A virtual forum was held to help prepare for the upcoming school year which will open under new circumstances amidst the pandemic. Organized by the Philippine Embassy in the Kingdom of Bahrain, seasoned educators Francis Manaois and Dr Victoria Manaois highlighted the importance of preparing for the new system. This applies equally to teachers and administrators, and parents and students.

While administrators and teachers need to step up in preparing learning management systems, materials and activities for the learners, parents also need to prepare logistical, physical and emotional support for their children emphasized the educators.

Experts urged the need for constant and effective communication between the educators and the parents to provide seamless support to the learners. In addition to this, they focused on the need for a growth mindset to learn as the community navigates this new educational landscape.

The speakers likewise provided tips on how to prepare for the online classes as well as healthy habits to observe throughout this “new normal”.

Philippine School Bahrain (PSB) Director Gydabelle Naval stressed the school’s efforts to help parents support their children under the new normal.

“The Philippine School Bahrain remains committed to the holistic development of the child. The school focuses on developing children into competent, creative, compassionate and committed learners and leaders of the future. We educate learners with socio-emotional learning at the centre of development and with technological tools being used to develop the child-centred on character formation and 21st-century skills” stated Gydabelle Naval.

“PSB develops children with academic content and skills together with socio-emotional learning. The school likewise integrates cultural diversity, inculcating Filipino heritage while respecting other cultures” she added.

Naval also emphasized the importance of the partnership between the school and the parents/home, through the use of proper communication channels.

For his part, Dureza, an educator and a parent of a young learner provided perspectives on the part of a parent focusing on the need to strengthen the family as a unit, as well as the collaboration between school administrators and educators.

SOURCE: ALBILAD