COVID-19 has brought about so much change in education and the period of online learning earlier this year significantly changed the teaching and learning environment – almost overnight. Another area of change is how prospective parents view schools and find the best match for their child and family. This can be a decision that needs to be made very early in order to gain a place at the school of first choice.
Arden Anglican School has campuses at Beecroft (Junior School) and Epping (Secondary School) and in the current circumstances where they are unable to have visitors on site, developed a new way of showcasing their students, staff and facilities to future families. “We have themed 2020 as our Year of Care,” explained Principal, Mr Graham Anderson, “and this was applied to all aspects of school life, including introducing Arden to new families to help them make an informed decision, a very important decision, on behalf of their child.”
The School was forced to cancel their annual Open Day in March this year, with over 800 registrations, and then hoped to commence Campus Tours again in Term 3, but these were also cancelled in order to keep their School Community as safe as possible during this Pandemic.
The Director of Advancement, Mrs Jo Hutchens, introduced a series of webinars with their registrar for families who wanted to find out more about the Pre-school to Year 12 School and how to enrol. “Whilst we are unable to conduct personal tours at either campus, our webinars have proven a great alternative,” explained Mrs Hutchens, “and they offer a wonderful glimpse of the School for mums and dads,” she added. Held on Friday mornings for the rest of year, prospective parents can login and hear from the Principal, view a live presentation from the Registrar, see a video montage of student and staff activities, and even have their questions answered there and then, online.
“COVID-19 has caused us to reimagine all kinds of normal school activities,” said Mr Anderson, “but our priority is always the care and safety of our School Community, and we know that future parents appreciate our diligence, especially at this time.”
Arden is currently enrolling students for 2022. Parents interested in Arden can register to participate in a Webinar with the Registrar www.arden.nsw.edu.au