious of social
connection and wellbeing needs bull Encourage good hydration habits opportunities for mindfulness medications
physical activities and ldquobrain breaksrdquo through the day bull Encourage your child to remain connected with teachers mentors Wellbeing Leaders
and support staff bull Help establish a daily routine bull If possible provide a designated workspace with limited distractions bull Encourage your child to self-manage learning timelines and due dates bull Encourage your child to complete all their work with integrity and academic honesty bull Please connect and communicate with the school if you have any questions or
concerns bull Give your child space to lsquobersquo in their classes without constant scrutiny
10 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
INDIVIDUAL LEARNING NEEDS Students who need individual learning strategies will be supported by our Learning Support Aides when their classes are timetabled - they will form part of the virtual classroom and assist whichever students need extra support (this will include assistance such as scribing for assessments where needed and answering and explaining questions as they would do in the regular classroom)
We are committed to ensuring that students in our care who have individual learning challenges are appropriately supported
ASSESSMENT GUIDELINES AND SUBMISSION
Students will continue to receive feedback and complete assessments online Assessment will conducted through Microsoft Teams with our assessments being delivered in real time with the teacher watching the students undertaking their assessment tasks through either Firefly or OneNote platforms - the expected conditions and rules that apply for assessment tasks will apply when using the remote platform In this way teachers will be able to authenticate studentsrsquo work as effectively as possible without having students physically present Importantly this continues to give students practice in timed assessments from which they will receive valuable feedback from their teachers
bull Assessment are to be delivered using Firefly tasks and Classroom Notebook bull Students submit assessment via Firefly Classroom Notebook and Office Lens bull Email if necessary
All assessment tasks will continue to also be reported upon through our usual progressive reporting method so that parents and students can discuss progress and strategies needed for enhancing academic performance
VCE assessment and SAC calendar dates will remain as we work remotely Specific information regarding the SAC will be given to students by their classroom teachers
ATTENDANCE Every lesson will have the Attendance Roll marked as is the case when students are at school and these will be monitored in the usual way with the expectation of students always being in their remote learning class unless unwell or with an important appointment that their parents have notified the school about
For VCE Students In keeping with our regular school protocols if a student cannot undertake a SAC on the scheduled day due to illness then parents should email their teacher and Wellbeing Leader so that their absence can be officially recorded and their SAC rescheduled through our VCE coordinator jansteefirbankviceduau
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 11
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
WELLBEINGAt Firbank we acknowledge and promote the key role that wellbeing plays in ensuring that students can learn As we move into learning remotely Firbank will continue to ensure that we do our best to support the wellbeing of our students
Year Level Wellbeing Leaders with their teams of mentors foster and facilitate the wellbeing of our students in each year level and they will continue to ensure that the needs of all students are cared for within a supportive environment If you have a wellbeing concern please email your Wellbeing Leader
Students have been sent a link to the Senior School Wellbeing page on Fireflyhttpsfirbankfireflycloudnetausenior-school-well-being
This resource is for staff and students to access information strategies and support to care for the wellbeing of our community Information about mental health mindfulness connectedness and scheduling health breaks while learning remotely will be posted and updated
STUDENT SUPPORT DURING REMOTE LEARNING
During this period of remote learning our aim is to maintain the connections and support we can give our students whilst ensuring the adherence to key online usage duty of care and child safe polices In the senior school during remote learning there are three main reasons for a 11 meeting1 a session with the school psychologistschool counsellor2 a meeting with learning support teachers and aides3 a check in with a wellbeing leader
SCHOOL COUNSELLING SESSIONS
Our School Psychologist and Counsellor will be continuing to provide counselling supports to students as required during this period of remote delivery
Appointments will be available within the same time periods as during regular school operating hours (830 am - 330pm) and term dates
Days of work areJenny Vincent-Green Monday - FridaySally Gorton Tuesday - Thursday
Students with pre-arranged appointments will be given priority New requests will be assessed as to whether the presenting issue and level of associated risk is appropriate to be managed remotely In the event that the presenting issue needs face-to-face management a referral to a provider within the community will be suggested This also applies in the event that a pre-existing clientrsquos presentation changes to the extent that remote support is no longer appropriate Please note that these providers may be similarly affected by the current public health conditions and a referral is not a guarantee that these providers will be able to see your child
12 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
The following information will be sent within the body of appointment invitation to say by accepting the invite you have read and understood the privacy and confidentiality considerations
IMPORTANT PLEASE READ BEFORE ACCEPTING
REMOTE COUNSELLING SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER
PrivacyMake sure you are in a private place for your session Your PsychologistCounsellor will take reasonable steps at their end to protect your privacy but you have responsibility to ensure your privacy at your end Make sure that you are in a place where others can not hear your conversation or see your screen If this is difficult to ensure please let your PsychologistCounsellor know
DistractionsPlease minimise distractions during your session This includes not playing games sending messages other activities during your session Treat your counselling appointment as you would a face-to-face session your PsychologistCounsellor will do likewise
Confidentiality and SafetyIn the event that your psychologist or counsellor is concerned about your safety or the safety of another student the usual limitations around confidentiality exist Information regarding risk and safety will be shared with an adult who is able to monitor your safety or the safety of the student concerned
By accepting the appointment invitation you agree that you have read and understand the above If you are unsure please ask a parent to help you understand or reply by email to me with any questions
MAKING AN APPOINTMENTAppointment times can be arranged via direct email request to the School Psychologist and Counsellor jvincentgreenfirbankviceduau andsgortonfirbankviceduau
Senior School students will receive an appointment invitation via Outlook Any real-time lessons scheduled will take precedence
As always our team are available to support parents in regard to their childrenrsquos wellbeing Parents may request a call or video conference via the above email addresses
HOW THE SESSIONS WILL WORKIf students would like a video session the psychologist or counsellor will connect with the student via the video conferencing function within Microsoft Teams at the time advised in a meeting invitation
Students will be advised as to privacy and confidentiality considerations and encouraged to take the video conference in a private location Many families have rules at home about phones and devices in bedrooms or other private places so this will need to be discussed with your child in the event that they choose to access counselling support
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 13
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
WELLBEING LEADER CHATS
Year Level Wellbeing Leaders with their teams of mentors foster and facilitate the wellbeing of our students in each year level and they will continue to ensure that the needs of all students are cared for within a supportive environment If students have a wellbeing concern they can email their Wellbeing Leader to make a time for a chat Wellbeing leaders may also initiate a check in with one of the students in their year level
The following information will be sent within the body of the calendar invitation
IMPORTANT PLEASE READ BEFORE ACCEPTING CALENDAR INVITE FOR THIS CATCH UPbull Make sure you are in a quiet place Your Wellbeing Leader will take reasonable steps
at their end to protect your privacy but you have responsibility to ensure your privacy at your end
bull Please minimise distractions during your session This includes not playing games sending messages other activities during your session Treat this conversation as you would a face-to-face session
bull Confidentiality and Safety In the event that your Wellbeing Leader is concerned about your safety or the safety of another student the usual limitations around confidentiality exist Information regarding risk and safety will be shared with an adult who is able to monitor your safety or the safety of the student concerned
bull Use a backdrop during the meetingbull Follow the standard guidelines for video conferencing outlined in the FGS Virtual
Classroom Handbook
By accepting the appointment invitation you agree that you have read and understand the above If you are unsure please ask a parent to help you understand or reply by email to me with any questions
LEARNING SUPPORT APPOINTMENTS
Families of students with identified individual learning needs have been emailed the letter on the left A request for permission has been posted on Consent2Go
14 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
CLASSROOM TEACHER ACADEMIC SUPPORT
The direct chat feature between educators and students is disabled in our Teams environment The main reason for this is an e-safety preventative measure Classroom teachers can conduct audio chats with a group of students but will not be conducting 11 video audio or chat sessions with a student If for example staff wanted to talk through an assessment or personally explain a concept and the best way to do this requires a discussion this can be achieved through a small group audio discussion These discussions can take place with a minimum of 3 people Staff can email the group with a Teams calendar invite In order for students to connect and engage with each other they are able to turn their video on when they are in groups in ldquohangoutrdquo channels within a Teams classroom meeting The video of these channels will not be recorded Please remember that students should keep their videos for all recorded lessons (with the exception of SACs where the recorded videos will not be posted onto Firefly)
The following information will be sent within the body of the calendar invitation
IMPORTANT PLEASE READ BEFORE ACCEPTING CALENDAR INVITE FOR THIS CATCH UPbull The purpose of this meeting is to support your learningbull The minimum number of participants in this session is 3 peoplebull Make sure you are in a quiet placebull Please make sure your video is switched offbull Please minimise distractions during your session This includes not playing games
sending messages other activities during your session Treat this conversation as you would on campus
bull Follow the standard guidelines for video conferencing outlined in the FGS Virtual Classroom Handbook
bull By accepting the appointment invitation you agree that you have read and understand the above If you are unsure please ask a parent to help you understand or reply by email to me with any questions
ADVICE FROM THE E-SAFETY COMMISSION
Using social media and online collaboration platforms Communication and content should always reflect professional staffstudent or staffparentcarer relationships Regardless of the current global events it is important for staff to bull follow the normal school procedures and codes of conduct bull only use school-authorised accounts or platforms when corresponding with students
and parentscarers bull maintain professional boundaries on social media and avoid sharing personal mobile
numbers or accepting or requesting students or parents carers as lsquofriendsrsquo on personal accounts
bull understand your schoolrsquos reporting and referral procedures for disclosures and duty of care concerns
httpswwwesafetygovauabout-usblogcovid-19-keeping-schools-and-learning-safe-online
COVID19 RESOURCES FOR FAMILIESbull How parents can talk to kids about the coronavirus (video)
httpsfirbankvicschooltvmewellbeing_newsspecial-report-coronavirusbull Tips from the Australian Psychological Society for coping with coronavirus anxiety
httpswwwpsychologyorgaugetmedia38073179-4701-48bd-afd9-988c560ee2f920APS-IS-COVID-19-P1pdf
bull This website has a range of resources on coping with anxiety meditations and podcast discussions httpswwwtenpercentcomcoronavirussanityguide
These services all provide counselling by phone and via text chatbull Kids Help Line 1800 55 1800
httpskidshelplinecomauget-helpwebchat-counsellingbull Headspace
httpsheadspaceorgaueheadspacebull Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
httpswwwbeyondblueorgauget-supportnational-help-lines-and-websitesbull Lifeline 13 11 14
httpswwwlifelineorgau
