The state government announced on Friday afternoon that a five-day lockdown would begin at midnight on Friday night.

The return of stage four restrictions is needed, the government said, to try to control an outbreak of the UK strain of COVID-19.

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Catherine McAuley College notified parents and students on Friday afternoon that Monday will be a planning day, before two days of remote learning on Tuesday and Wednesday.

"On Monday students will be notified of the details associated with the Remote Learning days scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday," principal Brian Turner said.

"Please understand that the College is closed with the exception of the Essential Services students and information for those students will also be distributed on Monday."

Bendigo Senior Secondary College told its community that classes will run online.

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Principal Dale Pearce said the school also reminded students and families there were supports available during the lockdown period.

"It was clear this afternoon that while many students were shrugging it off, there were some students who were saying, 'oh no, not again'," Mr Pearce said.

"Some students were clearly worried so it's important that they understand what they need to do to feel supported."

Mr Pearce said his staff responded positively to the announcement and were working to ensure students could learn remotely from Monday.

He said he was hopeful students could be back in classrooms from late next week.

"I'm disappointed for students because I'm sure, like most schools, there are camps and excursions that have to be cancelled," Mr Pearce said.

"We will look to reschedule those. We will also have to make some adjustments to the assessment schedule.

"There's a lot of work behind the scenes for our school staff and families. There hasn't been very much time to respond.

"We're hopeful it's just a temporary measure and we'll be back by next Thursday."

Childcare centres and kindergartens will remain open under stage four lockdown, but school students will need to learn from home, if they can.

Universities and TAFEs will close and students will return to remote learning.

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