DESPITE not having regular classroom interaction, virtual meetings and establishing a good routine have helped Azraa Rockman, a pupil at Riebeek College Girls’ High School in Uitenhage stay motivated and up to date with her school work.
Rockman, Riebeek College head girl for 2020, said being deprived of the direct classroom interaction with her teachers and fellow classmates took some time getting used to.
Although it has been challenging to work from home, Rockman was able to adapt very quickly with constant motivation from her siblings and parents.
Establishing a good routine was one of the first things she did in the early stages of the Covid-19 nationwide lockdown.
In doing so, she was able to achieve her goals while being effective and productive.
Rockman who plans to study medicine at the University of Stellenbosch or the University of Cape Town next year, said she was concerned that not having regular classes would greatly affect her results, but realised she needed to make the best of this period of isolation.
“I have decided to direct my focus on making the most of this academic year and to prosper in that regard, as this, in essence is the only thing that I can control in this situation.”
Rockman further said, her teachers have been phenomenal in providing advice to help all pupils complete their tasks while ensuring that they pace themselves during their daily Zoom Meetings. “Our teachers have made continuous efforts to keep in contact with us during this time, whether it be for the distribution of work or to check in on us to see how we are coping with everything,” said Rockman.
Online assistance for pupils
Counselling psychologist Nerine Loock, has been a consulting psychologist at Riebeek College and Muir College Boys’ High School since 2018.
Since the start of the nationwide lockdown in March, Loock who previously worked with pupils face to face, doing group assessments or workshops on a regular basis, has been connecting telephonically and online with pupils who needed assistance, guidance or just needed someone to talk to.
Loock said the nationwide lockdown and disruption in the lives of pupils could have many psychological effects.
“Grieving the loss of traditional milestones at school, missing their friends, academic disruption, family economics, fear of loved ones becoming ill and non-stop news about impact and progression of Covid-19 can cause heightened levels of anxiety and depression,” said Loock.
She therefore suggested pupils focus on the things they can control while they adapt and adjust to their goals.
“Get organised by planning your day and week. Set up routines, use your time wisely and do not procrastinate. It is vital that you attempt to access your resilient self and ask for help if needed,” said Loock.
She further recommended pupils use positive affirmations such as ‘I am stronger than I think’, ‘I will get through this,’ ‘My challenges help me grow,’ or ‘I am in charge of my life.’
“We are all going through this together. This is not forever,” said Loock.
