OCGS SITUATIONER
SCHOOL YEAR 2020-2021
We are, at present, in the process of finalizing plans on whether to start the school year in July or in August, through Distance (Online) Learning Program. With the many uncertainties as to how and when the virus would be completely contained, starting school in a physical classroom setting in August remains contingent.
The School Administration has decided to move forward with zero-risk tolerance for possible contamination among students and personnel. For as long as COVID-19 remains a threat, the School shall adopt the Distance Learning Program (DLP) regardless of which month we begin our classes. Official School Calendar will be released once all details are reviewed and finalized.
WHY ARE WE CONSIDERING STARTING SCHOOL IN JULY?
After school session ended in mid-March, students under Community Quarantine have limited options for academic advancement and interaction. A July start would ensure that learning continues unhampered despite the limits of physical distancing, as well as allow peer interaction within the educational context which is essential to positive socio-emotional development in children.
Any adjustment on the school calendar entails several implications on the pacing, delivery and timing of all activities of the school, i.e. lesson coverage, exam schedules, major activities like the Foundation Celebration and school break schedules. Thus, it is deemed best to make these adjustments gradually to avoid drastic repercussions. With the need to coincide with the opening in August of other schools, further gradual adjustment may be done next school year, 2021-22.
R.A. no. 7797 section 3 provides, “The school year shall start on the first Monday of June but not later than the last day of August.” Within the June to August window, private schools have the prerogative to decide the month for their opening of classes.
WHAT IS THE DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAM (DLP) AND HOW LONG WILL IT RUN?
DLP involves delivery of instruction and mode of interaction through digital platforms. In light of the current pandemic situation, DLP is considered to be our best available option to effectively facilitate instruction, learning, assessment, home-school feedback and communication.
The DLP will be planned and scheduled on a monthly basis, initially for a period of one quarter (e.g. July to September), with the frequency of meetings per week and time allotment for each subject relatively fewer than that of regular classroom sessions. The School has primarily in its plans the necessary preparations for a prompt shift to Classroom Learning as soon as it government authorities and health experts deem it safe to do so.
WHAT COULD BE EXPECTED FROM THE DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAM?
Distance Learning Program is NOT intended to replicate the full set of learning experiences when actual classes are in session. Please approach this new program with patience and understanding as we all transition into a new way of teaching and learning to meet the health and safety impacts of COVID-19.
The DLP will consist of synchronous learning (via digital meeting room app), asynchronous learning (through pre-recorded video lectures to be uploaded in Learning Management System), and independent learning (through pen and paper exercises, performance tasks, reading and research).
Definition of Terms:
 Synchronous Learning – learning activities done in real time with the teacher
 Asynchronous Learning – learning activities done at the student’s own pace
 Independent Learning – learning activities that would demonstrate student learning and their grasp of the lesson. Learning materials are usually assigned and to be submitted.
Instruction and activities shall be designed to help students advance in their knowledge and skills. Learning competencies will be managed and assessed through exercises, assignments, performance tasks and independent learning that would require minimal adult assistance or supervision.
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For preschool to Grade 3, materials with instructional guide will be sent to parents. Given the students’ limited capacity for independent learning, parents or guardians will have to provide the necessary assistance and guidance in learning and accomplishing tasks.
For Grade 4 -12, students are reasonably expected to be able to manage to learn on their own, with minimal or no assistance from adults.
Daily class periods, which will be allocated for the seven major subjects: English, Math, Science, Christian Education, Filipino, Civics and Chinese, are as follows:
Pre-Nursery - Nursery Kinder - Grade 3 Grade 4 -6 Grade 7 – 12
1.50 hours – 2 hours 2 hours – 3 hours 4 hours 5 hours
Once physical Classroom Learning is resumed, Saturday classes will be conducted to catch up on the deficiencies caused by the reduction of the number of meetings and daily time allotment during the DLP. In the event that the pandemic situation prolongs and would require the extension of the DLP beyond one quarter, the DLP schedule and meeting frequency will be adjusted to make sure that the required learning competencies are covered. (We hope that by then, the Department of Education shall have crafted a transitory grade level content and competency requirements for SY 2020-21.)
DEVICE REQUIREMENT
Any smartphone, electronic tablet, laptop or desktop computer that is capable of connecting to the internet, downloading and uploading attachments, files, and videos may be used. However, devices with bigger screens are preferred for better and distant viewing of learning materials (to preserve eyesight).
For faculty who need to avail of our laptop loan, you may indicate your intention through your Coordinators, who will coordinate with our HR Officer for processing of these loans, which shall be limited to 15 applicants only at P30,000 maximum loan amount. To manage our financial resources, these loans shall be subject to assessment of need and existing Computer Loan guidelines.
INTERNET CONNECTIVITY
Based on the survey with 192 respondents, it was determined that most homes are equipped with devices (83.65%) and internet access (94.2% of respondents), indicating that these homes are capable of participating in the DLP that we will be launching. For homes with no internet connection yet, we encourage setting up these services as soon as possible to avoid jam-ups in applications when other schools begin implementing their own DLP. We have corresponded with Globe Telecom to provide the necessary connectivity support for our student and teacher homes with the Globe Home Prepaid Wifi.
To address the slow or poor internet signal, purchase/ use of a signal-bolstering device (‘booster’) that could significantly improve connection signal is highly recommended.
TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES
Our Information and Technology (IT) Department will be working closely with teachers and parents to provide support during the implementation of the DLP.
Teachers (English and Chinese Departments) must acquire the necessary skills to adapt to the new mode of teaching. The applications and Learning Management Systems that we are considering to use are the following: Zoom, Filmora, Google Classroom, Edmodo, Seesaw, and Microsoft Teams. Other applications may be further considered or used depending on the final plans of our DLP. Trainings and Seminars for Zoom, Google Classroom and Edmodo will be conducted sometime in June.
SCHOOL FEES
Since some of the fees may not be applicable for collection with the implementation of Distance Learning, there will be slight changes to these fees through pro-rata adjustments. Other fees will be collected in deferment when normal school operations resume.
ENROLMENT PERIOD
Enrolment Period is further deferred to allow our families to financially recoup from the recent business and industry shutters during the Community Quarantine. We will start accepting enrolment on:
May 18 to May 29 and June 8-19 (except June 12 and 15, holidays)
through Online Enrolment System. An info-graphic on Enrolment Steps and Procedures will be posted in the Parents’ Viber groups soon.