Independent schools tackle coronavirus-era learning

Students are returning to Tasmania’s independent schools, but online learning is being encouraged.

St Mary's College grade 1 student, Cooper Nicholson, 7, of Midway Point enjoyed his first day back at school. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

STUDENTS at Tasmanian independent schools have returned for a very different-looking term two.

Tasmanian Catholic schools opened on Monday for online learning, with campuses open to students whose parents work or are unable to support learning from home.

St Mary’s College grade one student Cooper Nicholson, 7, was excited to go back to school.

“As soon as he saw one of his friends he was really excited and ran down the street,” said Cooper’s mum Amy Nicholson.

Mrs Nicholson, a dental nurse, said she was grateful for the support St Mary’s was providing to families for both home and school based learning.

“They have been in contact every couple of days keeping us updated,” she said.

St Michael’s Collegiate has also moved to online learning for term two starting Tuesday, but is welcoming students who can’t learn at home.

MORE NEWS: EQUIPPING KIDS FOR HOME LEARNING

Head Prefect Clementine Harris said she would do the majority of her learning from home, she was planning to visit school occasionally to make contact with teachers.

“Up until today I was planning on learning from home but after hearing a couple of my friends say they are struggling learning from home I’ve reconsidered … I will probably go in once or twice a week,” she said.

“It’s definitely not how I expected year 12 to turn out.”

[e-mail]