With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing schools to change how they deliver classes, the Bendigo Advertiser has asked students to share how they are adapting.
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Bendigo Senior Secondary College year 12 student Greta Schaeche tells us what it has been like to learn from home.
I'm a few weeks into VCE online learning now and it certainly feels like it's rapidly becoming the new 'normal' as all the days seemingly fuse together into one.
It's hitting a time in which, had we been at school, we would be pretty busy as many subjects come towards their second formal assessment - or 'SAC' - which are now being held in a slightly altered manner online.
While lots of kids are celebrating the fact that there's obviously less restriction over what we can access during such assessments - as most of them will now have to be open book - it's a challenge knowing we're not getting that same preparation as previous year levels for the end of year exams, which although may be altered, certainly won't be as lenient.
But it's little things like this that we just need to take in our stride and do the best we can with, while staying as physically and mentally healthy as possible. I've found that although indoor workouts are a great way to stay fit in such a time, I couldn't more highly recommend going out for a run or bike ride as you get the benefits of the fresh air, a change of scenery and perhaps (if you're lucky) you might even see a real-life human as you pass by that isn't your family.
In all seriousness, although it's an uncertain and constantly fluctuating time for us all, the most important thing for us as students is to stay as connected as possible to our friends and teachers, ensure we're giving ourselves reasonable breaks, being kind to ourselves and others, and importantly continuing to work as best we can through our final year of school.
Catherine McAuley College year 12 student Tania Hutchinson has also adjusted her lifestyle to stay physically and mentally healthy while learning remotely.
My theatre group, Nexus Bendigo Youth Theatre, has begun to do our rehearsals online using Zoom. Once a week we have a video meeting where I get to see and talk to my friends and we can work on our skills.
The group has also started giving us "challenges" each week and we share our videos with each other of what we create.
It might be acting as a character, creating a dance or singing in character, each week focusing on a different skill for us to practise. We're really encouraged to be creative with costumes and props, have fun and give each other praise over social media, while still in the safety of our own homes.
I've also taken to doing an online yoga class with my mum some mornings in our lounge room and going for a 20 to 30-minute walk every day after school, just around my neighbourhood to get some fresh air and keep my body healthy.
I think the most important thing in this time is to stay connected and make sure we're looking after ourselves.
Catherine McAuley College student Charlotte Brook is also taking on new activities.
The new way I keep active during this time is getting up early in the morning to walk around the lake with a friend that lives close by.
We are able to chat and keep healthy at the same time. I am trying new sports through different online classes. I have attempted martial arts and different types of yoga.
Are you a year 12 student who would like to share your experience of studying during a pandemic? Send your story to addynews@bendigoadvertiser.com.au
