South-west schools embracing first week of online learning as students embark on new ways

Warrnambool College principal David Clift said although it was early days, he was remarkably pleased students had embraced the change brought in to start term two on Wednesday.

Mr Clift said the school had even noticed a boost in attendance on the first day of remote learning.

"I think that shows the students are hungry to learn and hungry to see each other," he said.

"I can't stress how important it is to stay connected."

Mr Clift said there was excitement among students to interact via a video call.

"The students' eyes lit up when they all saw each other," he said.

"For one student it was his 18^th birthday and the class were able to sing Happy Birthday to him."

Mr Clift said he was pleased students, parents and staff had embraced remote learning, brought in due to the COVID-19 pandemic, despite the challenges and frustrations it presented.

"Importantly they've come at it with positive intent," he said.

"We're working in a way that is different but we can still do our best.

"It really is that old adage that it takes a village to raise a child."

Kings College principal Allister Rouse said staff and students had settled into remote learning really well.

He praised staff's work to be prepared for the new term and said in some instances students were more confident with the way of learning than their parents.

He said the feedback from parents and students had been mostly positive with a few bugs to iron out.

"It's surprising how smooth it has gone," he said.

"I was saying to my staff 'the whole education system has leapt forward 10 years in two weeks'."

Mr Rouse said about 10 students who were mostly primary school age were learning at the school.

Brauer College principal Jane Boyle said the majority of students had so far enjoyed remote learning, particularly having contact with one another.

She said college staff had been very enthusiastic and she was thrilled with how quickly everyone had adapted to the significant change.

"We've had a fantastic start," she said. "There has been lots of enthusiasm."

Emmanuel College principal Peter Morgan said it had been a very positive start for students learning from home with great cooperation between parents, students and staff.

He said he'd been impressed by the ingenuity of students and teachers.

Mr Morgan said as time goes on there would be questions to solve but it was important for everyone to take one step at a time.

He said some students would be energised and motivated by the new way of learning and others might need more support which was typical of any classroom environment.

St Joseph's Primary School Warrnambool principal Michael Gray said parents and students should look at the new learning arrangements in a positive way.

"It's a great opportunity to build a relationship with your children and enjoy time together," he said.

He encouraged families to develop a timetable that balanced a child's learning and parental work responsibilities.

"Routine and structure are good, especially for primary-aged children, to promote stability, calmness and focus," Mr Gray said.

"All kids love to learn and I think their natural curiosity and interest in being the best they can will come to the fore."

Noorat Primary School acting principal Ilona Watkins' message to children and parents was they were all in it together.

"This is new for parents, for teachers, for principals," she said.

"It's a big learning curve for everyone.

"Teachers are still providing the work for students. It's not homeschooling. Parents are there to support their children.

"We're still educating the kids but it's in a different format of learning.

"Our priority is always the well-being of the kids."

Panmure Primary School principal Mark Antonio said logistically it had been easier to move to online learning given the size of the school with 14 children enrolled.

"Being a small school it's much easier contacting all the parents," he said.

"We thought we were pretty prepared over the holidays but once we got into it yesterday it was pretty hectic.

"We'll just keep progressing and see what works and what doesn't. It's really unknown."

Warrnambool Primary School principal Peter Auchettl said although it was very early days, the staff had done a fantastic job and parents had been very understanding.

"It's certainly the early stages of learning in a new learning space," he said.