South-west principals welcome staggered return to classrooms

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced prep, year one and two, along with year 11 and 12 students will return to classrooms on Tuesday, May 26.

Mr Andrews said there would be staggered drop-off and pick-ups and staggered play times.

King's College Warrnambool principal Allister Rouse said he was pleased students would soon be returning to school.

"It's crucial we get students back to face-to-face learning - particularly the younger students," Mr Rouse said.

He said there had also been challenges for VCE students. "That's not to say that online learning hasn't been successful for us - it certainly does work for the majority of our students but nothing beats face-to-face learning," Mr Rouse said.

Mr Rouse said he believed the school would follow a similar timeline to what was recommended by the state government.

"We will focus on bringing the younger and older students back first," he said.

Mr Rouse said teachers had been working to develop a plan to return to school in recent weeks.

He said strict social distancing measures and additional cleaning was a key part of that plan.

Woodford Primary School principal Daniel Watson also welcomed the announcement.

He said between 10 and 20 students had been attending school during the lockdown.

"I think it will be fantastic," Mr Watson said.

"We're looking forward to getting everyone back on site."

Mr Watson praised parents for their efforts, but said it was important students return to school.

"I think it's important to get all students back - regardless of what grade they're in," he said.

Mr Andrews announced there would be extra funds available for cleaning schools.

"It will be challenging, but we've done a power of work on this," he said.

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