16 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
REFERENCE LIST 1 Aitsl (2020) Spotlight What Works in OnlineDistance Teaching and Learning
Retrieved from httpswwwaitsleduauresearchspotlightwhat-works-in-online-distance-teaching-and-learning
2 Beyer W Minshall C amp Vennesland K (2020) Tips for success in online learning [PDF] Retrieved from httpswwwqueensucaacademicsonlinelearning
3 Brown B (2018) Dare to Lead London Ebury 4 Centre for Innovation Research Creativity and Leadership in Education A SCHOOL
FOR TOMORROW ndash CONTINUOUS LEARNING TOOLKIT [PDF] Retrieved from httpscircleeducationcircles-research-in-education
5 Department of Education and Training State of Victoria (2020) High Impact Teaching Strategies [PDF] Retrieved from httpswwweducationvicgovauschoolteachersteachingresourcespracticeimprovePageshitsaspx
6 Hattie J amp Corwin SAGE Company (2019) Visible Learning 250+Influences on Student Achievement [PDF] Retrieved from httpswwwvisiblelearningcomresources
7 National Standards for Quality Online Teaching (nsqol) amp Quality Matters and Virtual Leadership Alliance (2020) Httpswwwnsqolorgthe-standardsquality-online -teaching Retrieved from httpswwwnsqolorgthe-standardsquality-online -teaching
8 OrsquoBrien ML (2020) Learning in the time of COVID-19 Retrieved from httpswwwmlobriencomlearning-in-the-time-of-c ovid-19
9 Prestridge S Dr amp Cox D (2020) School teachers rapid response and How teachers are moving online Retrieved from httpswwwteachingonlinecomauschool-teachers
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 17
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
KEY CONTACTSparenthelpdeskfirbankviceduau
Staff are available to be contacted by their Firbank email addresses
For Queries Abouthellip Email
Learning activities and assessment Your classroom teacher
Student related technology problem or issue
IT helpdesk helpdeskfirbankviceduau
A personal or social-emotional concern Your Mentor or Wellbeing Leader
All other queries and information parenthelpdeskfirbankviceduau
18 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
51 Outer Crescent Brighton Vic 3186 bull ELC - Year 12 bull Girls Campus 45 Royal Avenue Sandringham Vic 3191 bull ELC - Year 6 bull Co-educational Campus
firbankviceduau bull CRICOS Provider No 00140K
8 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
SENIOR SCHOOLHINTS AND TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL VIRTUAL CLASSROOM LEARNING
bull Where possible students should follow the assigned timetable
bull Ensure that other technology is turned off within the home to reduce distractions
bull As per our ICT guidelines (located in the Student Diary) - Families are encouraged to closely supervise the technology that your child is using Firbank recommends that students learn in a visible space rather than in a bedroom so that adults can supervise the technology
bull Set up a clean and spacious work-station in a public place in your home
bull During the school day (840 am - 330 pm) we request that students do not connectcommunicate with each other through any social media including facetimegroup chatsTIKTOK etc
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 9
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
VIRTUAL CLASSROOM PRINCIPLES FOR STUDENTSbull Be aware that when communicating online sometimes words phrases and lsquoin-jokesrsquo
are not understood and appreciated in the same way as face-to-face bull Try to always add value with your contributions bull Uphold the values of the school community and our Relationships and Engagement
Commitment bull Understand and adhere to all appropriate ICT use and interactions guidelines found
in the front pages of the school diarybull Take responsibility to reflect on your learning and check in with your teachers when
necessary bull Always ask questions when clarity is needed bull Be conscious of the environment and space you are learning in It might be important
to create a physical and mental separation from our schoolwork and our lsquohome timersquo Shift mindsets between work and rest by getting dressed for your day
bull Respect the time that has been scheduled for you to learn together Be online on time
bull Develop ways to self-regulate maintain wellbeing and balance time between online and offline
bull Stay hydrated and nourish your body bull Look for opportunities to meditate be active and have lsquobrain breaksrsquo through the day
VIRTUAL LEARNING PRINCIPLES FOR PARENTSbull Support your child in developing self-regulation bull Help them to balance time between online and offline being conscious of social
connection and wellbeing needs bull Encourage good hydration habits opportunities for mindfulness medications
physical activities and ldquobrain breaksrdquo through the day bull Encourage your child to remain connected with teachers mentors Wellbeing Leaders
and support staff bull Help establish a daily routine bull If possible provide a designated workspace with limited distractions bull Encourage your child to self-manage learning timelines and due dates bull Encourage your child to complete all their work with integrity and academic honesty bull Please connect and communicate with the school if you have any questions or
concerns bull Give your child space to lsquobersquo in their classes without constant scrutiny
10 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
INDIVIDUAL LEARNING NEEDS Students who need individual learning strategies will be supported by our Learning Support Aides when their classes are timetabled - they will form part of the virtual classroom and assist whichever students need extra support (this will include assistance such as scribing for assessments where needed and answering and explaining questions as they would do in the regular classroom)
We are committed to ensuring that students in our care who have individual learning challenges are appropriately supported
ASSESSMENT GUIDELINES AND SUBMISSION
Students will continue to receive feedback and complete assessments online Assessment will conducted through Microsoft Teams with our assessments being delivered in real time with the teacher watching the students undertaking their assessment tasks through either Firefly or OneNote platforms - the expected conditions and rules that apply for assessment tasks will apply when using the remote platform In this way teachers will be able to authenticate studentsrsquo work as effectively as possible without having students physically present Importantly this continues to give students practice in timed assessments from which they will receive valuable feedback from their teachers
bull Assessment are to be delivered using Firefly tasks and Classroom Notebook bull Students submit assessment via Firefly Classroom Notebook and Office Lens bull Email if necessary
All assessment tasks will continue to also be reported upon through our usual progressive reporting method so that parents and students can discuss progress and strategies needed for enhancing academic performance
VCE assessment and SAC calendar dates will remain as we work remotely Specific information regarding the SAC will be given to students by their classroom teachers
ATTENDANCE Every lesson will have the Attendance Roll marked as is the case when students are at school and these will be monitored in the usual way with the expectation of students always being in their remote learning class unless unwell or with an important appointment that their parents have notified the school about
For VCE Students In keeping with our regular school protocols if a student cannot undertake a SAC on the scheduled day due to illness then parents should email their teacher and Wellbeing Leader so that their absence can be officially recorded and their SAC rescheduled through our VCE coordinator jansteefirbankviceduau
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 11
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
WELLBEINGAt Firbank we acknowledge and promote the key role that wellbeing plays in ensuring that students can learn As we move into learning remotely Firbank will continue to ensure that we do our best to support the wellbeing of our students
Year Level Wellbeing Leaders with their teams of mentors foster and facilitate the wellbeing of our students in each year level and they will continue to ensure that the needs of all students are cared for within a supportive environment If you have a wellbeing concern please email your Wellbeing Leader
Students have been sent a link to the Senior School Wellbeing page on Fireflyhttpsfirbankfireflycloudnetausenior-school-well-being
This resource is for staff and students to access information strategies and support to care for the wellbeing of our community Information about mental health mindfulness connectedness and scheduling health breaks while learning remotely will be posted and updated
STUDENT SUPPORT DURING REMOTE LEARNING
During this period of remote learning our aim is to maintain the connections and support we can give our students whilst ensuring the adherence to key online usage duty of care and child safe polices In the senior school during remote learning there are three main reasons for a 11 meeting1 a session with the school psychologistschool counsellor2 a meeting with learning support teachers and aides3 a check in with a wellbeing leader
SCHOOL COUNSELLING SESSIONS
Our School Psychologist and Counsellor will be continuing to provide counselling supports to students as required during this period of remote delivery
Appointments will be available within the same time periods as during regular school operating hours (830 am - 330pm) and term dates
Days of work areJenny Vincent-Green Monday - FridaySally Gorton Tuesday - Thursday
Students with pre-arranged appointments will be given priority New requests will be assessed as to whether the presenting issue and level of associated risk is appropriate to be managed remotely In the event that the presenting issue needs face-to-face management a referral to a provider within the community will be suggested This also applies in the event that a pre-existing clientrsquos presentation changes to the extent that remote support is no longer appropriate Please note that these providers may be similarly affected by the current public health conditions and a referral is not a guarantee that these providers will be able to see your child
12 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
The following information will be sent within the body of appointment invitation to say by accepting the invite you have read and understood the privacy and confidentiality considerations
IMPORTANT PLEASE READ BEFORE ACCEPTING
REMOTE COUNSELLING SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER
PrivacyMake sure you are in a private place for your session Your PsychologistCounsellor will take reasonable steps at their end to protect your privacy but you have responsibility to ensure your privacy at your end Make sure that you are in a place where others can not hear your conversation or see your screen If this is difficult to ensure please let your PsychologistCounsellor know
DistractionsPlease minimise distractions during your session This includes not playing games sending messages other activities during your session Treat your counselling appointment as you would a face-to-face session your PsychologistCounsellor will do likewise
Confidentiality and SafetyIn the event that your psychologist or counsellor is concerned about your safety or the safety of another student the usual limitations around confidentiality exist Information regarding risk and safety will be shared with an adult who is able to monitor your safety or the safety of the student concerned
By accepting the appointment invitation you agree that you have read and understand the above If you are unsure please ask a parent to help you understand or reply by email to me with any questions
MAKING AN APPOINTMENTAppointment times can be arranged via direct email request to the School Psychologist and Counsellor jvincentgreenfirbankviceduau andsgortonfirbankviceduau
Senior School students will receive an appointment invitation via Outlook Any real-time lessons scheduled will take precedence
As always our team are available to support parents in regard to their childrenrsquos wellbeing Parents may request a call or video conference via the above email addresses
HOW THE SESSIONS WILL WORKIf students would like a video session the psychologist or counsellor will connect with the student via the video conferencing function within Microsoft Teams at the time advised in a meeting invitation
Students will be advised as to privacy and confidentiality considerations and encouraged to take the video conference in a private location Many families have rules at home about phones and devices in bedrooms or other private places so this will need to be discussed with your child in the event that they choose to access counselling support
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 13
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
WELLBEING LEADER CHATS
Year Level Wellbeing Leaders with their teams of mentors foster and facilitate the wellbeing of our students in each year level and they will continue to ensure that the needs of all students are cared for within a supportive environment If students have a wellbeing concern they can email their Wellbeing Leader to make a time for a chat Wellbeing leaders may also initiate a check in with one of the students in their year level
The following information will be sent within the body of the calendar invitation
IMPORTANT PLEASE READ BEFORE ACCEPTING CALENDAR INVITE FOR THIS CATCH UPbull Make sure you are in a quiet place Your Wellbeing Leader will take reasonable steps
at their end to protect your privacy but you have responsibility to ensure your privacy at your end
bull Please minimise distractions during your session This includes not playing games sending messages other activities during your session Treat this conversation as you would a face-to-face session
