Following the closure of the school and in order to curb the spread of the corona pandemic, the DHPS kindergarten, pre-school and language support unit are currently also offering distance learning.

In these very special times, we would like to suggest some ideas for the period when the school is closed so that your children can be engaged in activities according to their level of development.

In the DHPS kindergarten and the pre-school, we attach great importance to the optimal development of your child. Therefore, we are sending you materials and links so that your children will not forget us in the coming weeks, and we hope to inspire you with some ideas on how to learn in a playful way.
Here you can find tips, materials, information, suggestions for reading and singing with our little ones:

• Distance learning DHPS kindergarten
• Distance learning DHPS pre-school
• Distance learning DHPS language support

Since 30.3.2020, distance learning in grades 1 - 4 has been structured as follows:

• Colleagues work tirelessly and inventively in cross-class groups to draw up weekly plans.
• The teachers explain the lesson content via telephone, WhatsApp or in Zoom meetings.
• Parents can pick up or drop off printouts and work materials by arrangement in the respective classes or daily between 7h00 and 13h00 at the secretary's office in the Kreutzberger building.
• There are also teachers who are personally available to learners by telephone if there are special needs. (The plan is available on the School Communicator)
• The distance-learning phase will be taken into account in the grading process after the school has reopened.

This very special time is very demanding for all parties concerned. Please remember that we can only meet this challenge together.
We hope that we can all motivate your children together to work and give them the necessary support. From our side, we would like to thank you sincerely and are always trying to ease the situation for you.

All teachers of the primary section wish the parents and children confidence and patience for the remaining phase of distance learning.

In grades 5- 9, classes have been offered online since 30 March 2020, allowing learners to continue learning under the virtual supervision of their teachers. Our teachers design the modified lessons individually either via Google Classroom, e-mail and WhatsApp or in some cases with printed materials that can be collected from the school office.The sudden change from face-to-face to distance learning was certainly not always easy for learners and teachers, but thanks to close communication, high motivation and the great support of the entire school community, the distance learning experience can certainly be called a success.
Learners whose domestic situation does not offer a suitable learning environment for various reasons receive support from tutors and a newly established helpline.

Communication:

• Each learner has a DHPS e-mail account. Especially in the younger classes communication also takes place via the parents' e-mail addresses.
• The teachers are in close contact with their learners and offer lessons and assignments via e-mail, Google Classroom, via ZOOM video conferencing and similar virtual communication platforms.
• Special links, audio files or online learning platforms enable detailed coverage of a topic.

Documentation and assignments:

• Our teachers develop comprehensive course material for a better understanding of the topic.
• Learners document their work and tasks in writing and return them (if possible) via Google Classroom/e-mail to the respective teacher.
• Learners on remote farms or in areas without stable Internet access can submit completed work assignments in printed form at the earliest opportunity, at the latest once school starts.
• Here are some examples of the new teaching methods:
  • Innovative teaching and learning: Learners develop outcomes that are more creative, e.g. they conduct experiments at home and document them through selfies and videos.
  • Independent research on the Internet on various topics.
  • Teachers record lessons on video and share these videos containing the assignments with learners online.
  • Online experiments of the teacher with corresponding evaluations.
  • Joint music rehearsals via Zoom.
  • Learners create videos/photo documentaries, especially in the artistic-musical field, and submit them digitally to the respective teacher.

In grades 10-12, classes have been offered online since 30 March 2020, allowing learners to continue their learning under the virtual supervision of their teachers.
The sudden change from face-to-face to distance learning was certainly not always easy for learners and teachers, but thanks to close communication, high motivation and the great support of the entire school community, the distance learning experience can certainly be called a success.

Communication:

• Each learner has a DHPS e-mail account.
• The teachers are in close contact with their learners and offer lessons and assignments in Google Classroom, via ZOOM video conferencing and similar virtual communication platforms.
• Special links, audio files or online learning platforms enable detailed coverage of a topic.

