The Covid-19 pandemic created a treacherous path for school operations across the globe, but also opened doors of opportunities. The education landscape underwent a drastic and instantaneous change that no one foresaw, and left educators in a predicament to ensure that students were not deprived of an education. The method of lesson delivery was immediately altered, as schools were ordered closed, to contain the spread of the deadly virus.
Alvernia Preparatory, being acutely aware of the importance of ensuring that the education of our population continued, and in a way that benefited our students maximally, embraced distance learning, which became the new norm for schools across the globe. This novel way of lesson delivery was accepted by our staff and parents amid some anxiety of the unknown, as the advancement of our students’ education was the priority.
This new modality, creation of our virtual classes, was not without its challenges, especially with the anxiety of parents as to the workability of this teaching\learning process. However, after outlining the imperatives for operation during the current period, and with renewed determination that our students’ educational pursuit would suffer only minimal disruption, we used platforms such as Zoom, Google Classroom and WhatsApp to engage our students in distance learning with the cooperation of our parents. Regrettably some of our students were not able to remain on board because of the economic shock from Covid-19 but, we look forward to their return for the resumption of the 2020\21 school year. Understanding that we are now preparing students to function as 21st century learners, the pandemic provided an opportunity for what will obtain, as Distance Learning it is said, is poised to become the preferred method of schooling as we advance into the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
As an institution with a sound track record of excellence, we delivered lessons and kept our population, from Pre-School to Grade 6, in school and productively engaged, although outside the confines of brick walls. I am grateful that we were able to keep the dreams of our 6th Grade Students alive, to aid their transition to the next important dimension of their academic pursuit. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the logistics of the usually anticipated spectacle of a graduation to mark their sojourn, we pause to celebrate their tenacity and strength on remaining focus amidst the challenges. As they march forward into high school we say, go forth and demonstrate that you have been initiated into the reality of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Your journey however, has only just begun but, you have been placed on a platform that has commenced your launch into distance learning, the new reality that awaits your generation. We wish for you continued success, as you build on the sound foundation of excellence developed at Alvernia.
The implementation of our new School Management System stands as a testament, as we commit ourselves for continued involvement in the preparation of our students for the future. Thanks must be expressed to Mr. Huie who started the website, and our Information Technology partner ResolveIt, who is aiding us in ensuring that we remain relevant and current as an educational institution, willing to incorporate technology as an integral part of lesson deliveries.
The Alvernia Family: Board of Management, parents, students, staff, friends and well wishers, always with God as our lead and guide, marches forward with the confidence, that we are positioned to groom students ready to function in the 21st Century. “Our gifts may be varied but the spirit is the same”
Mrs. Sherrol Dixon, Principal.
