The Scratching Post - Issue No.3

RICHMOND ANIMAL SCIENCE

SCRATCHING POST WEEKLY NEWSLETTER ISSUE 3 | 30/04/2020

COVID-19 AND YOUR STUDIES Well it has been an action packed week for our first week back to Term 2; with all classes including TVet using Adobe Connect or the Teams platform.

We have faced a few issues this week as the Adobe connect platforms have been temperamental, we appreciate that this has been frustrating for learners.

Please know we are working with TAFE ICT support to rectify the server issues.

Remember TAFE NSW has been classed as an essential service and Richmond College is open for learners to access computer and library resources.

J block has been set up for student use and social distancing/ hygienic practices are implemented. If you would like to access the college for library items or technology access please let us know on 024570 9099.

TAFE NSW has information regarding connected learning and other learning modes on the TAFE NSW website .

The site includes useful guides and checklists to help you get ready before classes begin, along with specific guides to help you get familiar with some of the supportive technology, including Microsoft Teams and Adobe Connect.

We are receiving a lot of enquiries regarding courses and the practical components. As you can understand we are working our way through these matters and at this stage we will continue with theory lessons in the online platform for the foreseeable future.

It important we all work together in these uncertain times; we need to be open to re-evaluating our current expectations regarding course delivery and completion.

Produced by TAFE NSW Richmond Animal Science Management Team

Due to the practical skills and workplace hours it may be unlikely that most student’s expected course timetables will finalise as originally scheduled. This will have a flow on effect into Semester 2 2020.

We are expecting to apply extensions to learners enrolments; we need to ensure that all elements and performance skills are met for each unit of competency for learners to be able to gain the qualifications and be job ready.

We are here to support you through this time and know that everyone is feeling the pressure with isolating and self-distancing practices. Hopefully with the slight easing of these we will start the slow transition back to the new normal.

TAFE NSW has support services to help you transition in this time. You can read about our counselling and career development services here: https://www.tafensw.edu.au/counselling-careerdevelopment-services or alternatively contact the college counsellor on 02 4570 9004.

HEAD TEACHER WRAP UP As week 2 starts we hope you are all finding some sort of rhythm to our connected learning model.

It hasn’t been an easy week for both staff and students as TAFENSW platforms were put to the test and experienced some technical issues. We have been working with ICT on a daily basis to try and rectify these matters.

We know that over the next few weeks there may o be a few technical hiccups. We are doing the best we can in the current pandemic to continue delivering for learners.

Please continue to be patient with our staff as they navigate their way through to provide you with engaging lessons. We are here to answer any questions, please join us on this learning journey!!

At home we have been enforcing social distancing measures even with our pets…….

COVID-19 and your Studies TAFE NSW FAQ’s It’s important we all work together and the section will support you as best it can in the current COVID-19 environment. See below for TAFE NSW student frequently asked questions and help guides.

Benefits of connected learning for students Connected learning enables students and teachers to connect and continue their learning program while practising social distancing. Students benefit from: • • • •

A teacher guiding their class through all of their learning activities Individual support from their teacher to help them stay on track Access to classmates and social interaction with peers within a virtual classroom Learning valuable remote working skills, which are increasingly important in modern workplaces.

By engaging in connected learning, students and teachers are able to build skills highly valued by employers such as digital literacy, remote working, problem solving and resilience.

Cheers Bec and Wayne

animalsciencermd@tafensw.edu.au

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TOP TIPS TO ADAPTING TO CHANGE This week’s top tips to help you adapt to change.

When we are challenged to adapt to a crisis or threat, our first reaction can often be fear or panic, just like many animals.

In the context of COVID-19, the hoarding of toilet paper in Australia is a classic example of panicked and chaotic thinking.

Remember Teachers and Course Coordinators will be touching base regularly with learners to whom we have not heard from or who haven’t participated in adobe connect classes.

If you have any concerns contact the section animalsciencermd@tafensw.edu.au someone will either call or email you back - we are happy to answer and support you during this time with your study concerns.

It may be an instinctive reaction to needing to do something in response to the coronavirus outbreak and the changes to your personal circumstances including your study.

At a time of crisis, like now, we need to ensure that we are thinking clearly and adapt our decision making to the crisis, rather than attempt to ignore it, or catastrophise it.

It’s important we adapt to change as best we can and some ways of supporting yourself during this time include: Managing negative emotions – channeling our emotional responses to a crisis into constructive actions that are meaningful and adaptive, and involve us putting our energies into plans for possible futures with extended timelines.

Social support – tapping into those around you both for practical support in terms of expertise and advice, but also moral support.

Inner drive – sustaining the self-motivation to drive yourself and others towards anticipated outcomes and your career goals.

When adapting to change it is important we focus on our wellbeing. Good wellbeing comes from • • • • •

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Finding ways to connect with people.

Finding ways to take notice – see the beauty and possibility all around you.

Finding ways to be active – find a something to get you moving. This may be a walk or a YouTube yoga class.

Finding ways to give – give compliments, share recipes, help a community member, and check on a friend or elderly neighbor.

Finding ways to keep learning – stay engaged in your study or take up a skill you have always wanted to learn; download Duolingo and start learning a language.

Spending time with nature – get out in the garden, lay on the grass and watch the clouds move, bring nature indoors with plants and pictures.

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CUTE, FUN VIDEOS & MEMES

INDUSTRY ARTICLES AND NEWS

This week has seen a wealth of funny memes and videos on social media.

Some of the team’s favorites below.

Videos The DPI this week released another update relating to Animal movement and care in the COVID-19 environment. This can be found here

news.com.au

Independent.co.uk When you realise being home means eating more……

National geographic

livescience.com

Livescience.com

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UPCOMING SHORT COURSES We have moved our short courses online also with live adobe connect sessions being run for participants. Join us from the comfort of your lounge room.

More information can be found at

Other Section News Our new baby Gouldian finches fledge from the nest this week at the Animal House.

TAFE NSW - Animal Short Courses As we move more online we will keep you updated with our current schedule.

TUTORIAL SUPPORT

We have been also growing sunflowers for the Animals. It’s easy to do just grab the sunflower seed from the bird mix and plant and with a little TLC and water magic will appear.

Remember Natalie and Anne are available if you haven’t already touched base with them to set in place your support needs via connected delivery.

The section can be contacted on animalsciencermd@tafensw.edu.au

Keep up-to-date with the activities of the Richmond Animal house by following our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/TAFENSWRichmondAn imalScience/

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