How Queensland preppies conquered COVID-19 chaos
Queensland preppies begin school holidays today, bursting with excitement as if the COVID-19 pandemic is a thing of the past and homeschooling a distant memory. So how did they go being back for seven weeks? IN THEIR OWN WORDS – SEE QUOTES
Early Education
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QUEENSLAND preppies have still loved their first two terms of class despite having a tumultuous start, as the coronavirus pandemic shut classrooms and online learning became the new norm.
The youngsters begin school holidays today bursting with excitement as if the COVID-19 pandemic is a thing of the past, and homeschooling a distant memory after being back in classrooms for seven weeks.
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And the five-year-olds’ resilience amid the global health crisis, disrupting their crucial first stage in school, has amazed school teachers and parents.
St Bernard’s Catholic Primary School Principal Trish McMahon said the teachers had been determined to support all students through the rapid changes this year, focusing on teaching preps to keep working and enjoy learning.
“So they’re lifelong learners and adaptable, and so that they’re good digital citizens, citizens of the world,” Ms McMahon said.
“It’s not to hide things from them but reassure them because many of their parents are concerned.”
Prep teacher Tanya Carlos said it was amazing to see the enthusiasm and excitement from her preppies when she finally told them in a video class they could all come back to school.
“Children are incredibly resilient and strong, and they have continued to work through all of the upheaval and challenges with big smiles and happy hearts,” she said.
“This has been the greatest reward of all, seeing the way they have not only maintained such a positive outlook on learning, but have continued to progress with their learning in leaps and bounds. It has been incredibly special to watch them encourage and assist their classmates when they can see them needing help.”
Of her class, Ms Carlos said Yeahan has an infectious curiosity, always asking questions that lead to class discussions, while Leni shows an amazing interest in general knowledge, often sharing background on the issues they are learning with her peers. “Ronald is incredibly caring about his classmates, he often looks for friends who are in need of help and supports them to complete their activities,” Ms Carlos said.
“Kate is a gentle, caring soul, she quietly moves around our room, working hard to complete her tasks and working well with her friends. Harper is vibrant and hilarious, she spreads joy wherever she goes, and the other children love being in her company.”
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
HARPER DIVINE, 5
What are you most looking forward to about the school holidays? Going to my aunty’s house.
What is coronavirus? It’s a virus and makes you sick.
What did mummy and daddy do during lockdown? It was hard. They ate lots.
If you won a million dollars what would you buy? A Lamborghini. That would be good or maybe a Ferrari.
Where do babies come from? Bellies.
What does mum always say? Go to your room.
If you could be a superhero what superpower would you have? Firebombs. Cause I like fire.
If you could eat one thing for the rest of your life what would it be? A lemon. I’ll give it a try.
What are you scared of? My brother, I don’t know, he sneaks up on me.
What is the most important thing to you? Money.
What does love mean? I don’t love anyone, but when boys and girls are in love, they have feelings.
Ronald Ewing, 5
What are you most looking forward to about the school holidays? Get a dog. A husky called Joey.
What is coronavirus? Germs.
What did mummy and daddy do during lockdown? They came in and helped us with school.
If you won a million dollars what would you buy? Dogs. A hundred dogs. All named Joey.
Where do babies come from? Bellies.
What does mum always say? That she loves me.
If you could be a superhero what superpower would you have? Be strong so I can fight the bad guys.
If you could eat one thing for the rest of your life what would it be? Chocolate.
What are you scared of? Nothing.
What is the most important thing to you? My family.
What does love mean? You give them lots of hugs.
Leni Kelleher, 5
What are you most looking forward to about the school holidays? To go to Thailand.
What is coronavirus? It’s a bad thing and when it’s here you shouldn’t touch anything.
What did mummy and daddy do during lockdown? We had some popcorn and watched movies.
If you won a million dollars what would you buy? A real-life unicorn.
Where do babies come from? From tummies and vaginas.
What does mum always say? You are very naughty. I am sometimes. I sneak out of bed and eat a little bit of sugar stuff.
If you could be a superhero what superpower would you have? The Raven one. She can see the future and save her friends from people that are hurting her friends.
If you could eat one thing for the rest of your life what would it be? A grape. One grape.
What are you scared of? Monsters, but they’re not real.
What is the most important thing to you? Love.
What does love mean? It means you care about people.
Yeahan Kim, 5
What are you most looking forward to about the school holidays? Having fun, going out with family and playing.
What is coronavirus? It’s a virus sickness.
What did mummy and daddy do during lockdown? We all just had to stay home lots. I don’t really remember.
If you won a million dollars what would you buy? Toys. A million toys.
Where do babies come from? I don’t know.
What does mum always say? She always asks for cuddles.
If you could be a superhero what superpower would you have? Be invisible so no one can see
me.
If you could eat one thing for the rest of your life what would it be? Jelly.
What are you scared of? Nothing.
What is the most important thing to you? My family.
What does love mean? Kisses.
Kate Cunningham, 5
What are you most looking forward to about the school holidays? Going with my family to the movies, I want to see Elsa and Anna (Frozen 2).
What is coronavirus? It’s a cold. A bad one.
What did mummy and daddy do during lockdown? They stayed home, working. They helped me.
If you won a million dollars what would you buy? A car.
Where do babies come from? Tummies.
What does mum always say? She always says to ignore my brother if he is teasing me.
If you could be a superhero what superpower would you have? To freeze time cause I want to see history.
If you could eat one thing for the rest of your life what would it be? Apples. I love
them.
What are you scared of? When mummy and daddy leave my bedroom at night. The dark.
What is the most important thing to you? My brother not stealing my toys.
What does love mean? It means you love everybody. You hug them.