Schools closed until undetermined date - was March 29th

rainbowtrout

Sammy2012 wrote: »

Not sure if anyone can give me advice but I'll ask anyway. Primary teacher to 1st and 2nd class.

We had a staff meeting monday and asked the principal should we be getting ready for closure. Answer was it wont come to that. In fact when one teacher brought up about cancelling a trip they had organised for 2 weeks time they said not too. So we got no direction at all in relation about what to do. Thursday at 12pm (half an hour after the closure announcement) they came to tell us that there was still no word about what was happening. We all knew we had been told to close due to notifications on phones and family members had been in touch.

Spent the rest of the day chatting to the kids about what was happening and finishing off work. No work sent home with any class.

Yesterday (Saturday) they start messaging the staff telling us we need to be proactive about the situation. They want to set up Google doc accounts for students from 1st to 4th (5th and 6th) already have them and give prepare work for the children this way. She has emailed a link to some online sites such as pdst but the technology seems to be aimed at second level schools.

Havent replied yet as not sure what to say. I'm assuming we would need parental consent to do that? I'm also wondering how they expect kids of 7 and 8 to work off computers with no help. I also know some parents will still be working and dont want to upset them anymore than they already have.

Not sure what I'm looking for really just some thoughts.

Your principal only decided to be proactive yesterday when we shut down on Thursday for then next two weeks but in all reality probably until after Easter. They are incredibly ignorant or have their head in the sand.

If the school has email addresses for the parents it may be possible to send out work to students.

It might be possible for each class teacher to prepare a set of worksheets, readings etc and either email them out or get school to post them out.

km79

Here we go again

Sammy2012

rainbowtrout wrote: »

Your principal only decided to be proactive yesterday when we shut down on Thursday for then next two weeks but in all reality probably until after Easter. They are incredibly ignorant or have their head in the sand.

If the school has email addresses for the parents it may be possible to send out work to students.

It might be possible for each class teacher to prepare a set of worksheets, readings etc and either email them out or get school to post them out.

The school would have email address for most parents so they could probably be sent out to the teachers and work could then be sent on to the children. It would then be up to each parent to do the work or ignore it. Whatever they decide.

I'm assuming the idea of setting up google docs for each child is not practical?

spurious

km79 wrote: »

Here we go again

Thanks to those who reported the now deleted post.
Member banned for a week this time since the 3 days had no effect.
Presumably they will go round other fora again with their anti-teacher bile.

Thank you again to the people staying on topic.

rainbowtrout

You think it’s unreasonable for parents to look after their small children because the crèches have closed and they have no one else to do it? Do you think it’s unreasonable that they are still willing to do the work in the evening when the kids have been put to bed?

rainbowtrout

Sammy2012 wrote: »

The school would have email address for most parents so they could probably be sent out to the teachers and work could then be sent on to the children. It would then be up to each parent to do the work or ignore it. Whatever they decide.

I'm assuming the idea of setting up google docs for each child is not practical?

Well I have no idea how practical it would be to set up. You’d probably be in a better position to know the general background of the kids you teach in terms of accessibility and support from parents. If it starts out with stuff sent by email and suss out parents if google accounts would work for them.

acequion

I'm not the best when it comes to sophisticated technology. But what is the best way of sending audios, maybe videos, via google classroom? I teach French so some audio visual is crucial. I hear talk about 365,what is that?

Also, is there any way of ensuring that our students are cooperating? Is it just a case of assigning stuff and hoping they'll do it? I'm not talking about bigger assignments which they can mail me, I'm talking about various smaller exercises.Questions in exam papers etc. Thanks guys.

jrmb

acequion wrote: »

Is it just a case of assigning stuff and hoping they'll do it? I'm not talking about bigger assignments which they can mail me, I'm talking about various smaller exercises.Questions in exam papers etc. Thanks guys.

You might be able to set a quiz and then review the students' results, check who didn't do it etc.

You can use something like Google forms with a mixture of multiple choice, true/false, write in a word etc.

