The Avalon Region of the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District (NLESD) was dealt a blow this week, with the outbreak of Covid-19 impacting schools in the region. But amid the anxiety and uncertainty, teachers throughout the region were rising to the challenge and making connections with students.

“This is Teacher-Staff Appreciation Week, and there is perhaps no better time to acknowledge the professional educators and school staff who are taking this in stride; embracing this challenge, and focusing on making it work for their students,” said Goronwy Price, Chair of the NLESD’s Board of Trustees. “I’ve been seeing a host of positive messages on social media which speak to teacher efforts and supportive messages from their colleagues and students from throughout the province.” 

Schools used their own school-based social media accounts to share messages of encouragement to colleagues, students and families. Meanwhile, teachers at the District’s ConnectEd Remote Learning School, who have been navigating these waters since the Fall, were offering their tips and support for their colleagues. Pictures of these messages can be found here: Online Learning Takes Off. 

“All schools developed school-specific plans for online learning this past fall,” said Tony Stack, CEO/Director of Education. “We hoped we’d never have to use them - but here we are. There may be a few glitches along the way, but we hope everyone will work together, with patience and kindness, to make this work for teachers, students and families alike. As I see so many of our teachers saying on social media and elsewhere - we’ve got this.”

More information for families is available here: Google Resources for School Communities.