BENDIGO school principals have welcomed a return to face-to-face learning before the end of term two, which the Victorian government announced this morning.
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Premier Daniel Andrews announced on Monday that schools would begin in person learning before the end of term two, but did not specify a date.
Mr Andrews flagged the re-opening as he announced easing of restrictions put in place to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Victoria.
Bendigo principals say teachers and students are keen to return to the classroom.
Bendigo Senior Secondary College principal Dale Pearce said teachers, students and families would welcome a return to face-to-face learning.
Mr Pearce said while online learning was progressing well, the longer it went on, the more teachers saw some students needed in person support from teachers.
"It's been challenging having students learn remotely. The sooner that teachers can be with students back in the classroom in the normal fashion, the better," Mr Pearce said.
"It's just a reflection of the fact that teaching and learning are really human endeavors. It works best when people are face-to-face doing that work."
Mr Pearce said all students - health permitting - needed to return to school, because teachers could not teach both online and in person.
"It's important that families support that change when it does come, by allowing their students to return to school," he said.
Mr Andrews said on Monday Victoria was close to having a plan to resume classroom learning before the end of term two.
Thousands of Victorian students have learnt from home for about a month, after schools closed for all but the children of essential workers.
Mr Andrews said the government now believed a gradual, staged return to face-to-face learning was safe.
He did not specify when this would begin.
Crusoe College principal Brad Maddens said most students were looking forward to seeing their friends again.
He said teachers would also be keen to return to normal arrangements, because it was easier to help students in person.
Mr Maddens said the school had been mindful when planning for online learning that some of the middle of term content might be delivered in person.
He said his only concern was how the school might meet new guidelines around gathering size.
Kennington Primary School principal Travis Eddy said staff and students were keen to get back into the classroom.
He said students were missing their classmates, despite the school's virtual connection.
Mr Eddy said the school would be governed by what the Department of Education, the Premier and the Education Minister said.
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Elspeth Kernebone
Accident brought me to journalism, but every day convinces me again that strong media is more important than ever. After a starting off as the sole reporter in a tiny NSW town, I’m loving the teeming metropolis that is Bendigo. Focussed on health, business and education. Got a tip? Email elspeth.kernebone@bendigoadvertiser.com.au.
Accident brought me to journalism, but every day convinces me again that strong media is more important than ever. After a starting off as the sole reporter in a tiny NSW town, I’m loving the teeming metropolis that is Bendigo. Focussed on health, business and education. Got a tip? Email elspeth.kernebone@bendigoadvertiser.com.au.
