Schools keen to see students return, but complications remain

GEELONG private schools are planning to follow the State Government’s staggered return to school plan, but leaders say greater clarity around the specific arrangements is required.

Geelong College principal Peter Miller said while the Victorian Premier’s announcement was “very positive,” it was still awaiting further details from Victoria’s health and education departments.

“On face value, the return looks as though it would be rather straightforward. The reality is more complicated than this,” Dr Miller said.

“There are some details to confirm regarding the requirement and exact arrangements for the transition to normal schooling in regard to boarders, cleaning, social distancing and other aspects of our operations.

“(But) to be clear, we are working to ensure we are ready and able to provide education for students of The Geelong College consistent with the government announcement.”

Under the state’s staggered return-to-school plan preps, grade 1 and 2 pupils and year 11 and 12 students will return on May 26. Year 3 to 10 students will return on June 9.

Although most private schools previously stated they would follow the State Government’s advice for a return to on-site learning, Catholic and independent schools have the ability to make their own announcements and implement individual timelines.

St Joseph’s College principal Tony Paatsch said the school was looking forward to welcoming its Year 11 and 12 students on May 26, in accordance with the State Government’s plan.

“It’s a little bit earlier than we initially thought it may be, but we’re really delighted,” he said. “While remote learning has gone better than we hoped, teaching is relational, and without being face-to-face you really miss those relationships.”

Kardinia International College principal Catherine Lockhart said the announcement fitted well with what the school had hoped and anticipated.