You could ask them to watch a video or listen to a recording and then answer the questions. The speaking element is more difficult to integrate though.

acequion

jrmb wrote: »

You might be able to set a quiz and then review the students' results, check who didn't do it etc.

But how? Is there a feature of google classroom that enables that? Thanks.

killbillvol2

acequion wrote: »

But how? Is there a feature of google classroom that enables that? Thanks.

Google Forms would collect responses and it's pretty easy to set up.

jrmb

acequion wrote: »

But how? Is there a feature of google classroom that enables that? Thanks.

Yes, it's very straightforward when you get going. The cumbersome part is adapting material from books and exam papers; it feels like having to re-write the books (but also means that you can make the questions more topical for the students).

Remember that you can re-use Google classroom material with other students & groups in the future, and even make alterations. This initial setup could save us a lot of time in the future.

rainbowtrout

acequion wrote: »

I'm not the best when it comes to sophisticated technology. But what is the best way of sending audios, maybe videos, via google classroom? I teach French so some audio visual is crucial. I hear talk about 365,what is that?

Also, is there any way of ensuring that our students are cooperating? Is it just a case of assigning stuff and hoping they'll do it? I'm not talking about bigger assignments which they can mail me, I'm talking about various smaller exercises.Questions in exam papers etc. Thanks guys.

We are using Microsoft teams so it acts a bit like a chat room. You can upload documents for them on it and can do audio visual stuff as well a bit like Skype.

I've told mine that I want them to post to say they are present to show me they've logged in. I know that doesn't mean they are engaging with the work, so I've asked them to take a photo of their work and send it to me. At least then I can keep tabs on who is doing the work. Can't force them to do it and don't know what situation some of them are in. Some have crap internet/ no computer and some will be left minding other younger siblings, and some will just not do the work.

acequion

Thanks guys. Does anyone have a link please to where I can get step by step instructions on setting all that up?

It does sound a bit daunting but anything that keeps my mind occupied and keeps me from freaking out over this horrible situation the world has been plunged into, is good.

jrmb

acequion wrote: »

Thanks guys. Does anyone have a link please to where I can get step by step instructions on setting all that up?

It does sound a bit daunting but anything that keeps my mind occupied and keeps me from freaking out over this horrible situation the world has been plunged into, is good.

If you have a Gmail account, you can set up a "class" in Google Classroom just to experiment with the features. I recommend making 2, because when you post something you can decide whether it's for an individual group, a number of groups or for everyone you teach. Just remember to give the experimental groups names which won't confuse you later.

Edit: I haven't used tutorials before, but this one looks good: https://youtu.be/DR2nHd2cwaY

spurious

Getting started with Google Classroom

Tutorial on Google Classroom

Making a test on Google Classroom

There are many others.

acequion

jrmb wrote: »

If you have a Gmail account, you can set up a "class" in Google Classroom just to experiment with the features. I recommend making 2, because when you post something you can decide whether it's for an individual group, a number of groups or for everyone you teach. Just remember to give the experimental groups names which won't confuse you later.

Edit: I haven't used tutorials before, but this one looks good: https://youtu.be/DR2nHd2cwaY

Thanks a million jrmb and thanks too for the PM.

Just to clarify, I already use Google Classroom and have all my classes on it. Up to now I've used it to send notes, links etc and make announcements but I've never gone further or done anything more interactive. So, looking forward to trying stuff out. Thanks again.

mirrorwall14

acequion wrote: »

Thanks a million jrmb and thanks too for the PM.

Just to clarify, I already use Google Classroom and have all my classes on it. Up to now I've used it to send notes, links etc and make announcements but I've never gone further or done anything more interactive. So, looking forward to trying stuff out. Thanks again.

Keep it simple first. Do you know how to use the classwork tab or do you currently just post onto the stream?

Dunne_bkill

Hi guys,

Quick query that's kind of off topic. Im a post primary teacher currently covering 13 carers leave hours. These hours appear as substitute pay on my payslip. My contract states that I will be paid for class contact hours only and no pay will be received during standardised school closures. Will I be paid during this period? My contract for these hours runs until the end of May and I'm assuming this isn't a standardised closure. Kind of worried I won't be paid for these as they make up the bulk of my wages. I've raised a query with the office but I'm not sure if they'll be working in any capacity at all over the coming weeks.

