Cadets and Parents/Guardians of 655 RCACS,
This year the Cadet experience will be unlike anything we have experienced before. Air, Army, and Sea Cadet units across Canada are virtually transforming their training programs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and imposed public health measures. In the past few weeks the Squadron Adult Staff and Senior Cadets of 655 RCACS have been working tirelessly to enable this transformation in order to bring the best possible virtual experience to you - Officers are actively adapting the program according to National Directives, Cadet Warrant Officers are providing extensive amounts of coordination, and Instructors are attending preparatory instructional technique workshops.
To the Parents/Guardians: I ask that you be supportive and accommodating of your Cadet(s). Help them find a quiet and comfortable place to login, listen, and participate. Encourage them to attend as much as possible so that their online Cadet experience is as fulfilling as it is in person.
To the Cadets: I ask that you strive to attend at least 50% of the online classes (the more the better of course); however, I do understand that there may be factors limiting attendance. In which case, you should inform your Instructors so that we can try to accommodate you. Come to the classes with an open mind, ready to learn and participate. Be respectful of others' opinions and situations. Lastly, be sure to watch this video for an introduction to Google Classroom: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88idNZxeZbo - we won’t be using every feature initially, but this is very important for you to know.
Training will still occur weekly on Monday nights, from 7:00 - 8:30pm online using Google Classroom and occasionally on Thursday nights with advance notice. Returning Cadets will be receiving invites to Google Classroom in the next week. New Recruits will be receiving an invite no later than October 3, 2020. If you do not receive an invite before classes start, email 655richmondtraining@gmail.com.
The Squadron is excited to welcome you into this new paradigm and to deliver the best training possible. There will undoubtedly be challenges as we adjust; however, I am determined that we provide the same quality of knowledge and experiences that make a 655 Cadet so special amongst our peers. Our digital transformation will be a continuous process; constantly adjusting in an agile manner throughout the training year in response to the situations we encounter, and also to your feedback and suggestions. Cadets should provide feedback to their Instructors, Parents are free to email 655richmondtraining@gmail.com to raise ideas.
This is undoubtedly a difficult situation we all find ourselves in right now; however, we at 655 RCACS will try to provide a bit of familiarity and stability in the face of unexpected changes. On behalf of the Squadron Staff, I wish you all the best of health and hope that you are staying safe. We will see all returning cadets soon online on September 28, 2020 and new recruits on October 5, 2020.
Oliver Xie
Captain
Training Officer
655 Richmond RCACS
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