Regional independent principals weigh in on back-to-class debate
Principals at regional schools call for political unity and flexibility to help Victoria’s students return to class.
PRINCIPALS at regional independent schools are calling for political unity and flexibility in return-to-classroom plans as the debate about the safety of face-to-face teaching flared up this week.
Principal of The Geelong College, Dr Peter Miller, said the school was committed to continuing remote learning until at least May 11, when the State Government would review stage three restrictions.
“The Geelong College has looked to the State Government for direction in this matter because we operate largely under their jurisdiction,” Dr Miller said. “Information from the Federal Government has largely been useful and informative with implications for our practice from time to time. However, when the State of Emergency status changes in Victoria (whenever that might be), I would like to be able to return to normal school in a manner that best suits The Geelong College.”
Earlier this week, Federal Education Minister Dan Tehan called for Victoria to follow the lead of other states and return students to class as soon as possible.
Dr Miller said The Geelong College wanted the freedom to follow a plan that considered boarding and international students, multiple campuses, staff demographics and community needs.
”I am committed to the obligations we have at a state level. I am very happy to work with the State Government in the development of an approach enabling independent schools to work within the law to provide safe and effective education to our students.
“Safety for all members of our community is at the forefront of my mind.”
Ballarat Grammar principal Adam Heath was one of the first in Victoria to move to a remote-learning model in March.
He said he believed students learned best in a classroom setting and he wanted school to resume as soon as possible, however he was equally committed to the safety of students and staff.
He said the political dispute about schools was counter-productive.
“We believe that the best interests of our students will be served at this time by state and federal governments having a unified and consistent approach to resuming classroom teaching,” Mr Heath said.
Gippsland Grammar’s new principal, Leisa Harper, said the school would be guided by the Victorian Government and its directions.
“We would anticipate the decision would be informed by the respective health authorities,” said Ms Harper, who started as head of the local independent school at the start of April, taking over from previous principal David Baker, who accepted a position at Woodleigh School on the Mornington Peninsula.
The Hamilton and Alexandra College principal Andrew Hirst said the school had drafted a plan for return to classroom learning.
“We acknowledge the hard work of both federal and state government in keeping our communities safe. All politicians, principals and parents are united in the belief that the best place for our children to learn is at school and the sooner we can return the better,” he said. “Hence, we have commenced planning for a return to the classroom but not until we have Victoria’s chief health officer’s endorsement to do so.”
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