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Victoria’s fifth period of remote learning was far from the longest, but for many families it was the toughest.
Michaela Fox is elated the state’s more than 1 million students – including three of her children – will return to school on Wednesday.
“The mood in our house today is certainly very high, I feel like the energy has shifted,” said Ms Fox, who is founder of online community Girls Thriving.
Michaela Fox and her husband Mark Hickson with their four daughters (from left) Jasmine, Holly, Amber and India.Credit:Eddie Jim
“I definitely think that this lockdown has been the hardest in terms of motivation and keeping the girls engaged, with school and emotionally as well.”
Ms Fox said parents were worried about lost learning and were finding it harder to keep their children’s spirits up.
“It’s really hard when kids thrive on structure and routine and their lives are upended like this,” she said. “It disrupts them and we can’t give them any concrete answers about when it’s going to end.”
The Andrews government confirmed the resumption of face-to-face learning on Tuesday morning, giving schools less than 24 hours’ notice to make the switch.
Fiona Longmuir, a researcher in educational leadership at Monash University, said many school leaders would prioritise creating a calm and welcoming environment for children, because that would put them in the best frame of mind for learning.
“The most important thing is helping kids feel that sense of belonging in the classroom,” Dr Longmuir said.
“Being in a classroom and feeling like that’s a place where you belong can be quite difficult for kids to establish.
“Kids won’t learn until they feel comfortable and happy back in the classroom. ”
Masks are compulsory for all staff and for students aged 12 and over, both indoors and outside, while staff must keep to density quotients of one person per four square metres.
Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton suggested schools should also consider opening classroom windows.
“The days are pretty cold, but ventilation is important. Mask wearing for teachers is critically important. The way that teachers come together in a tea room or outside of the classroom, is also really important,” he said.
Professor Sutton reminded students, parents and school staff not to attend school with COVID-19 symptoms.
“Everyone needs to reflect on making sure that no one turns up symptomatic to school, kids or teachers,” he said. “That’s a collective obligation.”
Year 4 student Ava Jenkins said she did not mind the work during remote learning, but did not like having no one to play with besides her dog and two guinea pigs.
The 10-year-old said making a torch for the Tokyo Olympics was one fun activity during remote learning.
Primary school teacher Marina Redmile said while the youngest students often struggled with technology and older primary school students might worry about starting secondary school, her year 3s had been positive this lockdown.
“They’ve been a breeze,” said Mrs Redmile, the year 3 leading teacher at Donburn Primary School in Melbourne’s east.
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