Rural schools celebrating community during remote learning

The transition to remote learning has been one of the biggest challenges Victorian students have had to face in their schooling.

Students have had to adjust to spending most of the school day at their kitchen tables with siblings and parents working through planned lessons from their teachers.

They communicate with their teachers and friends through apps on their computers or other technology devices instead of in their classrooms.

The local rural schools of West Gippsland have found a major thing that has helped to support students and their families through this time is the sense of community that is strong in these rural schools.

In this time of uncertainty and isolation, our rural schools have become a central part of the socialisation and sense of connection for many in our communities through video conferencing, emails, phone calls and social media.

Speaking to students at rural schools in West Gippsland, many mention enjoying the new challenges of working with technology and they have surprised themselves with how much they have learnt using technology in their learning.

Of course, the biggest aspect of school that they report they miss is the social aspect of school: being able to get active with their friends in the billy carts on the oval; hide and seek amongst the trees; tending the vegie garden and chickens; as well as kicking the footy around with mates.

Whilst technology has helped with their learning – no technology can make up for the unique environment of a rural school.

Rural schools in West Gippsland offer unique schooling experiences for students that ensure a personalised and nurturing learning experience for all.

Family and community involvement is a valued priority with participation and family involvement encouraged.

Our rural schools focus on building exemplary rich relationships among peers and strong student-teacher relationships, as each staff member knows each child and family – it is due to this, that remote learning programs have become personalised and tailored to meet the needs of our students.

When considering a school for your child, contact your local rural school to discover the opportunities and programs that are on offer. Your local rural school is a real alternative.