bull Confidentiality and Safety In the event that your Wellbeing Leader is concerned about your safety or the safety of another student the usual limitations around confidentiality exist Information regarding risk and safety will be shared with an adult who is able to monitor your safety or the safety of the student concerned
bull Use a backdrop during the meetingbull Follow the standard guidelines for video conferencing outlined in the FGS Virtual
Classroom Handbook
By accepting the appointment invitation you agree that you have read and understand the above If you are unsure please ask a parent to help you understand or reply by email to me with any questions
LEARNING SUPPORT APPOINTMENTS
Families of students with identified individual learning needs have been emailed the letter on the left A request for permission has been posted on Consent2Go
14 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
CLASSROOM TEACHER ACADEMIC SUPPORT
The direct chat feature between educators and students is disabled in our Teams environment The main reason for this is an e-safety preventative measure Classroom teachers can conduct audio chats with a group of students but will not be conducting 11 video audio or chat sessions with a student If for example staff wanted to talk through an assessment or personally explain a concept and the best way to do this requires a discussion this can be achieved through a small group audio discussion These discussions can take place with a minimum of 3 people Staff can email the group with a Teams calendar invite In order for students to connect and engage with each other they are able to turn their video on when they are in groups in ldquohangoutrdquo channels within a Teams classroom meeting The video of these channels will not be recorded Please remember that students should keep their videos for all recorded lessons (with the exception of SACs where the recorded videos will not be posted onto Firefly)
The following information will be sent within the body of the calendar invitation
IMPORTANT PLEASE READ BEFORE ACCEPTING CALENDAR INVITE FOR THIS CATCH UPbull The purpose of this meeting is to support your learningbull The minimum number of participants in this session is 3 peoplebull Make sure you are in a quiet placebull Please make sure your video is switched offbull Please minimise distractions during your session This includes not playing games
sending messages other activities during your session Treat this conversation as you would on campus
bull Follow the standard guidelines for video conferencing outlined in the FGS Virtual Classroom Handbook
bull By accepting the appointment invitation you agree that you have read and understand the above If you are unsure please ask a parent to help you understand or reply by email to me with any questions
ADVICE FROM THE E-SAFETY COMMISSION
Using social media and online collaboration platforms Communication and content should always reflect professional staffstudent or staffparentcarer relationships Regardless of the current global events it is important for staff to bull follow the normal school procedures and codes of conduct bull only use school-authorised accounts or platforms when corresponding with students
and parentscarers bull maintain professional boundaries on social media and avoid sharing personal mobile
numbers or accepting or requesting students or parents carers as lsquofriendsrsquo on personal accounts
bull understand your schoolrsquos reporting and referral procedures for disclosures and duty of care concerns
httpswwwesafetygovauabout-usblogcovid-19-keeping-schools-and-learning-safe-online
COVID19 RESOURCES FOR FAMILIESbull How parents can talk to kids about the coronavirus (video)
httpsfirbankvicschooltvmewellbeing_newsspecial-report-coronavirusbull Tips from the Australian Psychological Society for coping with coronavirus anxiety
httpswwwpsychologyorgaugetmedia38073179-4701-48bd-afd9-988c560ee2f920APS-IS-COVID-19-P1pdf
bull This website has a range of resources on coping with anxiety meditations and podcast discussions httpswwwtenpercentcomcoronavirussanityguide
These services all provide counselling by phone and via text chatbull Kids Help Line 1800 55 1800
httpskidshelplinecomauget-helpwebchat-counsellingbull Headspace
httpsheadspaceorgaueheadspacebull Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
httpswwwbeyondblueorgauget-supportnational-help-lines-and-websitesbull Lifeline 13 11 14
httpswwwlifelineorgau
16 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
REFERENCE LIST 1 Aitsl (2020) Spotlight What Works in OnlineDistance Teaching and Learning
Retrieved from httpswwwaitsleduauresearchspotlightwhat-works-in-online-distance-teaching-and-learning
2 Beyer W Minshall C amp Vennesland K (2020) Tips for success in online learning [PDF] Retrieved from httpswwwqueensucaacademicsonlinelearning
3 Brown B (2018) Dare to Lead London Ebury 4 Centre for Innovation Research Creativity and Leadership in Education A SCHOOL
FOR TOMORROW ndash CONTINUOUS LEARNING TOOLKIT [PDF] Retrieved from httpscircleeducationcircles-research-in-education
5 Department of Education and Training State of Victoria (2020) High Impact Teaching Strategies [PDF] Retrieved from httpswwweducationvicgovauschoolteachersteachingresourcespracticeimprovePageshitsaspx
6 Hattie J amp Corwin SAGE Company (2019) Visible Learning 250+Influences on Student Achievement [PDF] Retrieved from httpswwwvisiblelearningcomresources
7 National Standards for Quality Online Teaching (nsqol) amp Quality Matters and Virtual Leadership Alliance (2020) Httpswwwnsqolorgthe-standardsquality-online -teaching Retrieved from httpswwwnsqolorgthe-standardsquality-online -teaching
8 OrsquoBrien ML (2020) Learning in the time of COVID-19 Retrieved from httpswwwmlobriencomlearning-in-the-time-of-c ovid-19
9 Prestridge S Dr amp Cox D (2020) School teachers rapid response and How teachers are moving online Retrieved from httpswwwteachingonlinecomauschool-teachers
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 17
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
KEY CONTACTSparenthelpdeskfirbankviceduau
Staff are available to be contacted by their Firbank email addresses
For Queries Abouthellip Email
Learning activities and assessment Your classroom teacher
Student related technology problem or issue
IT helpdesk helpdeskfirbankviceduau
A personal or social-emotional concern Your Mentor or Wellbeing Leader
All other queries and information parenthelpdeskfirbankviceduau
18 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
51 Outer Crescent Brighton Vic 3186 bull ELC - Year 12 bull Girls Campus 45 Royal Avenue Sandringham Vic 3191 bull ELC - Year 6 bull Co-educational Campus
firbankviceduau bull CRICOS Provider No 00140K
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 9
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
VIRTUAL CLASSROOM PRINCIPLES FOR STUDENTSbull Be aware that when communicating online sometimes words phrases and lsquoin-jokesrsquo
are not understood and appreciated in the same way as face-to-face bull Try to always add value with your contributions bull Uphold the values of the school community and our Relationships and Engagement
Commitment bull Understand and adhere to all appropriate ICT use and interactions guidelines found
in the front pages of the school diarybull Take responsibility to reflect on your learning and check in with your teachers when
necessary bull Always ask questions when clarity is needed bull Be conscious of the environment and space you are learning in It might be important
to create a physical and mental separation from our schoolwork and our lsquohome timersquo Shift mindsets between work and rest by getting dressed for your day
bull Respect the time that has been scheduled for you to learn together Be online on time
bull Develop ways to self-regulate maintain wellbeing and balance time between online and offline
bull Stay hydrated and nourish your body bull Look for opportunities to meditate be active and have lsquobrain breaksrsquo through the day
VIRTUAL LEARNING PRINCIPLES FOR PARENTSbull Support your child in developing self-regulation bull Help them to balance time between online and offline being conscious of social
connection and wellbeing needs bull Encourage good hydration habits opportunities for mindfulness medications
physical activities and ldquobrain breaksrdquo through the day bull Encourage your child to remain connected with teachers mentors Wellbeing Leaders
and support staff bull Help establish a daily routine bull If possible provide a designated workspace with limited distractions bull Encourage your child to self-manage learning timelines and due dates bull Encourage your child to complete all their work with integrity and academic honesty bull Please connect and communicate with the school if you have any questions or
concerns bull Give your child space to lsquobersquo in their classes without constant scrutiny
10 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
INDIVIDUAL LEARNING NEEDS Students who need individual learning strategies will be supported by our Learning Support Aides when their classes are timetabled - they will form part of the virtual classroom and assist whichever students need extra support (this will include assistance such as scribing for assessments where needed and answering and explaining questions as they would do in the regular classroom)
We are committed to ensuring that students in our care who have individual learning challenges are appropriately supported
ASSESSMENT GUIDELINES AND SUBMISSION
Students will continue to receive feedback and complete assessments online Assessment will conducted through Microsoft Teams with our assessments being delivered in real time with the teacher watching the students undertaking their assessment tasks through either Firefly or OneNote platforms - the expected conditions and rules that apply for assessment tasks will apply when using the remote platform In this way teachers will be able to authenticate studentsrsquo work as effectively as possible without having students physically present Importantly this continues to give students practice in timed assessments from which they will receive valuable feedback from their teachers
bull Assessment are to be delivered using Firefly tasks and Classroom Notebook bull Students submit assessment via Firefly Classroom Notebook and Office Lens bull Email if necessary
All assessment tasks will continue to also be reported upon through our usual progressive reporting method so that parents and students can discuss progress and strategies needed for enhancing academic performance
VCE assessment and SAC calendar dates will remain as we work remotely Specific information regarding the SAC will be given to students by their classroom teachers
ATTENDANCE Every lesson will have the Attendance Roll marked as is the case when students are at school and these will be monitored in the usual way with the expectation of students always being in their remote learning class unless unwell or with an important appointment that their parents have notified the school about
For VCE Students In keeping with our regular school protocols if a student cannot undertake a SAC on the scheduled day due to illness then parents should email their teacher and Wellbeing Leader so that their absence can be officially recorded and their SAC rescheduled through our VCE coordinator jansteefirbankviceduau
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 11
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
WELLBEINGAt Firbank we acknowledge and promote the key role that wellbeing plays in ensuring that students can learn As we move into learning remotely Firbank will continue to ensure that we do our best to support the wellbeing of our students
Year Level Wellbeing Leaders with their teams of mentors foster and facilitate the wellbeing of our students in each year level and they will continue to ensure that the needs of all students are cared for within a supportive environment If you have a wellbeing concern please email your Wellbeing Leader
Students have been sent a link to the Senior School Wellbeing page on Fireflyhttpsfirbankfireflycloudnetausenior-school-well-being
This resource is for staff and students to access information strategies and support to care for the wellbeing of our community Information about mental health mindfulness connectedness and scheduling health breaks while learning remotely will be posted and updated
STUDENT SUPPORT DURING REMOTE LEARNING
During this period of remote learning our aim is to maintain the connections and support we can give our students whilst ensuring the adherence to key online usage duty of care and child safe polices In the senior school during remote learning there are three main reasons for a 11 meeting1 a session with the school psychologistschool counsellor2 a meeting with learning support teachers and aides3 a check in with a wellbeing leader
SCHOOL COUNSELLING SESSIONS
Our School Psychologist and Counsellor will be continuing to provide counselling supports to students as required during this period of remote delivery
Appointments will be available within the same time periods as during regular school operating hours (830 am - 330pm) and term dates
Days of work areJenny Vincent-Green Monday - FridaySally Gorton Tuesday - Thursday
Students with pre-arranged appointments will be given priority New requests will be assessed as to whether the presenting issue and level of associated risk is appropriate to be managed remotely In the event that the presenting issue needs face-to-face management a referral to a provider within the community will be suggested This also applies in the event that a pre-existing clientrsquos presentation changes to the extent that remote support is no longer appropriate Please note that these providers may be similarly affected by the current public health conditions and a referral is not a guarantee that these providers will be able to see your child
