BENDIGO students are continuing to attend classes as normal despite growing concerns around COVID-19.
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Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Wednesday said schools would remain open for the foreseeable future because of potential disruptions to the community.
There are reports student absenteeism across the country has risen as parents take children out of classes.
But Catholic Education Office Sandhurst director Paul Desmond said Catholic schools in the region were not seeing those changes.
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"I'm in awe of the goodwill and efforts of teachers who are making sure that learning still occurs and the students remain calm and understand the situation," he said.
"We have had great support from parents who are bringing their children into school every day as normal.
"Until the government says it's time to close, it will be business as usual."
Bendigo Senior Secondary College principal Dale Pearce said the school had seen an increase in student absences - but it was not directly linked to coronavirus.
"Most cases are parents taking our advice that if their child is unwell, they shouldn't be at school," he said.
"As is the case in a number of other schools, we also have students where parents are healthcare workers so they are taking other precautions.
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"There is a very, very small number of parents who are withdrawing their children for other reasons."
The secondary school was supporting students who stayed home, Mr Pearce said.
"Usually with short-term absences, there is a level of catch-up involved," he said. "In extended absences, we provide work for the students to do. We will be doing that."
Mr Desmond said Catholic schools were also providing support.
"We've given all principals work from home plans for their teachers and their students," he said.
Mr Pearce said teachers were also supportive of the changes.
"Certainly, there are teachers here and across the state who are anxious," he said. "But we also understand our schools are open on the basis of the medical advice the government is taking.
"I think that's the situation we're in and staff understand that."
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