Two independent Hobart schools make online transition

UPDATED: Two independent schools in Hobart have announced they will transition to online learning only.

TWO independent schools in Hobart have announced they will transition to online learning only.

An email sent to all parents and carers from St Michael’s Collegiate principal Adam Forsyth said students could attend the three campuses tomorrow, but classes would not be conducted.

The school will fully transition to online learning from Thursday.

“The good health and well-being of our students, staff and broader community is our top priority alongside the education of your daughter,” Dr Forsyth wrote.

“Students who need to attend school can do so where they will undertake online learning in a supervised classroom environment, though not under direct instruction from their regular teacher.

“Parents and guardians who choose to keep their children home due to COVID-19 will follow the same model, with work set by teachers online.”

The Friends’ School principal Nelson File also told parents this evening the school would make a similar transition.

That school will begin full distance learning from Monday.

Students can attend school tomorrow, but on Thursday and Friday students will not attend school, as educators complete final preparations and transition to distance learning.

Mr File said distance learning would continue until at least the end of term one on April 9.

“The Friends’ School recognises the disruption that this distance learning process and decision may cause for some families,” Mr File wrote.

“I, along with my colleagues, hope that we can collectively work together to support one another during this unprecedented situation.”