12 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
The following information will be sent within the body of appointment invitation to say by accepting the invite you have read and understood the privacy and confidentiality considerations
IMPORTANT PLEASE READ BEFORE ACCEPTING
REMOTE COUNSELLING SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER
PrivacyMake sure you are in a private place for your session Your PsychologistCounsellor will take reasonable steps at their end to protect your privacy but you have responsibility to ensure your privacy at your end Make sure that you are in a place where others can not hear your conversation or see your screen If this is difficult to ensure please let your PsychologistCounsellor know
DistractionsPlease minimise distractions during your session This includes not playing games sending messages other activities during your session Treat your counselling appointment as you would a face-to-face session your PsychologistCounsellor will do likewise
Confidentiality and SafetyIn the event that your psychologist or counsellor is concerned about your safety or the safety of another student the usual limitations around confidentiality exist Information regarding risk and safety will be shared with an adult who is able to monitor your safety or the safety of the student concerned
By accepting the appointment invitation you agree that you have read and understand the above If you are unsure please ask a parent to help you understand or reply by email to me with any questions
MAKING AN APPOINTMENTAppointment times can be arranged via direct email request to the School Psychologist and Counsellor jvincentgreenfirbankviceduau andsgortonfirbankviceduau
Senior School students will receive an appointment invitation via Outlook Any real-time lessons scheduled will take precedence
As always our team are available to support parents in regard to their childrenrsquos wellbeing Parents may request a call or video conference via the above email addresses
HOW THE SESSIONS WILL WORKIf students would like a video session the psychologist or counsellor will connect with the student via the video conferencing function within Microsoft Teams at the time advised in a meeting invitation
Students will be advised as to privacy and confidentiality considerations and encouraged to take the video conference in a private location Many families have rules at home about phones and devices in bedrooms or other private places so this will need to be discussed with your child in the event that they choose to access counselling support
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 13
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
WELLBEING LEADER CHATS
Year Level Wellbeing Leaders with their teams of mentors foster and facilitate the wellbeing of our students in each year level and they will continue to ensure that the needs of all students are cared for within a supportive environment If students have a wellbeing concern they can email their Wellbeing Leader to make a time for a chat Wellbeing leaders may also initiate a check in with one of the students in their year level
The following information will be sent within the body of the calendar invitation
IMPORTANT PLEASE READ BEFORE ACCEPTING CALENDAR INVITE FOR THIS CATCH UPbull Make sure you are in a quiet place Your Wellbeing Leader will take reasonable steps
at their end to protect your privacy but you have responsibility to ensure your privacy at your end
bull Please minimise distractions during your session This includes not playing games sending messages other activities during your session Treat this conversation as you would a face-to-face session
bull Confidentiality and Safety In the event that your Wellbeing Leader is concerned about your safety or the safety of another student the usual limitations around confidentiality exist Information regarding risk and safety will be shared with an adult who is able to monitor your safety or the safety of the student concerned
bull Use a backdrop during the meetingbull Follow the standard guidelines for video conferencing outlined in the FGS Virtual
Classroom Handbook
By accepting the appointment invitation you agree that you have read and understand the above If you are unsure please ask a parent to help you understand or reply by email to me with any questions
LEARNING SUPPORT APPOINTMENTS
Families of students with identified individual learning needs have been emailed the letter on the left A request for permission has been posted on Consent2Go
14 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
CLASSROOM TEACHER ACADEMIC SUPPORT
The direct chat feature between educators and students is disabled in our Teams environment The main reason for this is an e-safety preventative measure Classroom teachers can conduct audio chats with a group of students but will not be conducting 11 video audio or chat sessions with a student If for example staff wanted to talk through an assessment or personally explain a concept and the best way to do this requires a discussion this can be achieved through a small group audio discussion These discussions can take place with a minimum of 3 people Staff can email the group with a Teams calendar invite In order for students to connect and engage with each other they are able to turn their video on when they are in groups in ldquohangoutrdquo channels within a Teams classroom meeting The video of these channels will not be recorded Please remember that students should keep their videos for all recorded lessons (with the exception of SACs where the recorded videos will not be posted onto Firefly)
The following information will be sent within the body of the calendar invitation
IMPORTANT PLEASE READ BEFORE ACCEPTING CALENDAR INVITE FOR THIS CATCH UPbull The purpose of this meeting is to support your learningbull The minimum number of participants in this session is 3 peoplebull Make sure you are in a quiet placebull Please make sure your video is switched offbull Please minimise distractions during your session This includes not playing games
sending messages other activities during your session Treat this conversation as you would on campus
bull Follow the standard guidelines for video conferencing outlined in the FGS Virtual Classroom Handbook
bull By accepting the appointment invitation you agree that you have read and understand the above If you are unsure please ask a parent to help you understand or reply by email to me with any questions
ADVICE FROM THE E-SAFETY COMMISSION
Using social media and online collaboration platforms Communication and content should always reflect professional staffstudent or staffparentcarer relationships Regardless of the current global events it is important for staff to bull follow the normal school procedures and codes of conduct bull only use school-authorised accounts or platforms when corresponding with students
and parentscarers bull maintain professional boundaries on social media and avoid sharing personal mobile
numbers or accepting or requesting students or parents carers as lsquofriendsrsquo on personal accounts
bull understand your schoolrsquos reporting and referral procedures for disclosures and duty of care concerns
httpswwwesafetygovauabout-usblogcovid-19-keeping-schools-and-learning-safe-online
COVID19 RESOURCES FOR FAMILIESbull How parents can talk to kids about the coronavirus (video)
httpsfirbankvicschooltvmewellbeing_newsspecial-report-coronavirusbull Tips from the Australian Psychological Society for coping with coronavirus anxiety
httpswwwpsychologyorgaugetmedia38073179-4701-48bd-afd9-988c560ee2f920APS-IS-COVID-19-P1pdf
bull This website has a range of resources on coping with anxiety meditations and podcast discussions httpswwwtenpercentcomcoronavirussanityguide
These services all provide counselling by phone and via text chatbull Kids Help Line 1800 55 1800
httpskidshelplinecomauget-helpwebchat-counsellingbull Headspace
httpsheadspaceorgaueheadspacebull Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
httpswwwbeyondblueorgauget-supportnational-help-lines-and-websitesbull Lifeline 13 11 14
httpswwwlifelineorgau
16 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
REFERENCE LIST 1 Aitsl (2020) Spotlight What Works in OnlineDistance Teaching and Learning
Retrieved from httpswwwaitsleduauresearchspotlightwhat-works-in-online-distance-teaching-and-learning
2 Beyer W Minshall C amp Vennesland K (2020) Tips for success in online learning [PDF] Retrieved from httpswwwqueensucaacademicsonlinelearning
3 Brown B (2018) Dare to Lead London Ebury 4 Centre for Innovation Research Creativity and Leadership in Education A SCHOOL
FOR TOMORROW ndash CONTINUOUS LEARNING TOOLKIT [PDF] Retrieved from httpscircleeducationcircles-research-in-education
5 Department of Education and Training State of Victoria (2020) High Impact Teaching Strategies [PDF] Retrieved from httpswwweducationvicgovauschoolteachersteachingresourcespracticeimprovePageshitsaspx
6 Hattie J amp Corwin SAGE Company (2019) Visible Learning 250+Influences on Student Achievement [PDF] Retrieved from httpswwwvisiblelearningcomresources
7 National Standards for Quality Online Teaching (nsqol) amp Quality Matters and Virtual Leadership Alliance (2020) Httpswwwnsqolorgthe-standardsquality-online -teaching Retrieved from httpswwwnsqolorgthe-standardsquality-online -teaching
8 OrsquoBrien ML (2020) Learning in the time of COVID-19 Retrieved from httpswwwmlobriencomlearning-in-the-time-of-c ovid-19
9 Prestridge S Dr amp Cox D (2020) School teachers rapid response and How teachers are moving online Retrieved from httpswwwteachingonlinecomauschool-teachers
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 17
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
KEY CONTACTSparenthelpdeskfirbankviceduau
Staff are available to be contacted by their Firbank email addresses
For Queries Abouthellip Email
Learning activities and assessment Your classroom teacher
Student related technology problem or issue
IT helpdesk helpdeskfirbankviceduau
A personal or social-emotional concern Your Mentor or Wellbeing Leader
All other queries and information parenthelpdeskfirbankviceduau
18 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
51 Outer Crescent Brighton Vic 3186 bull ELC - Year 12 bull Girls Campus 45 Royal Avenue Sandringham Vic 3191 bull ELC - Year 6 bull Co-educational Campus
firbankviceduau bull CRICOS Provider No 00140K
10 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
INDIVIDUAL LEARNING NEEDS Students who need individual learning strategies will be supported by our Learning Support Aides when their classes are timetabled - they will form part of the virtual classroom and assist whichever students need extra support (this will include assistance such as scribing for assessments where needed and answering and explaining questions as they would do in the regular classroom)
We are committed to ensuring that students in our care who have individual learning challenges are appropriately supported
ASSESSMENT GUIDELINES AND SUBMISSION
Students will continue to receive feedback and complete assessments online Assessment will conducted through Microsoft Teams with our assessments being delivered in real time with the teacher watching the students undertaking their assessment tasks through either Firefly or OneNote platforms - the expected conditions and rules that apply for assessment tasks will apply when using the remote platform In this way teachers will be able to authenticate studentsrsquo work as effectively as possible without having students physically present Importantly this continues to give students practice in timed assessments from which they will receive valuable feedback from their teachers
bull Assessment are to be delivered using Firefly tasks and Classroom Notebook bull Students submit assessment via Firefly Classroom Notebook and Office Lens bull Email if necessary
All assessment tasks will continue to also be reported upon through our usual progressive reporting method so that parents and students can discuss progress and strategies needed for enhancing academic performance
VCE assessment and SAC calendar dates will remain as we work remotely Specific information regarding the SAC will be given to students by their classroom teachers
ATTENDANCE Every lesson will have the Attendance Roll marked as is the case when students are at school and these will be monitored in the usual way with the expectation of students always being in their remote learning class unless unwell or with an important appointment that their parents have notified the school about
For VCE Students In keeping with our regular school protocols if a student cannot undertake a SAC on the scheduled day due to illness then parents should email their teacher and Wellbeing Leader so that their absence can be officially recorded and their SAC rescheduled through our VCE coordinator jansteefirbankviceduau
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 11
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
WELLBEINGAt Firbank we acknowledge and promote the key role that wellbeing plays in ensuring that students can learn As we move into learning remotely Firbank will continue to ensure that we do our best to support the wellbeing of our students
Year Level Wellbeing Leaders with their teams of mentors foster and facilitate the wellbeing of our students in each year level and they will continue to ensure that the needs of all students are cared for within a supportive environment If you have a wellbeing concern please email your Wellbeing Leader
Students have been sent a link to the Senior School Wellbeing page on Fireflyhttpsfirbankfireflycloudnetausenior-school-well-being