Documentation and assignments:

• Our teachers develop comprehensive course material for a better understanding of the topic.
• Learners document their work and tasks in writing and return them (if possible) via Google Classroom to the respective teacher.
• Self-assessment: Creation of multiple-choice self-tests and research on the Internet on various topics.
• Innovative teaching and learning: Learners develop more creative outcomes, e.g. they conduct experiments at home and document them through selfies and videos.
• Online experiments of the teacher with corresponding evaluations.

Due to school closures and in order to curb the spread of the corona pandemic, the DHPS Child & Youth Centre (KiJuZe) is also currently switching to programmes, leisure ideas and competitions that are offered at a distance.

The staff and educators of the Child & Youth Centre have weekly offers for our grade 1 - 10 learners which include suggestions for leisure activities, video greetings and activities in a drop box.

The Helpline for homework and task-related help is another great offer for the learners of the Child & Youth Centre.

The educators and staff members of the Child & Youth Centre are there for you, looking forward to your call and will help you with your homework or other school tasks - even from a distance!

Here you can gain an insight, find materials, information and ideas of the Child & Youth Centre:

• Distance Programme DHPS Child & Youth Centre

Each learner has his or her individual strengths and weaknesses. In order to give our learners answers to their questions from a distance and help them with their homework, we offer remote homework help service.

• There are teachers and educators who are available by telephone on weekdays at fixed times and for specific subject areas to answer the learners’ questions. Especially learners in grades 1-7 make use of this offer.
  Please find contact persons and numbers to support our learners here.
  
  
• The secondary classes are in close contact with their subject and class teachers and receive direct answers to their queries.
  
• Our DHPS Child & Youth Centre also offers a helpline to support with homework and other tasks. Please find further information here.

#WeAreInThisTogether

The current exceptional situation has been presenting us with very special challenges for some weeks now. We are all asked to stay at home if possible; schools and kindergartens are closed, as are sports clubs. Many families spend almost the entire day together, sometimes in very confined spaces, and the usual routine is broken.

You as parents may be employees, at the same time you assist your children with their schoolwork. In addition, there are conflicting reports and forecasts and worries about the financial future.
Uncertainty, stress and increased quarreling can occur in this situation.

The following links will give you information about what you can do for yourself and your family during this time.

COVID-19 CONVERSATION STARTERS:

• Lost opportunities
• Talking about resilience
• Video resources for families and educators

COVID-19 STRESS:

• How Uncertainty Affects Our Brains
• Coronavirus explained
• 7 ways to support kids and teens through the Coronavirus pandemic

Talk to us!
With immediate effect, there is now the option to make an online appointment with the school counselor. All information will be treated with strict confidentiality.
Counseling provides a non-judgmental, solution-oriented, and supportive service which aims to address personal as well as professional matters of concern. This support encompasses areas such as stress management, emotional wellness, and the development and application of individual social and personal capabilities and resources.

Please find here the detailed contact forms:

• German version
• English version

To make an appointment, please feel free to fill in the form and contact Ms Berens!

Do you have any questions, need advice or further information on admissions, technical procedures for distance learning or would like to speak to our staff members?

Please contact any of our staff below with questions you may have.

• DHPS Principal:

Principal Kristin Eichholz: schulleitung@dhps-windhoek.com
Vice Principal Carsten Osthus: c.osthus@dhps-windhoek.com
Tel: 061 – 373 122

• Primary School Secretary, Kreutzberger building - grades 1-4:

Yvonne Müller: grundstufe@dhps-windhoek.com
Tel: 061 – 373 139

• High School Secretary, main campus - grades 5-12:

Elke Jensen: schulleitung@dhps-windhoek.com
Tel: 061 – 373 122

• Kindergarten & Pre-school Secretary:

Siggi Aufgebauer: s.aufgebauer@dhps-windhoek.com
Tel: 061 – 373 103

• DHPS Child & Youth Centre:
  

Lars Pickhardt: l.pickhardt@dhps-windhoek.com
Tel: 061 – 373 108

• DHPS Boarding School:
  

Ulrike Behring: u.behring@dhps-windhoek.com
Tel: 061 – 373 102

• Working group: Distance learning:

Jochen Temmen: j.temmen@dhps-windhoek.com

• IT Support & Google Classroom:

Wilhelm Du Plessis & Llewellyn Dunn: tech@dhps-windhoek.com
Tel: 061 – 373 136

• Admissions & Info:

Bianca Aring: registration@dhps-windhoek.com
Tel: 061 – 373 145

• School fees, finances & Corona fund:

Karin Feiersinger: k.feiersinger@dhps-windhoek.com
Tel: 061 – 373 110

• Psychological support:

Hannah Reusch: h.reusch@dhps-windhoek.com
Tel: 061 373 122

• Web content, Social Media & Fundraising:

Tina Crüys: event@dhps-windhoek.com
Tel: 061 – 373 140

Currently, communication is more important than ever.

