How KTC deals with the lockdown
According to NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian’s announcement on Wednesday that the stay-at-home orders will extend until 26 August, Kesser Torah College is applying as many extra resources as possible to ensure our students have a rich, educational and dynamic Jewish and General Studies learning experience for the extent of this lock-down period.
A spokesperson said: “As we navigate through new and strange times together, we feel a deep sense of responsibility to maintain as great a level of ‘normalcy’ for our KTC students as possible.
We are particularly mindful of our Year 12 cohort during this critical school year. Our Year 12 coordinators are touching base with each student regularly to assess their progress and offer advice or support as needed.
Zoom and Google Classroom lessons and activities have been well integrated into our online delivery, and we are constantly training and supporting our teachers to optimize their teaching experience to best engage the children in order to meet their personal outcomes and goals.”
College Principal, Roy Steinman, who also teaches English to Year 9 girls online commented: “Planning and conducting online lessons is more stressful and time-consuming than face to face teaching in the classroom. I am blown away by what is being achieved by our teachers throughout the school. The interactive engagement at all year levels in both General and Jewish Studies, is inspiring. I love being able to “drop-in” digitally to see our teachers teaching and our students learning. From top level Gemarah and Chumash at Senior High School levels to Advanced Maths and English at HSC level, all the way through to writing, art and arithmetic in Year K – there is magic happening. I salute the dedication, commitment and sheer professionalism of our teachers, especially at this time and under these extraordinary circumstances.”
Study packs for Primary School students were prepared weeks in advance, giving them all their supplies, eliminating the need for having to print at home and ensuring their off-screen skills are nurtured.
The School Psychologist and the entire welfare teams across both Primary and High Schools are available to assist children and parents alike.
The spokesperson added: “Kesser Torah College is deeply grateful to our educators for stepping up every day to teach and inspire our children. Taking on new technology is no easy task and they have exceeded all expectations.
We look forward to welcoming our Year 12s back to the campus in two weeks’ time and the rest of the school two weeks thereafter should Covid-19 restrictions permit.”