Any help appreciated!

Bobtheman

Are you a member of a union? Ring them
I know social welfare have been ordered to pay benefit immediately.
I'd also check the department web site.
If you get nowhere with above pm me and I will contact the Asti.
That's assuming you are not a member of any union. Though it's times like this young teachers suddenly realize they should be in one.

Bobtheman

I'd advise us techno phobes to take it easy. Situation is fluid. If it takes a few days to work out bugs so be it.
I doubt we will open before Easter.
Department also yet to issue guidelines

Dunne_bkill

Bobtheman wrote: »

Are you a member of a union? Ring them
I know social welfare have been ordered to pay benefit immediately.
I'd also check the department web site.
If you get nowhere with above pm me and I will contact the Asti.
That's assuming you are not a member of any union. Though it's times like this young teachers suddenly realize they should be in one.

Hi,
Yes I'm an ASTI member. I'm thinking I'll be paid for them as I'm available to work and I have a written contract. I'll call the ASTI on Wednesday, pretty sure they won't be open until then. Will check the department website in the mean time. Hopefully the lady in office gets back to me also, if I don't get paid for them I'm in deep trouble. Thanks.

deiseindublin

spurious wrote: »

Thanks to those who reported the now deleted post.
Member banned for a week this time since the 3 days had no effect.
Presumably they will go round other fora again with their anti-teacher bile.

Thank you again to the people staying on topic.

Scalded I missed it, get a kick out of the bile at this stage.

Treppen

acequion wrote: »

I'm not the best when it comes to sophisticated technology. But what is the best way of sending audios, maybe videos, via google classroom? I teach French so some audio visual is crucial. I hear talk about 365,what is that?

Also, is there any way of ensuring that our students are cooperating? Is it just a case of assigning stuff and hoping they'll do it? I'm not talking about bigger assignments which they can mail me, I'm talking about various smaller exercises.Questions in exam papers etc. Thanks guys.

Questions in exam papers, they can be take photo and email it back

yabadabado

Dunne_bkill wrote: »

Hi guys,

Quick query that's kind of off topic. Im a post primary teacher currently covering 13 carers leave hours. These hours appear as substitute pay on my payslip. My contract states that I will be paid for class contact hours only and no pay will be received during standardised school closures. Will I be paid during this period? My contract for these hours runs until the end of May and I'm assuming this isn't a standardised closure. Kind of worried I won't be paid for these as they make up the bulk of my wages. I've raised a query with the office but I'm not sure if they'll be working in any capacity at all over the coming weeks.

Any help appreciated!

Afaik that contract is between you and the school so you only get paid for each class you teach.
Social welfare payment is likely to be the only money you receive.

TheValeyard

Treppen wrote: »

Questions in exam papers, they can be take photo and email it back

I dont know why, but I'm finding it much more difficult to decode scanned handwriting on an essay, than I am having an actual answer paper in front of me. Lol

Treppen

What's the story with ETB principals. Just following the VFT page and on here and some of them seems to be drunk with power (or just drunk :pac: ). It always mentions EtB especially.

Demanding staff come in for IT training.
Docking pay of those who aren't logged in at a certain time.
Demanding teachers do face to face presentations for full class time.
Demanding SNAs come in (for what I don't know).

As much as I groan about management I have to say I'm lucky with the school I'm in. Principal just leaves it too us and everyone wants to do good by the students (even the luddites are up for the challenge).

TheValeyard

Treppen wrote: »

What's the story with ETB principals. Just following the VFT page and on here and some of them seems to be drunk with power (or just drunk :pac: ). It always mentions EtB especially.

Demanding staff come in for IT training.
Docking pay of those who aren't logged in at a certain time.
Demanding teachers do face to face presentations for full class time.
Demanding SNAs come in (for what I don't know).