This resource is for staff and students to access information strategies and support to care for the wellbeing of our community Information about mental health mindfulness connectedness and scheduling health breaks while learning remotely will be posted and updated
STUDENT SUPPORT DURING REMOTE LEARNING
During this period of remote learning our aim is to maintain the connections and support we can give our students whilst ensuring the adherence to key online usage duty of care and child safe polices In the senior school during remote learning there are three main reasons for a 11 meeting1 a session with the school psychologistschool counsellor2 a meeting with learning support teachers and aides3 a check in with a wellbeing leader
SCHOOL COUNSELLING SESSIONS
Our School Psychologist and Counsellor will be continuing to provide counselling supports to students as required during this period of remote delivery
Appointments will be available within the same time periods as during regular school operating hours (830 am - 330pm) and term dates
Days of work areJenny Vincent-Green Monday - FridaySally Gorton Tuesday - Thursday
Students with pre-arranged appointments will be given priority New requests will be assessed as to whether the presenting issue and level of associated risk is appropriate to be managed remotely In the event that the presenting issue needs face-to-face management a referral to a provider within the community will be suggested This also applies in the event that a pre-existing clientrsquos presentation changes to the extent that remote support is no longer appropriate Please note that these providers may be similarly affected by the current public health conditions and a referral is not a guarantee that these providers will be able to see your child
12 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
The following information will be sent within the body of appointment invitation to say by accepting the invite you have read and understood the privacy and confidentiality considerations
IMPORTANT PLEASE READ BEFORE ACCEPTING
REMOTE COUNSELLING SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER
PrivacyMake sure you are in a private place for your session Your PsychologistCounsellor will take reasonable steps at their end to protect your privacy but you have responsibility to ensure your privacy at your end Make sure that you are in a place where others can not hear your conversation or see your screen If this is difficult to ensure please let your PsychologistCounsellor know
DistractionsPlease minimise distractions during your session This includes not playing games sending messages other activities during your session Treat your counselling appointment as you would a face-to-face session your PsychologistCounsellor will do likewise
Confidentiality and SafetyIn the event that your psychologist or counsellor is concerned about your safety or the safety of another student the usual limitations around confidentiality exist Information regarding risk and safety will be shared with an adult who is able to monitor your safety or the safety of the student concerned
By accepting the appointment invitation you agree that you have read and understand the above If you are unsure please ask a parent to help you understand or reply by email to me with any questions
MAKING AN APPOINTMENTAppointment times can be arranged via direct email request to the School Psychologist and Counsellor jvincentgreenfirbankviceduau andsgortonfirbankviceduau
Senior School students will receive an appointment invitation via Outlook Any real-time lessons scheduled will take precedence
As always our team are available to support parents in regard to their childrenrsquos wellbeing Parents may request a call or video conference via the above email addresses
HOW THE SESSIONS WILL WORKIf students would like a video session the psychologist or counsellor will connect with the student via the video conferencing function within Microsoft Teams at the time advised in a meeting invitation
Students will be advised as to privacy and confidentiality considerations and encouraged to take the video conference in a private location Many families have rules at home about phones and devices in bedrooms or other private places so this will need to be discussed with your child in the event that they choose to access counselling support
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 13
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
WELLBEING LEADER CHATS
Year Level Wellbeing Leaders with their teams of mentors foster and facilitate the wellbeing of our students in each year level and they will continue to ensure that the needs of all students are cared for within a supportive environment If students have a wellbeing concern they can email their Wellbeing Leader to make a time for a chat Wellbeing leaders may also initiate a check in with one of the students in their year level
The following information will be sent within the body of the calendar invitation
IMPORTANT PLEASE READ BEFORE ACCEPTING CALENDAR INVITE FOR THIS CATCH UPbull Make sure you are in a quiet place Your Wellbeing Leader will take reasonable steps
at their end to protect your privacy but you have responsibility to ensure your privacy at your end
bull Please minimise distractions during your session This includes not playing games sending messages other activities during your session Treat this conversation as you would a face-to-face session
bull Confidentiality and Safety In the event that your Wellbeing Leader is concerned about your safety or the safety of another student the usual limitations around confidentiality exist Information regarding risk and safety will be shared with an adult who is able to monitor your safety or the safety of the student concerned
bull Use a backdrop during the meetingbull Follow the standard guidelines for video conferencing outlined in the FGS Virtual
Classroom Handbook
By accepting the appointment invitation you agree that you have read and understand the above If you are unsure please ask a parent to help you understand or reply by email to me with any questions
LEARNING SUPPORT APPOINTMENTS
Families of students with identified individual learning needs have been emailed the letter on the left A request for permission has been posted on Consent2Go
14 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
CLASSROOM TEACHER ACADEMIC SUPPORT
The direct chat feature between educators and students is disabled in our Teams environment The main reason for this is an e-safety preventative measure Classroom teachers can conduct audio chats with a group of students but will not be conducting 11 video audio or chat sessions with a student If for example staff wanted to talk through an assessment or personally explain a concept and the best way to do this requires a discussion this can be achieved through a small group audio discussion These discussions can take place with a minimum of 3 people Staff can email the group with a Teams calendar invite In order for students to connect and engage with each other they are able to turn their video on when they are in groups in ldquohangoutrdquo channels within a Teams classroom meeting The video of these channels will not be recorded Please remember that students should keep their videos for all recorded lessons (with the exception of SACs where the recorded videos will not be posted onto Firefly)
The following information will be sent within the body of the calendar invitation
IMPORTANT PLEASE READ BEFORE ACCEPTING CALENDAR INVITE FOR THIS CATCH UPbull The purpose of this meeting is to support your learningbull The minimum number of participants in this session is 3 peoplebull Make sure you are in a quiet placebull Please make sure your video is switched offbull Please minimise distractions during your session This includes not playing games
sending messages other activities during your session Treat this conversation as you would on campus
bull Follow the standard guidelines for video conferencing outlined in the FGS Virtual Classroom Handbook
bull By accepting the appointment invitation you agree that you have read and understand the above If you are unsure please ask a parent to help you understand or reply by email to me with any questions
ADVICE FROM THE E-SAFETY COMMISSION
Using social media and online collaboration platforms Communication and content should always reflect professional staffstudent or staffparentcarer relationships Regardless of the current global events it is important for staff to bull follow the normal school procedures and codes of conduct bull only use school-authorised accounts or platforms when corresponding with students
and parentscarers bull maintain professional boundaries on social media and avoid sharing personal mobile
numbers or accepting or requesting students or parents carers as lsquofriendsrsquo on personal accounts
bull understand your schoolrsquos reporting and referral procedures for disclosures and duty of care concerns
httpswwwesafetygovauabout-usblogcovid-19-keeping-schools-and-learning-safe-online
COVID19 RESOURCES FOR FAMILIESbull How parents can talk to kids about the coronavirus (video)
httpsfirbankvicschooltvmewellbeing_newsspecial-report-coronavirusbull Tips from the Australian Psychological Society for coping with coronavirus anxiety
httpswwwpsychologyorgaugetmedia38073179-4701-48bd-afd9-988c560ee2f920APS-IS-COVID-19-P1pdf
bull This website has a range of resources on coping with anxiety meditations and podcast discussions httpswwwtenpercentcomcoronavirussanityguide
These services all provide counselling by phone and via text chatbull Kids Help Line 1800 55 1800
httpskidshelplinecomauget-helpwebchat-counsellingbull Headspace
httpsheadspaceorgaueheadspacebull Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
httpswwwbeyondblueorgauget-supportnational-help-lines-and-websitesbull Lifeline 13 11 14
httpswwwlifelineorgau
16 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
REFERENCE LIST 1 Aitsl (2020) Spotlight What Works in OnlineDistance Teaching and Learning
Retrieved from httpswwwaitsleduauresearchspotlightwhat-works-in-online-distance-teaching-and-learning
2 Beyer W Minshall C amp Vennesland K (2020) Tips for success in online learning [PDF] Retrieved from httpswwwqueensucaacademicsonlinelearning
3 Brown B (2018) Dare to Lead London Ebury 4 Centre for Innovation Research Creativity and Leadership in Education A SCHOOL
FOR TOMORROW ndash CONTINUOUS LEARNING TOOLKIT [PDF] Retrieved from httpscircleeducationcircles-research-in-education
5 Department of Education and Training State of Victoria (2020) High Impact Teaching Strategies [PDF] Retrieved from httpswwweducationvicgovauschoolteachersteachingresourcespracticeimprovePageshitsaspx
6 Hattie J amp Corwin SAGE Company (2019) Visible Learning 250+Influences on Student Achievement [PDF] Retrieved from httpswwwvisiblelearningcomresources
7 National Standards for Quality Online Teaching (nsqol) amp Quality Matters and Virtual Leadership Alliance (2020) Httpswwwnsqolorgthe-standardsquality-online -teaching Retrieved from httpswwwnsqolorgthe-standardsquality-online -teaching
8 OrsquoBrien ML (2020) Learning in the time of COVID-19 Retrieved from httpswwwmlobriencomlearning-in-the-time-of-c ovid-19
9 Prestridge S Dr amp Cox D (2020) School teachers rapid response and How teachers are moving online Retrieved from httpswwwteachingonlinecomauschool-teachers
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 17
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
KEY CONTACTSparenthelpdeskfirbankviceduau
Staff are available to be contacted by their Firbank email addresses
For Queries Abouthellip Email
Learning activities and assessment Your classroom teacher
Student related technology problem or issue
IT helpdesk helpdeskfirbankviceduau
A personal or social-emotional concern Your Mentor or Wellbeing Leader
All other queries and information parenthelpdeskfirbankviceduau
18 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
51 Outer Crescent Brighton Vic 3186 bull ELC - Year 12 bull Girls Campus 45 Royal Avenue Sandringham Vic 3191 bull ELC - Year 6 bull Co-educational Campus
firbankviceduau bull CRICOS Provider No 00140K
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 11
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
WELLBEINGAt Firbank we acknowledge and promote the key role that wellbeing plays in ensuring that students can learn As we move into learning remotely Firbank will continue to ensure that we do our best to support the wellbeing of our students
Year Level Wellbeing Leaders with their teams of mentors foster and facilitate the wellbeing of our students in each year level and they will continue to ensure that the needs of all students are cared for within a supportive environment If you have a wellbeing concern please email your Wellbeing Leader
Students have been sent a link to the Senior School Wellbeing page on Fireflyhttpsfirbankfireflycloudnetausenior-school-well-being
This resource is for staff and students to access information strategies and support to care for the wellbeing of our community Information about mental health mindfulness connectedness and scheduling health breaks while learning remotely will be posted and updated
STUDENT SUPPORT DURING REMOTE LEARNING
During this period of remote learning our aim is to maintain the connections and support we can give our students whilst ensuring the adherence to key online usage duty of care and child safe polices In the senior school during remote learning there are three main reasons for a 11 meeting1 a session with the school psychologistschool counsellor2 a meeting with learning support teachers and aides3 a check in with a wellbeing leader
SCHOOL COUNSELLING SESSIONS
Our School Psychologist and Counsellor will be continuing to provide counselling supports to students as required during this period of remote delivery
Appointments will be available within the same time periods as during regular school operating hours (830 am - 330pm) and term dates
Days of work areJenny Vincent-Green Monday - FridaySally Gorton Tuesday - Thursday