For this reason, we are in close contact and dialogue with our learners, parents and teachers, and we always try to keep our school community informed about the latest developments in distance learning, recent events and changes.

As during "normal" school operation, we communicate with our school community through the following channels:

• DHPS School Communicator → See further info on our School Communicator app here
• E-mails of school management and the Board
• E-mails and/or individual communication channels of (class)-teachers, e.g. WhatsApp, Zoom, etc.

We are very pleased to announce that the DHPS is able to support our school community financially in these difficult times.

Together we are strong: Our commitment to the DHPS school community

In addition to the granted discount on school fees by our school board, a Corona Fund for current or future emergencies has been established. In case of special need, you can apply for additional financial assistance.
The corresponding application forms are available in the administration department from Ms Feiersinger and must also be submitted to Ms Feiersinger, together with all the necessary documents mentioned in the application form.

Together we are strong: Support for the DHPS school community

It is possible for parents and friends of the DHPS to voluntarily donate the discount they have been granted to the Corona Fund, in order to provide additional financial support to families of the DHPS school community who are in particular need or severely affected by the crisis.
If you are considering this, please use the usual school account with the subject "Corona Fund" so that we can correctly allocate your donation.

We thank you, dear parents, for your trust, your cooperation and your solidarity in these difficult times. We are proud to be part of such a community.

#WeAreInThisTogether

Join the #DHPScommunity online, and get an insight into the latest news and events.
Send us your contributions from the home-schooling classroom, home office or classroom, sport, games and fun.

We can't wait to receive your posts event@dhps-windhoek.com.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube!

The DHPS is currently also focusing on making the school and all its departments “ COVID-compliant”, in order to ensure the highest possible level of safety for both learners and staff.

The following measures have been implemented on the DHPS campus:

• Masks are compulsory on the DHPS campus
• Thermometers for non-contact temperature screening
• Pedal operated hand disinfection stations
• Notice boards and posters to remind or explain the various hygiene and safety measures
• One-way system in the corridors between the classrooms to ensure efficient physical distancing for learners
• The classes and courses will probably be divided into smaller groups for teaching purposes
• Disinfectants are available in all classrooms, bathrooms and offices

A detailed preparedness and response plan is in place and we kindly ask you to adhere to these rules at all times when visiting, working or learning our campus.
Please see detailed plan on on-campus hygiene measures here.

Following various reports concerning the spread of COVID-19, we herewith would like to inform you about the measures taken at DHPS to curb the spreading of the virus.

The corona virus can be transmitted from person to person. In order to reduce the risk of infection, the same applies as for all infectious diseases:good hand hygiene, correct coughing and sneezing habits, and keeping distance from sick persons.

The following measures are recommended to prevent infection or the further spread of the disease:

• do not shake hands or touch in any other way to greet or say goodbye.
• observe good personal hygiene, especially regular and proper hand washing.
• please wear mouth-nose protection.

For further information, we refer to information in the following external sources:

• NAMIBIA COVID-19 STAGES OF RESTRICTION
• Namibian Ministry of Health: http://www.mhss.gov.na/
• Detailed information on COVID-19 in Namibia: https://namibiacovid19.gov.na/home
• World Health Organisation (WHO): https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus#tab=tab_1
• Federal Foreign Office: https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/ReiseUndSicher...
• Federal Government: https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de/themen/cor...

Common symptoms of the corona virus, as with other respiratory diseases are smell and/or taste disorders, fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, shortness of breath and occasionally diarrhea.

