Online learning is not for the weak at heart!
Alyson Engelbrecht • April 28, 2020
Written by Caroline Corriera – Preparatory Head of Academics
Having three children doing online learning is not for the feint hearted and I take my hat off to all our parents dealing with the new experience of online learning, no matter how many children you might be coping with. All three of my kids excitedly looked forward to the beginning of online teaching; that is a distant memory now. I long for last week!
My two eldest have taken to online teaching like fish to water, however my youngest is a whole different ball game. She misses the interaction and input from the teachers and is not a fan of online teaching at all. A lot of children now have to deal with the added stress of coping in a world that has become very digital in a short space of time. A lot of our children are finding this challenging; daily meltdowns and the fear of falling behind or not understanding a concept properly are part of their new reality.
As teachers, we understand that this must be exceptionally difficult for some of our children and would like to encourage you to allow them to take time out when they need to. Let them step away from their devices and just breathe, the work will still be there later. Their emotional wellbeing is much more important than completing a task if they are falling apart. Please be in touch with your child’s teacher and let them know if they are needing more input from them. I can assure you that they will make a concerted effort to accommodate and help your child navigate these unfamiliar waters.
I have found that often all these little people need are a cuddle and a reassuring word that all will be okay. Constant reassurance that this too shall pass and is just a brief time in their lives is what they need to hear.
Take a bow moms and dads; you are all awesome and are doing an amazing job!
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Twenty years of trusted education meets expanded opportunities, greater accessibility and future-ready learning from January 2027. Families across Hartbeespoort can look forward to an even stronger independent school offering as Pecanwood College becomes Pinnacle College Pecanwood from January 2027. The transition brings together two decades of local educational excellence with the academic strength, innovation and opportunities offered by the expanding Pinnacle Colleges network. Current and prospective families stand to benefit from a school that retains everything the community values while opening the door to even greater opportunities. Pinnacle College Pecanwood will preserve the school's caring culture, close relationships, boarding facilities, IEB curriculum, sporting tradition and vibrant co-curricular programme, while providing students access to a broader network recognised for academic excellence, future-focused learning and preparation for life beyond school. Pecanwood College has proudly served the Hartbeespoort community for 20 years, offering education from the early years through to Grade 12, including boarding. Dedicated teachers, a nurturing environment, strong IEB academic results and diverse sporting and cultural opportunities have established the school as a respected educational institution in the region. That solid foundation will now be enhanced through the wider Pinnacle Colleges network. Students and teachers will benefit from shared academic expertise, established operational excellence and opportunities to participate in broader academic, cultural and sporting initiatives across multiple campuses. Pinnacle Colleges equips students for tertiary education and successful careers through a balanced approach that combines academic excellence with innovation, career guidance, coding and robotics, technology-enabled learning and holistic personal development. Respect, responsibility and a strong sense of community remain central to every campus experience. Academic success already defines Pecanwood College. The Class of 2025 achieved an impressive 98.59% matric pass rate, a 94.36% Bachelor's Degree pass rate and an average of 1.9 distinctions per student. Pinnacle College Pecanwood will build on these achievements through strengthened academic systems, shared expertise and continued commitment to outstanding IEB education. The name Pinnacle College Pecanwood honours both the school's proud heritage and its exciting future. Twenty years of commitment by students, teachers, families and the wider community remain firmly embedded in the school's identity, while its new name reflects membership of one of South Africa's fastest-growing independent school groups dedicated to innovation, accessibility and student success. Hartbeespoort families can now enjoy the best of both worlds: a close-knit community lifestyle paired with access to a high-quality independent education close to home. Pinnacle College Pecanwood is well positioned to become the school of choice for families seeking exceptional academic opportunities, future-ready skills and an environment where every student can thrive.
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