Sylvania Heights Public School now live streaming assemblies

Principal of Sylvania Heights Public School, Clint White, said the pre-recorded school assembly was trialled during lockdown back in 2020, and had become a bi-weekly initiative this year, keeping kids in the same routine and connected.

"We're trying to keep the community connected and together with some sort of normal routines they'd be doing at school, like singing the national anthem and the school song, and getting awards," said Mr White.

"It also gives our student leaders a profile; the whole leadership team would usually lead the assembly at school so we get the students to do pre-recordings now."

One recent pre-recorded assembly showed teachers giving awards, montages of remote learning set-ups, a mock Olympics torch relay, and videos spliced together to look like pupils were passing a pen around to write inspirational messages.

"Every fortnight we have a showcase of learning that they've been doing from home," said Mr White.

"It's helping families understand the situation we're all in.

"This week we're showing teachers teaching their own kids at home, as well as teaching our kids, so it's bringing connection between families and teachers and showing that we're all in this together and everyone's doing a great job."

Seven hundred viewers logged on to watch a recent assembly, with family members from around the country and abroad having the opportunity - for the first time - to watch an assembly.

"Our school, like all primary and high schools in the shire, are trying really hard," said Mr White.

"Everyone's doing an extraordinary job."

If restrictions prohibit parents from entering the school grounds when the lockdown is lifted, the school will continue to live stream its assemblies.