Preppies finally make it through challenging first year in school

Queensland preppies are relieved to be finished school after a rocky start to schooling after the COVID-19 pandemic slammed the classroom doors shut.

Queensland preppies are relieved to be finished school after a rocky start to schooling after the COVID-19 pandemic slammed the classroom doors shut.

Ferny Grove State school Prep students Seb, Poppy, Tanner, Matilda and Shana are thrilled to start holidays after a tumulutous start to school with the global coronavirus crisis forcing schools to close for remote learning for up to four weeks.

Ferny Grove State School prep students Seb Cairns, 6, Poppy Hoggett, 5, Tanner Chalker, 6, Matilda Hoggett, 5, and Shana Mohammad, 6 are thrilled to be finished school. Pics Tara Croser.

The Preppies said they were excited to be back at school by the end of home schooling period, and looked forward to holidays.

Poppy said the home learning made her feel “a bit shy” but when she went back to school she was “happy”, and looks forward to “learning about writing” in Year 1 next year.

Ferny Grove State School principal Brett Shackelton said the kids have been amazing during their first year of school which was a credit to the teachers.

“The kids have been amazing, mainly because the teachers have been incredible, teachers have worked on maintaining continuity and routines,” he said.

“Teachers constantly contacted children and maintained connection, so when they came back it was almost as if they’d never been away.

He said schools hoped for continuity and predictability during the 2021 school year.