Students with pre-arranged appointments will be given priority New requests will be assessed as to whether the presenting issue and level of associated risk is appropriate to be managed remotely In the event that the presenting issue needs face-to-face management a referral to a provider within the community will be suggested This also applies in the event that a pre-existing clientrsquos presentation changes to the extent that remote support is no longer appropriate Please note that these providers may be similarly affected by the current public health conditions and a referral is not a guarantee that these providers will be able to see your child
12 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
The following information will be sent within the body of appointment invitation to say by accepting the invite you have read and understood the privacy and confidentiality considerations
IMPORTANT PLEASE READ BEFORE ACCEPTING
REMOTE COUNSELLING SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER
PrivacyMake sure you are in a private place for your session Your PsychologistCounsellor will take reasonable steps at their end to protect your privacy but you have responsibility to ensure your privacy at your end Make sure that you are in a place where others can not hear your conversation or see your screen If this is difficult to ensure please let your PsychologistCounsellor know
DistractionsPlease minimise distractions during your session This includes not playing games sending messages other activities during your session Treat your counselling appointment as you would a face-to-face session your PsychologistCounsellor will do likewise
Confidentiality and SafetyIn the event that your psychologist or counsellor is concerned about your safety or the safety of another student the usual limitations around confidentiality exist Information regarding risk and safety will be shared with an adult who is able to monitor your safety or the safety of the student concerned
By accepting the appointment invitation you agree that you have read and understand the above If you are unsure please ask a parent to help you understand or reply by email to me with any questions
MAKING AN APPOINTMENTAppointment times can be arranged via direct email request to the School Psychologist and Counsellor jvincentgreenfirbankviceduau andsgortonfirbankviceduau
Senior School students will receive an appointment invitation via Outlook Any real-time lessons scheduled will take precedence
As always our team are available to support parents in regard to their childrenrsquos wellbeing Parents may request a call or video conference via the above email addresses
HOW THE SESSIONS WILL WORKIf students would like a video session the psychologist or counsellor will connect with the student via the video conferencing function within Microsoft Teams at the time advised in a meeting invitation
Students will be advised as to privacy and confidentiality considerations and encouraged to take the video conference in a private location Many families have rules at home about phones and devices in bedrooms or other private places so this will need to be discussed with your child in the event that they choose to access counselling support
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 13
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
WELLBEING LEADER CHATS
Year Level Wellbeing Leaders with their teams of mentors foster and facilitate the wellbeing of our students in each year level and they will continue to ensure that the needs of all students are cared for within a supportive environment If students have a wellbeing concern they can email their Wellbeing Leader to make a time for a chat Wellbeing leaders may also initiate a check in with one of the students in their year level
The following information will be sent within the body of the calendar invitation
IMPORTANT PLEASE READ BEFORE ACCEPTING CALENDAR INVITE FOR THIS CATCH UPbull Make sure you are in a quiet place Your Wellbeing Leader will take reasonable steps
at their end to protect your privacy but you have responsibility to ensure your privacy at your end
bull Please minimise distractions during your session This includes not playing games sending messages other activities during your session Treat this conversation as you would a face-to-face session
bull Confidentiality and Safety In the event that your Wellbeing Leader is concerned about your safety or the safety of another student the usual limitations around confidentiality exist Information regarding risk and safety will be shared with an adult who is able to monitor your safety or the safety of the student concerned
bull Use a backdrop during the meetingbull Follow the standard guidelines for video conferencing outlined in the FGS Virtual
Classroom Handbook
By accepting the appointment invitation you agree that you have read and understand the above If you are unsure please ask a parent to help you understand or reply by email to me with any questions
LEARNING SUPPORT APPOINTMENTS
Families of students with identified individual learning needs have been emailed the letter on the left A request for permission has been posted on Consent2Go
14 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
CLASSROOM TEACHER ACADEMIC SUPPORT
The direct chat feature between educators and students is disabled in our Teams environment The main reason for this is an e-safety preventative measure Classroom teachers can conduct audio chats with a group of students but will not be conducting 11 video audio or chat sessions with a student If for example staff wanted to talk through an assessment or personally explain a concept and the best way to do this requires a discussion this can be achieved through a small group audio discussion These discussions can take place with a minimum of 3 people Staff can email the group with a Teams calendar invite In order for students to connect and engage with each other they are able to turn their video on when they are in groups in ldquohangoutrdquo channels within a Teams classroom meeting The video of these channels will not be recorded Please remember that students should keep their videos for all recorded lessons (with the exception of SACs where the recorded videos will not be posted onto Firefly)
The following information will be sent within the body of the calendar invitation
IMPORTANT PLEASE READ BEFORE ACCEPTING CALENDAR INVITE FOR THIS CATCH UPbull The purpose of this meeting is to support your learningbull The minimum number of participants in this session is 3 peoplebull Make sure you are in a quiet placebull Please make sure your video is switched offbull Please minimise distractions during your session This includes not playing games
sending messages other activities during your session Treat this conversation as you would on campus
bull Follow the standard guidelines for video conferencing outlined in the FGS Virtual Classroom Handbook
bull By accepting the appointment invitation you agree that you have read and understand the above If you are unsure please ask a parent to help you understand or reply by email to me with any questions
ADVICE FROM THE E-SAFETY COMMISSION
Using social media and online collaboration platforms Communication and content should always reflect professional staffstudent or staffparentcarer relationships Regardless of the current global events it is important for staff to bull follow the normal school procedures and codes of conduct bull only use school-authorised accounts or platforms when corresponding with students
and parentscarers bull maintain professional boundaries on social media and avoid sharing personal mobile
numbers or accepting or requesting students or parents carers as lsquofriendsrsquo on personal accounts
bull understand your schoolrsquos reporting and referral procedures for disclosures and duty of care concerns
httpswwwesafetygovauabout-usblogcovid-19-keeping-schools-and-learning-safe-online
COVID19 RESOURCES FOR FAMILIESbull How parents can talk to kids about the coronavirus (video)
httpsfirbankvicschooltvmewellbeing_newsspecial-report-coronavirusbull Tips from the Australian Psychological Society for coping with coronavirus anxiety
httpswwwpsychologyorgaugetmedia38073179-4701-48bd-afd9-988c560ee2f920APS-IS-COVID-19-P1pdf
bull This website has a range of resources on coping with anxiety meditations and podcast discussions httpswwwtenpercentcomcoronavirussanityguide
These services all provide counselling by phone and via text chatbull Kids Help Line 1800 55 1800
httpskidshelplinecomauget-helpwebchat-counsellingbull Headspace
httpsheadspaceorgaueheadspacebull Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
httpswwwbeyondblueorgauget-supportnational-help-lines-and-websitesbull Lifeline 13 11 14
httpswwwlifelineorgau
16 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
REFERENCE LIST 1 Aitsl (2020) Spotlight What Works in OnlineDistance Teaching and Learning
Retrieved from httpswwwaitsleduauresearchspotlightwhat-works-in-online-distance-teaching-and-learning
2 Beyer W Minshall C amp Vennesland K (2020) Tips for success in online learning [PDF] Retrieved from httpswwwqueensucaacademicsonlinelearning
3 Brown B (2018) Dare to Lead London Ebury 4 Centre for Innovation Research Creativity and Leadership in Education A SCHOOL
FOR TOMORROW ndash CONTINUOUS LEARNING TOOLKIT [PDF] Retrieved from httpscircleeducationcircles-research-in-education
5 Department of Education and Training State of Victoria (2020) High Impact Teaching Strategies [PDF] Retrieved from httpswwweducationvicgovauschoolteachersteachingresourcespracticeimprovePageshitsaspx
6 Hattie J amp Corwin SAGE Company (2019) Visible Learning 250+Influences on Student Achievement [PDF] Retrieved from httpswwwvisiblelearningcomresources
7 National Standards for Quality Online Teaching (nsqol) amp Quality Matters and Virtual Leadership Alliance (2020) Httpswwwnsqolorgthe-standardsquality-online -teaching Retrieved from httpswwwnsqolorgthe-standardsquality-online -teaching
8 OrsquoBrien ML (2020) Learning in the time of COVID-19 Retrieved from httpswwwmlobriencomlearning-in-the-time-of-c ovid-19
9 Prestridge S Dr amp Cox D (2020) School teachers rapid response and How teachers are moving online Retrieved from httpswwwteachingonlinecomauschool-teachers
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 17
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
KEY CONTACTSparenthelpdeskfirbankviceduau
Staff are available to be contacted by their Firbank email addresses
For Queries Abouthellip Email
Learning activities and assessment Your classroom teacher
Student related technology problem or issue
IT helpdesk helpdeskfirbankviceduau
A personal or social-emotional concern Your Mentor or Wellbeing Leader
All other queries and information parenthelpdeskfirbankviceduau
18 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
51 Outer Crescent Brighton Vic 3186 bull ELC - Year 12 bull Girls Campus 45 Royal Avenue Sandringham Vic 3191 bull ELC - Year 6 bull Co-educational Campus
firbankviceduau bull CRICOS Provider No 00140K
12 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
The following information will be sent within the body of appointment invitation to say by accepting the invite you have read and understood the privacy and confidentiality considerations
IMPORTANT PLEASE READ BEFORE ACCEPTING
REMOTE COUNSELLING SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER
PrivacyMake sure you are in a private place for your session Your PsychologistCounsellor will take reasonable steps at their end to protect your privacy but you have responsibility to ensure your privacy at your end Make sure that you are in a place where others can not hear your conversation or see your screen If this is difficult to ensure please let your PsychologistCounsellor know
DistractionsPlease minimise distractions during your session This includes not playing games sending messages other activities during your session Treat your counselling appointment as you would a face-to-face session your PsychologistCounsellor will do likewise
Confidentiality and SafetyIn the event that your psychologist or counsellor is concerned about your safety or the safety of another student the usual limitations around confidentiality exist Information regarding risk and safety will be shared with an adult who is able to monitor your safety or the safety of the student concerned
By accepting the appointment invitation you agree that you have read and understand the above If you are unsure please ask a parent to help you understand or reply by email to me with any questions
MAKING AN APPOINTMENTAppointment times can be arranged via direct email request to the School Psychologist and Counsellor jvincentgreenfirbankviceduau andsgortonfirbankviceduau
Senior School students will receive an appointment invitation via Outlook Any real-time lessons scheduled will take precedence
As always our team are available to support parents in regard to their childrenrsquos wellbeing Parents may request a call or video conference via the above email addresses
HOW THE SESSIONS WILL WORKIf students would like a video session the psychologist or counsellor will connect with the student via the video conferencing function within Microsoft Teams at the time advised in a meeting invitation
Students will be advised as to privacy and confidentiality considerations and encouraged to take the video conference in a private location Many families have rules at home about phones and devices in bedrooms or other private places so this will need to be discussed with your child in the event that they choose to access counselling support
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 13
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
WELLBEING LEADER CHATS