Anyone who has had direct contact with a person who has been diagnosed with the novel corona virus through laboratory tests, or who is highly suspected of being infected, should immediately call the Namibian Health Department.

Namibian COVID-19 telephone hotline: 0800 100 100

In case of any symptoms of illness, or if you have come into direct contact with sick people, please avoid further social contact and stay at home if possible. The incubation period is usually 2 - 14 days.

We ask all parents to consult a doctor immediately if their children show the first symptoms of coronavirus disease and to strictly keep their children from attending school.
The DHPS reserves the right to deny access to the school grounds to persons with symptoms of the disease or a raised temperature above 38°C.

The safety of our learners and staff remains our absolute priority - please see therefore the measures taken below:

• Kindergarten, pre-school and grades 1-2:
  The premises and the changed break rhythm at the Kreutzberger building, allow us to also welcome back all our grade 1 and 2 learners again. Kindergarten and pre-school have resumed as normal.

• Grades 3-9:
  We have decided to bring back half of the respective classes of these grades back to school. Therefore, we will have A-groups and B-groups for classes 3-9
  It is planned that from 19 October 2020, classes 1-9 will be able to return to face-to-face teaching in full classes.

• Breaks:
  The individual grades have designated break areas and the beginning and end of long breaks are staggered, to enable compliance with the distance rules.

• Senior section:
  The classes of the senior section (school graduates/ grade 10-12 learners) also remain in the class group until the October holidays (after that, all grade 12 learners will only visit the school premises for examinations).

• Safety for all:
  Since the safety of all persons on the school premises is our top priority, any violation of these measures will result in a warning and subsequently expulsion from the school. This is necessary in view of the increasing number of cases, but also considering the responsibility to enable all DHPS learners to attend school.

The school has been offering distance learning since 30 March 2020.

Learners in grades 1-4 receive personal video and WhatsApp messages to keep in touch with their teachers, as well as teaching materials by e-mail or as printed copies for pickup. See Distance learning primary section for more information.

Learners in grades 5-12 are also in constant contact with their teachers. Online lessons are provided through Google Classroom, video conferencing and online services.
For more information, see Distance learning in the junior secondary section and Distance learning in the senior secondary section.

The DHPS departments Child & Youth Centre, Kindergarten, Pre-School and Boarding School also offer educational and leisure activities at a distance. Further details are available on the pages of the individual departments.

The DHPS is currently also focusing on making the school and all its departments “ COVID-compliant”, in order to ensure the highest possible level of safety for both learners and staff.

The following measures have been implemented on the DHPS campus:

• Masks are compulsory on the DHPS campus
• Thermometers for non-contact temperature screening
• Pedal operated hand disinfection stations
• Notice boards and posters to remind or explain the various hygiene and safety measures
• One-way system in the corridors between the classrooms to ensure efficient physical distancing for learners
• The classes and courses will probably be divided into smaller groups for teaching purposes
• Disinfectants are available in all classrooms, bathrooms and offices

Although we would of course prefer to meet you personally, we now look forward to welcoming you to the virtual registration platform of DHPS Windhoek.

Therefore, we have compiled important information about our school on these pages. Here, you find a virtual campus tour, all forms and information, as well as the right contact persons.

We look forward to your visit!

Please note that for the time being only orders via the DHPS online shop are possible.

After we have received your order, you will be informed by e-mail when you can come to pick it up. Please ensure that only one person collects the items, which can be tried on at home and exchanged or returned within 30 days.

Please adhere to the hygiene measures in place at the DHPS campus.

Although some of our teachers, educators and staff might not be on campus at the moment, they are of course still there for you from a distance.

We are happy to help you via e-mail - please find here all e-mail addresses of our colleagues.

Our administration department is completely back on the campus again. We look forward to your visit and getting in touch.

You want to borrow or return books or let yourself be inspired by new teaching materials or leisure reading?
With pleasure!

Our library team is looking forward to your visit and is available during the following opening hours:

• Monday - Thursday: 07:00 – 15:00
• Friday: 07:00 – 12:00

Please feel free to contact us in case you have any questions or for further information library@dhps-windhoek.com or tel. 061 373 101