As much as I groan about management I have to say I'm lucky with the school I'm in. Principal just leaves it too us and everyone wants to do good by the students (even the luddites are up for the challenge).

Part of me think the qualification for ETB Principal is:

1. A cold dead heart
2. Zero interpersonal skills
3. A dislike for teachers
4. General pr1ck by nature



Why, Why, would an SNA need to be present? Help Web cam a webcam presentation?

Dunne_bkill

yabadabado wrote: »

Afaik that contract is between you and the school so you only get paid for each class you teach.
Social welfare payment is likely to be the only money you receive.

Hi, thanks for your reply. On my contract it states I'm paid by the department, would this not indicate its a contract with them and not the school? Surely in cases like this where I'm available to teach the class and fullfilling my duties online requires payment? If not then I suppose I there's not much point in wasting my time teaching online.

Nebermind, been told by union I'll be paid for them. All subs will be paid for hours they were down for or promised/

fall

I am a deputy in a second level school and we have been instructed by our managerial body to open the school so that teachers who need to can work remotely. The circular supports this. None of our staff will be in. I would actively encourage them not to come in as I think it’s the only way to curb the virus. I also have young children and I am having a nightmare getting childcare. The unions have sadly agreed to this nonsense.

I also know that Leo made that announcement without speaking to any of heads of the managerial bodies. They thought at the earliest it would be Friday afternoon or after St. Patrick’s day. So everyone was in a panic on Thursday.

In terms of pay there is a circular that clearly states teachers will be paid in the event of a school closure. I am reading that as anyone who would have worked over the next week will be paid. I am putting in hours for everyone.
There has been no update from the SEC. I would expect it tomorrow and I will update here once I know what’s happening.
My primary focus is that everyone in the school community is safe. This crisis is unprecedented and at the end of the day we can all only do our best. We were lucky that we are very digitally prepared and all our staff were provided with a new device this year.
If I can help anyone here just ask.

Treppen

fall wrote: »

I am a deputy in a second level school and we have been instructed by our managerial body to open the school so that teachers who need to can work remotely. The circular supports this. None of our staff will be in. I would actively encourage them not to come in as I think it’s the only way to curb the virus. I also have young children and I am having a nightmare getting childcare. The unions have sadly agreed to this nonsense.

I also know that Leo made that announcement without speaking to any of heads of the managerial bodies. They thought at the earliest it would be Friday afternoon or after St. Patrick’s day. So everyone was in a panic on Thursday.

In terms of pay there is a circular that clearly states teachers will be paid in the event of a school closure. I am reading that as anyone who would have worked over the next week will be paid. I am putting in hours for everyone.
There has been no update from the SEC. I would expect it tomorrow and I will update here once I know what’s happening.
My primary focus is that everyone in the school community is safe. This crisis is unprecedented and at the end of the day we can all only do our best. We were lucky that we are very digitally prepared and all our staff were provided with a new device this year.
If I can help anyone here just ask.

Just for my own research purposes are you ETB or Voluntary?
You sound too sensible to be ETB management :pac: (except for The Driver of course, that mod is sound).

km79

This is what school leadership should look like ^

acequion

mirrorwall14 wrote: »

Keep it simple first. Do you know how to use the classwork tab or do you currently just post onto the stream?

I think I just post into the stream,not quite sure though what you mean by that mirrorwall14? I just post on the main page,that's all.

fall

Treppen wrote: »

Just for my own research purposes are you ETB or Voluntary?
You sound too sensible to be ETB management :pac: (except for The Driver of course, that mod is sound).

Not the etb

jimmytwotimes 2013

Have been posting work online for my classes over last couple of days. Have PowerPoints up, scanned a few pgs of text book and linked to relevant videos to keep them going for first few days. Homework set and they're to take a picture and email it so I'll have some idea who's actually engaging.

Still a couple of classes yet to sort. My wife will be working weekdays so I've to sort this by Tuesday evening so I can look after kids and do their schoolwork with them.

Be easier for everyone if we were still at school but health is the most important issue here.