Year Level Wellbeing Leaders with their teams of mentors foster and facilitate the wellbeing of our students in each year level and they will continue to ensure that the needs of all students are cared for within a supportive environment If students have a wellbeing concern they can email their Wellbeing Leader to make a time for a chat Wellbeing leaders may also initiate a check in with one of the students in their year level
The following information will be sent within the body of the calendar invitation
IMPORTANT PLEASE READ BEFORE ACCEPTING CALENDAR INVITE FOR THIS CATCH UPbull Make sure you are in a quiet place Your Wellbeing Leader will take reasonable steps
at their end to protect your privacy but you have responsibility to ensure your privacy at your end
bull Please minimise distractions during your session This includes not playing games sending messages other activities during your session Treat this conversation as you would a face-to-face session
bull Confidentiality and Safety In the event that your Wellbeing Leader is concerned about your safety or the safety of another student the usual limitations around confidentiality exist Information regarding risk and safety will be shared with an adult who is able to monitor your safety or the safety of the student concerned
bull Use a backdrop during the meetingbull Follow the standard guidelines for video conferencing outlined in the FGS Virtual
Classroom Handbook
By accepting the appointment invitation you agree that you have read and understand the above If you are unsure please ask a parent to help you understand or reply by email to me with any questions
LEARNING SUPPORT APPOINTMENTS
Families of students with identified individual learning needs have been emailed the letter on the left A request for permission has been posted on Consent2Go
14 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
CLASSROOM TEACHER ACADEMIC SUPPORT
The direct chat feature between educators and students is disabled in our Teams environment The main reason for this is an e-safety preventative measure Classroom teachers can conduct audio chats with a group of students but will not be conducting 11 video audio or chat sessions with a student If for example staff wanted to talk through an assessment or personally explain a concept and the best way to do this requires a discussion this can be achieved through a small group audio discussion These discussions can take place with a minimum of 3 people Staff can email the group with a Teams calendar invite In order for students to connect and engage with each other they are able to turn their video on when they are in groups in ldquohangoutrdquo channels within a Teams classroom meeting The video of these channels will not be recorded Please remember that students should keep their videos for all recorded lessons (with the exception of SACs where the recorded videos will not be posted onto Firefly)
The following information will be sent within the body of the calendar invitation
IMPORTANT PLEASE READ BEFORE ACCEPTING CALENDAR INVITE FOR THIS CATCH UPbull The purpose of this meeting is to support your learningbull The minimum number of participants in this session is 3 peoplebull Make sure you are in a quiet placebull Please make sure your video is switched offbull Please minimise distractions during your session This includes not playing games
sending messages other activities during your session Treat this conversation as you would on campus
bull Follow the standard guidelines for video conferencing outlined in the FGS Virtual Classroom Handbook
bull By accepting the appointment invitation you agree that you have read and understand the above If you are unsure please ask a parent to help you understand or reply by email to me with any questions
ADVICE FROM THE E-SAFETY COMMISSION
Using social media and online collaboration platforms Communication and content should always reflect professional staffstudent or staffparentcarer relationships Regardless of the current global events it is important for staff to bull follow the normal school procedures and codes of conduct bull only use school-authorised accounts or platforms when corresponding with students
and parentscarers bull maintain professional boundaries on social media and avoid sharing personal mobile
numbers or accepting or requesting students or parents carers as lsquofriendsrsquo on personal accounts
bull understand your schoolrsquos reporting and referral procedures for disclosures and duty of care concerns
httpswwwesafetygovauabout-usblogcovid-19-keeping-schools-and-learning-safe-online
COVID19 RESOURCES FOR FAMILIESbull How parents can talk to kids about the coronavirus (video)
httpsfirbankvicschooltvmewellbeing_newsspecial-report-coronavirusbull Tips from the Australian Psychological Society for coping with coronavirus anxiety
httpswwwpsychologyorgaugetmedia38073179-4701-48bd-afd9-988c560ee2f920APS-IS-COVID-19-P1pdf
bull This website has a range of resources on coping with anxiety meditations and podcast discussions httpswwwtenpercentcomcoronavirussanityguide
These services all provide counselling by phone and via text chatbull Kids Help Line 1800 55 1800
httpskidshelplinecomauget-helpwebchat-counsellingbull Headspace
httpsheadspaceorgaueheadspacebull Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
httpswwwbeyondblueorgauget-supportnational-help-lines-and-websitesbull Lifeline 13 11 14
httpswwwlifelineorgau
16 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
REFERENCE LIST 1 Aitsl (2020) Spotlight What Works in OnlineDistance Teaching and Learning
Retrieved from httpswwwaitsleduauresearchspotlightwhat-works-in-online-distance-teaching-and-learning
2 Beyer W Minshall C amp Vennesland K (2020) Tips for success in online learning [PDF] Retrieved from httpswwwqueensucaacademicsonlinelearning
3 Brown B (2018) Dare to Lead London Ebury 4 Centre for Innovation Research Creativity and Leadership in Education A SCHOOL
FOR TOMORROW ndash CONTINUOUS LEARNING TOOLKIT [PDF] Retrieved from httpscircleeducationcircles-research-in-education
5 Department of Education and Training State of Victoria (2020) High Impact Teaching Strategies [PDF] Retrieved from httpswwweducationvicgovauschoolteachersteachingresourcespracticeimprovePageshitsaspx
6 Hattie J amp Corwin SAGE Company (2019) Visible Learning 250+Influences on Student Achievement [PDF] Retrieved from httpswwwvisiblelearningcomresources
7 National Standards for Quality Online Teaching (nsqol) amp Quality Matters and Virtual Leadership Alliance (2020) Httpswwwnsqolorgthe-standardsquality-online -teaching Retrieved from httpswwwnsqolorgthe-standardsquality-online -teaching
8 OrsquoBrien ML (2020) Learning in the time of COVID-19 Retrieved from httpswwwmlobriencomlearning-in-the-time-of-c ovid-19
9 Prestridge S Dr amp Cox D (2020) School teachers rapid response and How teachers are moving online Retrieved from httpswwwteachingonlinecomauschool-teachers
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 17
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
KEY CONTACTSparenthelpdeskfirbankviceduau
Staff are available to be contacted by their Firbank email addresses
For Queries Abouthellip Email
Learning activities and assessment Your classroom teacher
Student related technology problem or issue
IT helpdesk helpdeskfirbankviceduau
A personal or social-emotional concern Your Mentor or Wellbeing Leader
All other queries and information parenthelpdeskfirbankviceduau
18 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
51 Outer Crescent Brighton Vic 3186 bull ELC - Year 12 bull Girls Campus 45 Royal Avenue Sandringham Vic 3191 bull ELC - Year 6 bull Co-educational Campus
firbankviceduau bull CRICOS Provider No 00140K
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 13
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
WELLBEING LEADER CHATS
Year Level Wellbeing Leaders with their teams of mentors foster and facilitate the wellbeing of our students in each year level and they will continue to ensure that the needs of all students are cared for within a supportive environment If students have a wellbeing concern they can email their Wellbeing Leader to make a time for a chat Wellbeing leaders may also initiate a check in with one of the students in their year level
The following information will be sent within the body of the calendar invitation
IMPORTANT PLEASE READ BEFORE ACCEPTING CALENDAR INVITE FOR THIS CATCH UPbull Make sure you are in a quiet place Your Wellbeing Leader will take reasonable steps
at their end to protect your privacy but you have responsibility to ensure your privacy at your end
bull Please minimise distractions during your session This includes not playing games sending messages other activities during your session Treat this conversation as you would a face-to-face session
bull Confidentiality and Safety In the event that your Wellbeing Leader is concerned about your safety or the safety of another student the usual limitations around confidentiality exist Information regarding risk and safety will be shared with an adult who is able to monitor your safety or the safety of the student concerned
bull Use a backdrop during the meetingbull Follow the standard guidelines for video conferencing outlined in the FGS Virtual
Classroom Handbook
By accepting the appointment invitation you agree that you have read and understand the above If you are unsure please ask a parent to help you understand or reply by email to me with any questions
LEARNING SUPPORT APPOINTMENTS
Families of students with identified individual learning needs have been emailed the letter on the left A request for permission has been posted on Consent2Go
14 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
CLASSROOM TEACHER ACADEMIC SUPPORT
The direct chat feature between educators and students is disabled in our Teams environment The main reason for this is an e-safety preventative measure Classroom teachers can conduct audio chats with a group of students but will not be conducting 11 video audio or chat sessions with a student If for example staff wanted to talk through an assessment or personally explain a concept and the best way to do this requires a discussion this can be achieved through a small group audio discussion These discussions can take place with a minimum of 3 people Staff can email the group with a Teams calendar invite In order for students to connect and engage with each other they are able to turn their video on when they are in groups in ldquohangoutrdquo channels within a Teams classroom meeting The video of these channels will not be recorded Please remember that students should keep their videos for all recorded lessons (with the exception of SACs where the recorded videos will not be posted onto Firefly)
The following information will be sent within the body of the calendar invitation
IMPORTANT PLEASE READ BEFORE ACCEPTING CALENDAR INVITE FOR THIS CATCH UPbull The purpose of this meeting is to support your learningbull The minimum number of participants in this session is 3 peoplebull Make sure you are in a quiet placebull Please make sure your video is switched offbull Please minimise distractions during your session This includes not playing games
sending messages other activities during your session Treat this conversation as you would on campus
bull Follow the standard guidelines for video conferencing outlined in the FGS Virtual Classroom Handbook
bull By accepting the appointment invitation you agree that you have read and understand the above If you are unsure please ask a parent to help you understand or reply by email to me with any questions
ADVICE FROM THE E-SAFETY COMMISSION
Using social media and online collaboration platforms Communication and content should always reflect professional staffstudent or staffparentcarer relationships Regardless of the current global events it is important for staff to bull follow the normal school procedures and codes of conduct bull only use school-authorised accounts or platforms when corresponding with students
and parentscarers bull maintain professional boundaries on social media and avoid sharing personal mobile
numbers or accepting or requesting students or parents carers as lsquofriendsrsquo on personal accounts
bull understand your schoolrsquos reporting and referral procedures for disclosures and duty of care concerns
httpswwwesafetygovauabout-usblogcovid-19-keeping-schools-and-learning-safe-online
COVID19 RESOURCES FOR FAMILIESbull How parents can talk to kids about the coronavirus (video)
httpsfirbankvicschooltvmewellbeing_newsspecial-report-coronavirusbull Tips from the Australian Psychological Society for coping with coronavirus anxiety
httpswwwpsychologyorgaugetmedia38073179-4701-48bd-afd9-988c560ee2f920APS-IS-COVID-19-P1pdf
bull This website has a range of resources on coping with anxiety meditations and podcast discussions httpswwwtenpercentcomcoronavirussanityguide
These services all provide counselling by phone and via text chatbull Kids Help Line 1800 55 1800
httpskidshelplinecomauget-helpwebchat-counsellingbull Headspace
httpsheadspaceorgaueheadspacebull Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
httpswwwbeyondblueorgauget-supportnational-help-lines-and-websitesbull Lifeline 13 11 14
httpswwwlifelineorgau
16 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
REFERENCE LIST 1 Aitsl (2020) Spotlight What Works in OnlineDistance Teaching and Learning
Retrieved from httpswwwaitsleduauresearchspotlightwhat-works-in-online-distance-teaching-and-learning
2 Beyer W Minshall C amp Vennesland K (2020) Tips for success in online learning [PDF] Retrieved from httpswwwqueensucaacademicsonlinelearning
3 Brown B (2018) Dare to Lead London Ebury 4 Centre for Innovation Research Creativity and Leadership in Education A SCHOOL
FOR TOMORROW ndash CONTINUOUS LEARNING TOOLKIT [PDF] Retrieved from httpscircleeducationcircles-research-in-education
5 Department of Education and Training State of Victoria (2020) High Impact Teaching Strategies [PDF] Retrieved from httpswwweducationvicgovauschoolteachersteachingresourcespracticeimprovePageshitsaspx
