AFTER almost three months of homeschooling the kids at Wirreanda Public School in Medowie are back in class and happier than ever.

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As the challenging COVID-19 lockdown measures came into effect teachers, pupils and families across Australia were forced into the unfamiliar role of education by correspondence.

While many kids no doubt enjoyed the chance to get some extra time away from school, the social and educational needs of one of Australia’s next generations was coming under strain.

With school now back in full swing Wirreanda PS Principal Philippa Young is thankful that her local community got right behind the online educational programs made available even though it was a steep learning curve for many.

“On behalf of the teaching staff, thank you to our parents for their commitment to the learning of their children which has been a difficult task to juggle along with all the other complexities of work, childcare and household tasks,” said Ms Young.
“Our community had a fantastic connection through the online portals supporting learning from home.

“It has been a very challenging time for everyone in the school community, but I’d like to give special thanks to our students who maintained their learning showing great resilience and responsibility.”

Ms Kylie Checkley, Wirreanda’s Community Engagement Officer added that while the new education environment has been a hectic one, students are happy to be back with their classmates.

“I have spoken to a few of them (students) and the general consensus is that they are happy to be back at school to see their teachers and friends,” said Ms Checkley.

With less than a month left until the Winter break, students won’t see a full academic period out until term three.

By Mitch LEES