Dear UWC Management 

** PLEASE DO NOT BRING FORWARD THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS **

We know the COVID19 situation has presented challenges to children and teachers, who do not get the same learning experience as they are accustomed to. 

However, please know there are a significant number of parents who appreciate that the school is doing their best to deliver a robust online learning program. Importantly, during this time, our children have shown resilience and adaptability, which we would expect from UWC students. This in itself has presented an important learning opportunity for them. 

Whilst the Home-Based-Learning (HBL) program is still in its infancy and has room for improvement, it is imperative we persevere, learn and continue with the program.  

We are aware a petition is circulating with a request that UWC follow the local school initiative and bring forward the school holidays. Please know this represents only a small segment of the parent/teacher community and it is important both views are heard.

There are considerable benefits in continuing with HBL including:

1) It occupies our children and gives them purpose over this lockdown period. The alternative would be for children to ‘do nothing’ and spend unproductive days isolated at home

2) It enables them to continue learning, which is important to occupy their minds 

3) It supports working parents who have commitments during the day. This is not to be under-estimated.  Most of us do not have time to dedicate to our children 100% of the day. To take away HBL would not be fair on ourselves, our children, or our employers 

4) HBL places less stress on the children in the long-term. Right now they are managing well. To extend the last term without a break, backing off a lock-down situation is not simply not healthy 

5) Many of us have families overseas and need a reasonable school break towards the mid-end of the year to attend to parents and older children

6) From initial feedback, teachers and UWC students both wish to continue with HBL 

We are very happy to continue to work with UWC to make improvements to the program as we move forward. However, we implore you, please do NOT bring forward the school holidays. It will cause significant disruption and distress. It really is all the children have right now. 

With our deepest respects,

Parents and Teachers of UWC