BENDIGO's Girton Grammar School will prioritise prep, year one, and VCE students if the state government chooses to reopen Victorian schools in phases.
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Girton on Friday declined a funding offer from the federal government to reopen open the school earlier than the state government advice.
The Morrison government offered private schools around the country an early payment of more than $3.3 billion in funding they brought students back to classrooms by the end of May.
While acting head Emma O'Rielly said the school would reject that offer, she has told families the school was already preparing for its eventual reopening.
"Our Coronavirus Action Team is undertaking scenario planning for a range of return to school options, which will be finalised according to whatever parameters are set by the Victorian government," the letter to parents read.
"We hope to have more details this Friday, May 8, when the National Cabinet next meets to discuss the relaxing of Australia's coronavirus restrictions.
"I would like you to know that if a staged return based on limited student numbers is to be implemented, we intend to prioritise the return of students in preparatory, year one, year 11, and year 12.
"A phased return of other year levels would follow as and when permitted by the Victorian Chief Health Officer."
"The school plans to accommodate first, the students who need the most support in their learning due to their lack of independence - preparatory and year one students - as well as the students currently under the most academic pressure, and for whom the stakes at this point in time are highest - our VCE students."
The federal government has been increasing pressure on states to return schools to normal face-to-face teaching.
But Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has remained firm that unless advised otherwise, people could assume current restrictions would be in place until the end of term two.
Dr O'Rielly told families the school would continue to follow the state government's advice.
"There is more detail to plan as we prepare for a transition from lockdown," the letter read.
"It is our priority to focus on serving our students, staff and community while remaining committed to keeping everyone safe within the Victorian government guidelines."
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Tara Cosoleto
Journalist covering courts and general news at the Bendigo Advertiser.
Journalist covering courts and general news at the Bendigo Advertiser.
