As you are aware we have been actively monitoring the COVID-19 situation and in light of recent government guidelines around social distancing, aimed at slowing the spread of the COVID-19 virus, we have decided to move to online virtual classrooms from Monday 6th April 2020 for all adult programs. Please be assured this product will be just as effective as normal face-to-face delivery and we strongly believe will help to keep improving your English and Business knowledge just as if you are attending formal class. We are strongly committed to supporting you through this period.
It has been a difficult decision however it is important that you understand Phoenix Academy is committed to the ongoing health and well-being of all our students and staff. This remains our top priority. Our campus will remain open and we hope to be able to welcome some students needing further support.
Please read the important information below to keep you up to date.
- NEXT WEEK IS A STUDENT FREE WEEK for all Adult Classes from Monday 30th March 2020 to Friday 3rd April 2020.
- ALL ADULT PROGRAMS ARE MOVING TO ONLINE DELIVERY from Monday 6th April 2020.
- JUNIOR PROGRAMS will continue to have face-to-face classes while we are preparing to deliver online if required.
Having met with our students on campus today to discuss these changes, I hope the following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) will be useful:
1) Is Phoenix Academy closing?
No! The campus will continue to operate until we are advised by the Government. Therefore, individual students (not in groups) may come to the campus. This means that if you have trouble accessing your online course from home you are more than welcome to use the Phoenix computer lab. If you want to talk to a staff member, sit in our beautiful gardens, use the WiFi facilities, you can. If you do intend to come on campus let us know by emailing us at letschat@phoenix.wa.edu.au and please ensure it is safe for you to travel to and from the campus.
2) Do I have to come to class this week?
Yes. It is important that until Friday 27th March 2020 you continue to attend classes on campus. Over the next few days teachers will be working through online delivery with you to make sure you are ready and able to start your online course.
3) What is a student free week?
From Monday 30th March 2020 to Friday 3rd April 2020 there will be no classes (on campus or online) for our adult students during the day or in the evening. This will be added on to your current enrolment at no cost. Remember that there will be Phoenix staff available to assist you during this time, so if you have any questions feel free to email us at letschat@phoenix.wa.edu.au or call us on (08) 9235 6000.
As per our duty of care and strict guidelines for our Under 18 students, our Junior programs will continue to meet on campus with appropriate safety measures in place while we are transitioning them to an online delivery mode.
4) Will I meet the same learning outcomes through my online course?
Yes! Rest assured our fantastic team has put together a unique and state of the art online program which will include daily face-to-face contact with your allocated class teacher through our Learning Management System. You will need to meet the same attendance and progress requirements as if you were still attending class on campus. Through your class portal, Phoenix will continue to monitor attendance and progress of each and every student.
- Over the next week you will receive detailed information about your full-time study timetable and how to attend your online course.
It is important that you check your emails regularly moving forward and make sure we have your most up-to-date contact details. If your contact details have changed you can email us at letschat@phoenix.wa.edu.au
5) What if I can’t attend class online?
The same attendance rules apply to online delivery as it does if you were attending class physically on campus. If you cannot attend a class for any reason you need to email us at letschat@phoenix.wa.edu.au, call the school on (08) 9235 6000 or message your class teacher via the class forum page on your My Phoenix Online portal.
6) How long will I need to take classes online?
We are actively monitoring the COVID-19 situation. We will continue to teach online until we have received Government advice that it is safe for students to return physically to school. The health and wellbeing of our students is of utmost importance.
7) Can I attend classes if I am not onshore?
Yes. We understand if you have had to return home under exceptional circumstances. The Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) recently issued the following statement:
‘These are exceptional times; as such, where possible we are relaxing the provisions in the ESOS framework in relation to online and distance education to ensure that our overseas students have the best support available to them to continue their studies. For those schools that have capacity to offer online/distance education opportunities, the school has discretion to allow an overseas student to opt into those online opportunities either while the student is still onshore and not attending (either due to self-isolation or as personal preventive measure) or while a student is offshore.’
So the good news, is that you can continue your studies with us and access all your course materials and resources online.
If you are returning home or are unable to return to Australia you must let Phoenix Academy know. You can do this by emailing us at letschat@phoenix.wa.edu.au.
Coronavirus information in your language
SBS has launched a multilingual online portal to provide information on the COVID-19 outbreak for Australia’s diverse communities.
The SBS portal will provide the latest news on the health and economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic in Australia, as well as features explaining government policy and health advice in 63 languages.
For more information, please email directly at letschat@phoenix.wa.edu.au.
Look forward to seeing you online!