COMMUNICATION KEY TO HELPING YOUR CHILD NAVIGATE THE NEW NORMAL AT SCHOOL
ADvTECH GROUP • June 11, 2020
COMMUNICATION KEY TO HELPING YOUR CHILD NAVIGATE THE NEW NORMAL AT SCHOOL.
With more grades returning to school in coming weeks, in line with South Africa’s phased back-to-school approach, parents and guardians should keep the lines of communication open through frank conversations and feedback, an education expert says.
“Our children are being faced with many challenges from different fronts during this time, and despite their schools being familiar spaces, that to which they are returning is looking different to the way it did before,” says John Luis, Head of Academics at ADvTECH Schools.
“On the Homefront, they would have been exposed to the concerns around fear of Covid-19, the economic impact of the lockdown, keeping their educational journeys on track despite not being physically in school, and many other stressors,” he notes.
And although the economy and schools are opening up again, with the daily lives of South Africans returning to some new version of normality, children will still have to grapple with many, and new challenges, in the weeks and months to come.
“It’s important that parents help students understand – in an age-appropriate way – that although we are going back to ‘normal’, things will be different for quite some time still, and to help them prepare mentally and emotionally for the changes that may be on the cards.
“Parents should also be realistic and not expect students to bounce back into the school groove immediately – it is going to take some time to adjust to reshuffled curricula on the one hand, and the logistical requirements around staying as safe as possible for the foreseeable future, while the virus remains a threat. So, children must be prepared for the reality that although they are getting back into a school routine, things will still be very different from the way they were before. And this should not be viewed in a negative light, but rather accepted and embraced as the new way we’ll live our lives for now,” says Luis.
He says as a first step, parents should study the information they received from schools, so that they understand how adjusted logistics will work, what will be expected from students in terms of mask wearing and social distancing, as well as any other novel processes and procedures. These should then be shared and discussed with students to ensure they are not caught off-guard by how things have changed on the campus.
“Parents have an important role to play in helping their children understand the situation, acknowledging their emotional responses, and helping them navigate these feelings in a healthy way,” says Luis.
It is also necessary to design and start implementing new routines, he says.
“School times may be staggered, and there will be no extra-murals, so the school day will also look different. Parents who work may need to consider how they are going to manage these changed logistics, and must devise a plan for how the day will look going forward. Children would have, to some degree, become used to taking the day and their own time management on their own terms, so waking up very early again while it is still dark, and sticking to a stricter routine, may take some getting used to.
“There are many examples such as these, some minor and some major, of how the days and the lives of our children will be changing. These will also take their toll, which is why communication is so important, and also an acceptance of the fact that everyone is trying to find their groove again, but that it isn’t always going to be easy. We as parents have to be kind to ourselves in this regard, and also allow our children the space and support to find their own feet again on their educational journey.”
Very importantly, some allowance has to be made for the fact that some students might return to find that some of their peers have, during lockdown, mastered work which they have not yet.
“Educators are very aware of this reality, and will be doing all they can to get everyone on the same page once more. It is not worth adding undue pressure at this stage, which will only introduce additional anxiety for children, and between children and their parents. If a child is concerned about ‘being behind’, put their mind at ease that you will address the matter together, and speak to the teacher to get guidance,” says Luis.
“The key to the coming transition, is to understand that things will be different and challenging at first for most, but that with understanding and regular, open communication, the road will become increasingly less rocky.”
A Lifelong Educator Mr Chris Herbst has spent 41 years in the classroom. With a Bachelor of Education from the University of the Witwatersrand, he has taught countless learners over the decades. He joined Crawford International Sandton in 1999 and currently teaches Afrikaans to students from Grade 8 to Grade 12. His role spans across five different year groups, a challenge he embraces. “I have my hands full as I navigate the excitement and challenges of teaching an additional language to five different grades,” he says. Why Teaching Still Matters For Mr Herbst, teaching is not a job. It is something he feels deeply connected to. “Teaching is my great passion and calling. The classroom is where I find my motivation and inspiration,” he shares. “When we have a really good lesson and I see our students leave having learned something new, or figured out a challenging concept, then I am motivated and inspired all over again.” These everyday moments keep him grounded in his purpose. They are the quiet victories that reaffirm his place in the classroom. Freedom to Teach with Meaning Mr Herbst values Crawford’s approach to learning, particularly the way it supports teacher agency and student-centred learning. “I love the fact that the focus is student-centred, and that as teachers we have the freedom and the responsibility to create a teaching and learning environment that works best for every learning need,” he says. He believes this flexibility allows for learning to become more meaningful. “If I identify that a particular topic or poem has piqued the interest of my class, I have the freedom to delve deeper and really explore the subject matter without being bound by rigid syllabus rules and time frames.” Connecting Language to the Real World Teaching Afrikaans in a school where it is often an additional language means finding ways to make it resonate. Mr Herbst understands that for many students, the subject may not come naturally. “For many students, learning another language may initially feel like a requirement rather than a passion,” he explains. To bridge that gap, he brings the language to life through content that students can relate to. “It’s important to integrate engaging, real-world content such as music, movies, and stories that align with the students’ interests.” These tools, he believes, help students see the language in context and build an emotional connection to it. A Teaching Legacy Over the course of his career, Mr Herbst has taught more than one generation in the same family. It is a milestone he reflects on with pride. “I have taught students who are now parents, and I am teaching their children today. It doesn’t get better than that.” But what stands out most for him is being remembered. “By far my biggest kick is when a past student recognises me and comes over to strike up a conversation and talk about their life and work after school.”
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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: DYLAN BIZJAK Crawford International Sandton From the classrooms of Crawford International Sandton to the forefront of aeronautical engineering in the Netherlands, Dylan Bizjak’s journey is one of ambition, resilience and innovation . Pursuing a Passion for Engineering After matriculating in 2019, Dylan initially pursued Aeronautical Engineering at Wits University. However, six months into his studies, a new opportunity emerged, one that would take him beyond South Africa’s borders. He secured a place at Inholland University of Applied Sciences in Delft, Netherlands, where he embraced the challenge of international study, even navigating his first year remotely due to the pandemic. Now a graduate with a BSc in Aeronautical Engineering (2024), Dylan has stepped into the professional world, joining Eve Reverse, a pioneering start-up dedicated to climate-positive innovation. What began as an internship in his final year evolved into a full-time role as a Research and Development Engineer, where he contributes to the creation of sustainable, carbon-negative materials. His proudest achievement? Playing a key role in the development of the Eve Dry Tile, an innovative flax fibre material designed to reduce emissions and waste in manufacturing. Achievements at Crawford International Sandton Gareth Beach Award (2019) – Recognised for bravery, dedication, self-development and outstanding achievement in swimming. Sportsman of the Year (2019) – Acknowledged for excellence in swimming, basketball and boxing. Reflections on Crawford Dylan credits his time at Crawford for preparing him for both academic and personal success on the global stage. “Crawford’s approach equips you for university and beyond, whether in South Africa or internationally. It’s not just about academics but about becoming a well-rounded critical thinker and team player. Exposure to diverse cultures, teamwork, individuality and taking responsibility for my outcomes were invaluable lessons I carried with me.” Words of Wisdom To his younger self, Dylan would say: “Step out of your comfort zone sooner. Growth happens when you challenge yourself. Leaving home was tough, but the personal and professional growth was worth every stumble along the way.” Dylan’s story is a testament to courage, hard work and the power of embracing the unknown. From South Africa to the Netherlands, he is proving that the sky isn’t the limit, it is just the beginning.
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