Lucky with the timing from a selfish point of view as majority of coursework covered at this stage of the year.

mirrorwall14

acequion wrote: »

I think I just post into the stream,not quite sure though what you mean by that mirrorwall14? I just post on the main page,that's all.

Then definitely look into using the classwork tab as your first step. That way you can set an assignment and all their work comes in under their name rather than separately

acequion

mirrorwall14 wrote: »

Then definitely look into using the classwork tab as your first step. That way you can set an assignment and all their work comes in under their name rather than separately

Thanks so much for this information, mirrorwall14, really appreciate it.

Gael23

Are teachers providing support to students or on holidays?

km79

Gael23 wrote: »

Are teachers providing support to students or on holidays?

I am currently doing both
Not actually back to work until Weds but supporting students over the weekend and again today

Where does this fit in your narrative ?

Treppen

Gael23 wrote: »

Are teachers providing support to students or on holidays?

Treppen

Although in fairness I assigned work today, and a student emailed to say that they would have been off today.

So I invoked my 'extenuating circumstances' special powers.

Shn99

RTE have ran an article today with UL President claiming that the University mightnt open until june

"University of Limerick (UL) president Des Fitzgerald has said he does not believe the college will reopen before mid-June as he called on people to "take personal responsibility to try and slow down this virus and save lives".

"UL is closed until March 29. Let me be clear; I expect it to be at least mid-June before we return and after this pandemic hopefully peaks."

Could schools be the same?
https://www.rte.ie/news/munster/2020/0316/1123498-university-limerick-coronavirus/

dory

Shn99 wrote: »

Could schools be the same?

Yes, very possible. Who knows? I'm here prepping notes and work for JC students, but I don't know if they'll even sit it.

And for the fella who asked, in normal circumstances I would have been on holidays today , but instead and fielding emails from students and arranging online conferences together.

fall

Well there was no word from the SEC today. My Principal genuinely thinks we will be lucky to be back before the summer. We wondered if the Junior Certificate exams might be postponed or cancelled to allow the Leaving cert exams to run with smaller numbers in each centre. All guess work at the moment.

solerina

fall wrote: »

Well there was no word from the SEC today. My Principal genuinely thinks we will be lucky to be back before the summer. We wondered if the Junior Certificate exams might be postponed or cancelled to allow the Leaving cert exams to run with smaller numbers in each centre. All guess work at the moment.

If this can’t be stopped in the next five weeks that is exactly what I assume will happen....LC students should be given priority above all else.

loyatemu

Probably May at the earliest before it's brought under control; what happens then I don't know, I assume we can't just go straight back to normal.

km79

fall wrote: »

Well there was no word from the SEC today. My Principal genuinely thinks we will be lucky to be back before the summer. We wondered if the Junior Certificate exams might be postponed or cancelled to allow the Leaving cert exams to run with smaller numbers in each centre. All guess work at the moment.

I have spent most of today adapting my classes for online
Easier be at school tbh (and today would have been a day off)
After Easter would be even worse as I have 3 exam classes . Courses will be finished so would be revising and correcting exam questions in class
Hope we are back after Easter !
Not a chance before

Ferm001

Looks like schools in NI are going to try and force the government's hand on closures. Just seen numerous Facebook announcements from Fermanagh schools all using same wording, that they are remaining closed for rest of this week, and will look at situation then.

mengele

When do teachers realistically see themselves returning back to school?

Benicetomonty

mengele wrote: »

When do teachers realistically see themselves returning back to school?

Not up to teachers to decide, their guess is as good or bad as anyone's. Id hope it would be after Easter (cant see it improving by March 29th) but impossible to say at this point. May well last well into May and very possible it will see out the academic year.

spurious

I suppose it will depend on what the figures for new infections show over the next few weeks. If the 'I'm having a jar, and I don't care about the rest of you' types keep gathering in groups, the isolating tactics the rest of us are doing may count for nothing.

On the other hand, if there is a sharp and sustained slowing of new cases, then plans can be made within that scenario.