6 Hattie J amp Corwin SAGE Company (2019) Visible Learning 250+Influences on Student Achievement [PDF] Retrieved from httpswwwvisiblelearningcomresources
7 National Standards for Quality Online Teaching (nsqol) amp Quality Matters and Virtual Leadership Alliance (2020) Httpswwwnsqolorgthe-standardsquality-online -teaching Retrieved from httpswwwnsqolorgthe-standardsquality-online -teaching
8 OrsquoBrien ML (2020) Learning in the time of COVID-19 Retrieved from httpswwwmlobriencomlearning-in-the-time-of-c ovid-19
9 Prestridge S Dr amp Cox D (2020) School teachers rapid response and How teachers are moving online Retrieved from httpswwwteachingonlinecomauschool-teachers
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 17
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
KEY CONTACTSparenthelpdeskfirbankviceduau
Staff are available to be contacted by their Firbank email addresses
For Queries Abouthellip Email
Learning activities and assessment Your classroom teacher
Student related technology problem or issue
IT helpdesk helpdeskfirbankviceduau
A personal or social-emotional concern Your Mentor or Wellbeing Leader
All other queries and information parenthelpdeskfirbankviceduau
18 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
51 Outer Crescent Brighton Vic 3186 bull ELC - Year 12 bull Girls Campus 45 Royal Avenue Sandringham Vic 3191 bull ELC - Year 6 bull Co-educational Campus
firbankviceduau bull CRICOS Provider No 00140K
14 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
CLASSROOM TEACHER ACADEMIC SUPPORT
The direct chat feature between educators and students is disabled in our Teams environment The main reason for this is an e-safety preventative measure Classroom teachers can conduct audio chats with a group of students but will not be conducting 11 video audio or chat sessions with a student If for example staff wanted to talk through an assessment or personally explain a concept and the best way to do this requires a discussion this can be achieved through a small group audio discussion These discussions can take place with a minimum of 3 people Staff can email the group with a Teams calendar invite In order for students to connect and engage with each other they are able to turn their video on when they are in groups in ldquohangoutrdquo channels within a Teams classroom meeting The video of these channels will not be recorded Please remember that students should keep their videos for all recorded lessons (with the exception of SACs where the recorded videos will not be posted onto Firefly)
The following information will be sent within the body of the calendar invitation
IMPORTANT PLEASE READ BEFORE ACCEPTING CALENDAR INVITE FOR THIS CATCH UPbull The purpose of this meeting is to support your learningbull The minimum number of participants in this session is 3 peoplebull Make sure you are in a quiet placebull Please make sure your video is switched offbull Please minimise distractions during your session This includes not playing games
sending messages other activities during your session Treat this conversation as you would on campus
bull Follow the standard guidelines for video conferencing outlined in the FGS Virtual Classroom Handbook
bull By accepting the appointment invitation you agree that you have read and understand the above If you are unsure please ask a parent to help you understand or reply by email to me with any questions
ADVICE FROM THE E-SAFETY COMMISSION
Using social media and online collaboration platforms Communication and content should always reflect professional staffstudent or staffparentcarer relationships Regardless of the current global events it is important for staff to bull follow the normal school procedures and codes of conduct bull only use school-authorised accounts or platforms when corresponding with students
and parentscarers bull maintain professional boundaries on social media and avoid sharing personal mobile
numbers or accepting or requesting students or parents carers as lsquofriendsrsquo on personal accounts
bull understand your schoolrsquos reporting and referral procedures for disclosures and duty of care concerns
httpswwwesafetygovauabout-usblogcovid-19-keeping-schools-and-learning-safe-online
COVID19 RESOURCES FOR FAMILIESbull How parents can talk to kids about the coronavirus (video)
httpsfirbankvicschooltvmewellbeing_newsspecial-report-coronavirusbull Tips from the Australian Psychological Society for coping with coronavirus anxiety
httpswwwpsychologyorgaugetmedia38073179-4701-48bd-afd9-988c560ee2f920APS-IS-COVID-19-P1pdf
bull This website has a range of resources on coping with anxiety meditations and podcast discussions httpswwwtenpercentcomcoronavirussanityguide
These services all provide counselling by phone and via text chatbull Kids Help Line 1800 55 1800
httpskidshelplinecomauget-helpwebchat-counsellingbull Headspace
httpsheadspaceorgaueheadspacebull Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
httpswwwbeyondblueorgauget-supportnational-help-lines-and-websitesbull Lifeline 13 11 14
httpswwwlifelineorgau
16 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
REFERENCE LIST 1 Aitsl (2020) Spotlight What Works in OnlineDistance Teaching and Learning
Retrieved from httpswwwaitsleduauresearchspotlightwhat-works-in-online-distance-teaching-and-learning
2 Beyer W Minshall C amp Vennesland K (2020) Tips for success in online learning [PDF] Retrieved from httpswwwqueensucaacademicsonlinelearning
3 Brown B (2018) Dare to Lead London Ebury 4 Centre for Innovation Research Creativity and Leadership in Education A SCHOOL
FOR TOMORROW ndash CONTINUOUS LEARNING TOOLKIT [PDF] Retrieved from httpscircleeducationcircles-research-in-education
5 Department of Education and Training State of Victoria (2020) High Impact Teaching Strategies [PDF] Retrieved from httpswwweducationvicgovauschoolteachersteachingresourcespracticeimprovePageshitsaspx
6 Hattie J amp Corwin SAGE Company (2019) Visible Learning 250+Influences on Student Achievement [PDF] Retrieved from httpswwwvisiblelearningcomresources
7 National Standards for Quality Online Teaching (nsqol) amp Quality Matters and Virtual Leadership Alliance (2020) Httpswwwnsqolorgthe-standardsquality-online -teaching Retrieved from httpswwwnsqolorgthe-standardsquality-online -teaching
8 OrsquoBrien ML (2020) Learning in the time of COVID-19 Retrieved from httpswwwmlobriencomlearning-in-the-time-of-c ovid-19
9 Prestridge S Dr amp Cox D (2020) School teachers rapid response and How teachers are moving online Retrieved from httpswwwteachingonlinecomauschool-teachers
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 17
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
KEY CONTACTSparenthelpdeskfirbankviceduau
Staff are available to be contacted by their Firbank email addresses
For Queries Abouthellip Email
Learning activities and assessment Your classroom teacher
Student related technology problem or issue
IT helpdesk helpdeskfirbankviceduau
A personal or social-emotional concern Your Mentor or Wellbeing Leader
All other queries and information parenthelpdeskfirbankviceduau
18 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
51 Outer Crescent Brighton Vic 3186 bull ELC - Year 12 bull Girls Campus 45 Royal Avenue Sandringham Vic 3191 bull ELC - Year 6 bull Co-educational Campus
firbankviceduau bull CRICOS Provider No 00140K
COVID19 RESOURCES FOR FAMILIESbull How parents can talk to kids about the coronavirus (video)
httpsfirbankvicschooltvmewellbeing_newsspecial-report-coronavirusbull Tips from the Australian Psychological Society for coping with coronavirus anxiety
httpswwwpsychologyorgaugetmedia38073179-4701-48bd-afd9-988c560ee2f920APS-IS-COVID-19-P1pdf
bull This website has a range of resources on coping with anxiety meditations and podcast discussions httpswwwtenpercentcomcoronavirussanityguide
These services all provide counselling by phone and via text chatbull Kids Help Line 1800 55 1800
httpskidshelplinecomauget-helpwebchat-counsellingbull Headspace
httpsheadspaceorgaueheadspacebull Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
httpswwwbeyondblueorgauget-supportnational-help-lines-and-websitesbull Lifeline 13 11 14
httpswwwlifelineorgau
16 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
REFERENCE LIST 1 Aitsl (2020) Spotlight What Works in OnlineDistance Teaching and Learning
Retrieved from httpswwwaitsleduauresearchspotlightwhat-works-in-online-distance-teaching-and-learning
2 Beyer W Minshall C amp Vennesland K (2020) Tips for success in online learning [PDF] Retrieved from httpswwwqueensucaacademicsonlinelearning
3 Brown B (2018) Dare to Lead London Ebury 4 Centre for Innovation Research Creativity and Leadership in Education A SCHOOL
FOR TOMORROW ndash CONTINUOUS LEARNING TOOLKIT [PDF] Retrieved from httpscircleeducationcircles-research-in-education
5 Department of Education and Training State of Victoria (2020) High Impact Teaching Strategies [PDF] Retrieved from httpswwweducationvicgovauschoolteachersteachingresourcespracticeimprovePageshitsaspx
6 Hattie J amp Corwin SAGE Company (2019) Visible Learning 250+Influences on Student Achievement [PDF] Retrieved from httpswwwvisiblelearningcomresources
7 National Standards for Quality Online Teaching (nsqol) amp Quality Matters and Virtual Leadership Alliance (2020) Httpswwwnsqolorgthe-standardsquality-online -teaching Retrieved from httpswwwnsqolorgthe-standardsquality-online -teaching
8 OrsquoBrien ML (2020) Learning in the time of COVID-19 Retrieved from httpswwwmlobriencomlearning-in-the-time-of-c ovid-19
9 Prestridge S Dr amp Cox D (2020) School teachers rapid response and How teachers are moving online Retrieved from httpswwwteachingonlinecomauschool-teachers
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 17
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
KEY CONTACTSparenthelpdeskfirbankviceduau
Staff are available to be contacted by their Firbank email addresses
For Queries Abouthellip Email
Learning activities and assessment Your classroom teacher
Student related technology problem or issue
IT helpdesk helpdeskfirbankviceduau
A personal or social-emotional concern Your Mentor or Wellbeing Leader
All other queries and information parenthelpdeskfirbankviceduau
18 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
51 Outer Crescent Brighton Vic 3186 bull ELC - Year 12 bull Girls Campus 45 Royal Avenue Sandringham Vic 3191 bull ELC - Year 6 bull Co-educational Campus
firbankviceduau bull CRICOS Provider No 00140K
16 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
REFERENCE LIST 1 Aitsl (2020) Spotlight What Works in OnlineDistance Teaching and Learning
Retrieved from httpswwwaitsleduauresearchspotlightwhat-works-in-online-distance-teaching-and-learning
2 Beyer W Minshall C amp Vennesland K (2020) Tips for success in online learning [PDF] Retrieved from httpswwwqueensucaacademicsonlinelearning
3 Brown B (2018) Dare to Lead London Ebury 4 Centre for Innovation Research Creativity and Leadership in Education A SCHOOL
FOR TOMORROW ndash CONTINUOUS LEARNING TOOLKIT [PDF] Retrieved from httpscircleeducationcircles-research-in-education
5 Department of Education and Training State of Victoria (2020) High Impact Teaching Strategies [PDF] Retrieved from httpswwweducationvicgovauschoolteachersteachingresourcespracticeimprovePageshitsaspx
6 Hattie J amp Corwin SAGE Company (2019) Visible Learning 250+Influences on Student Achievement [PDF] Retrieved from httpswwwvisiblelearningcomresources
7 National Standards for Quality Online Teaching (nsqol) amp Quality Matters and Virtual Leadership Alliance (2020) Httpswwwnsqolorgthe-standardsquality-online -teaching Retrieved from httpswwwnsqolorgthe-standardsquality-online -teaching
8 OrsquoBrien ML (2020) Learning in the time of COVID-19 Retrieved from httpswwwmlobriencomlearning-in-the-time-of-c ovid-19
9 Prestridge S Dr amp Cox D (2020) School teachers rapid response and How teachers are moving online Retrieved from httpswwwteachingonlinecomauschool-teachers
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 17
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
KEY CONTACTSparenthelpdeskfirbankviceduau
Staff are available to be contacted by their Firbank email addresses
For Queries Abouthellip Email
Learning activities and assessment Your classroom teacher
Student related technology problem or issue
IT helpdesk helpdeskfirbankviceduau
A personal or social-emotional concern Your Mentor or Wellbeing Leader
All other queries and information parenthelpdeskfirbankviceduau
18 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
51 Outer Crescent Brighton Vic 3186 bull ELC - Year 12 bull Girls Campus 45 Royal Avenue Sandringham Vic 3191 bull ELC - Year 6 bull Co-educational Campus
firbankviceduau bull CRICOS Provider No 00140K
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020 17
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
KEY CONTACTSparenthelpdeskfirbankviceduau
Staff are available to be contacted by their Firbank email addresses
For Queries Abouthellip Email
Learning activities and assessment Your classroom teacher
Student related technology problem or issue
IT helpdesk helpdeskfirbankviceduau
A personal or social-emotional concern Your Mentor or Wellbeing Leader
All other queries and information parenthelpdeskfirbankviceduau
18 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
51 Outer Crescent Brighton Vic 3186 bull ELC - Year 12 bull Girls Campus 45 Royal Avenue Sandringham Vic 3191 bull ELC - Year 6 bull Co-educational Campus
firbankviceduau bull CRICOS Provider No 00140K
18 SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT amp PARENT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM HANDBOOK 2020
CRIC
OS Provider N
o 00140K LA
ST UPD
ATED
29 April 2020
51 Outer Crescent Brighton Vic 3186 bull ELC - Year 12 bull Girls Campus 45 Royal Avenue Sandringham Vic 3191 bull ELC - Year 6 bull Co-educational Campus
firbankviceduau bull CRICOS Provider No 00140K
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