STUDENTS have settled into their regular routines, returning to classrooms across the Limestone Coast.
Before the Easter break, some of the region’s schools operated at around a third of their capacity as widespread public restrictions took effect to slow the spread of coronavirus.
A letter of reassurance sent to families and caregivers from the state’s chief Public Health Officer Dr Nicola Spurrier appears to have fuelled confidence in communities to send children to school, combined with a notable decline in new COVID-19 cases in recent weeks.
Penola High School deputy principal Lesley Okholm said more than 50pc of students had returned to school at the start of term two.
“Our teachers have put together some fabulous programs during the last week of term one using technology and it has been interesting while being back as teachers have been trialling these activities,” she said.
Ms Okholm said a small number of Year 12s had been working from home and adapted to the remote learning style well.
“They are still a bit concerned because their learning programs have been changed but they are remaining positive and are looking forward to completing their schooling,” she said.
Penola Primary School principal Anna Copping said students had responded positively to the changes and learning had continued as normal as possible.
Nangwarry Primary School principal Erica Hurley said there had been an above average attendance rate at the facility, while many Mary MacKillop Memorial School students have adapted to remote learning.
Mary MacKillop Memorial School principal Nicole Coote said the online system had been trialled towards the end of Term 1.
Principal Nicole Coote said staff and students started the initiative the previous term to allow students and their families to provide feedback.
She said returning to school was important for the students’ well being and maintained stability during an unprecedented time.
