SCHOOL’S BACK
BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
GEELONG principals are preparing for a challenging return to on-site learning with the youngest and most senior learners heading back to the classroom in two weeks.
School drop off times are likely to be staggered as schools work out ways to reduce parents and students mingling on campus.
Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews said yesterday said the staggered return would look “different” to usual.
From May 26, preps, grade one and two pupils, and students in years 11 and 12 will return to the classroom.
Children in years three to 10 will go back on June 9.
Ashby Primary School principal Meg Bone said she was “really excited” to welcome the return of on-site teaching.
“One thing we will be pushing is ensuring our families aren’t congregating and hanging out when dropping off and picking up the kids,” Ms Bone said.
She said certain practices, such as small group work, would be put on hold to limit student contact, while some classes were likely to be spread out across rooms in the first two weeks.
Teachers will use video conferencing to communicate while on campus instead of congregating, she said.
The school also has “strict” guidelines around hygiene and cleaning, with cleaners coming in twice a day, while students will sanitise their hands up to eight times a day.
“The main thing is reminding the students — it’s a new way of thinking for them,” Ms Bone said.
She said she was confident staff and families had enough time to prepare for the return and was looking forward to welcoming up to 120 students in two weeks’ time.
“There will be a lot of little people running through the gates on May 26,” Ms Bone said.
“It’s a good segue to get some balance back for parents and our teachers to get back in front.”
The Government announced yesterday it would invest up to $45 million for enhanced daily cleaning at every school for all of terms two and three.
All school staff will also be prioritised for voluntary coronavirus testing for a twoweek period from mobile and fixed testing sites.