STUDENTS, families and teachers facing their first day of remote learning said the adjustment is easier a second time around.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
All regional Victorian students returned to home learning on Wednesday in a repeat of a similar coronavirus order in April that saw many students learn from home for eight weeks.
This time students will learn remotely for six weeks until their September holidays.
Brauer College teacher Philippa Hannagan said teaching years 10 to 12 classes while supervising her own children, Emmanuel College years seven and eight students Emma and Hilary, was no less a juggling act this time.
But with husband Chris also working from home, Ms Hannagan said the family was far more prepared than during the last lockdown.
The family now works from three different rooms at their Laang home and Ms Hannagan said it was important each family member had their own space.
"That was tricky at first, I was using a camp chair. I think we are all a bit more relaxed this time around than the first time," she said.
"I don't know if there's a trick to getting it right.
"But just trying to do the right thing and follow what the teacher asks. We do find we are always around together, we all exercise together, have morning recess together, have lunch together."
Siblings Sophie and Will Woolstencroft, Emmanuel College VCE students, said they had also learned from the first lockdown.
"I think this time around it will be easier," year 12 student Sophie said.
"The big thing we learnt was about keeping routine and keeping healthy habits to keep ourselves motivated."
Year 11 student Will, who's doing a biology VCE subject, said the biggest challenge was staying focused without teacher supervision at home.
"It's a lot different from having a teacher there keeping you on track," he said.
"If it is getting to a point where we are starting to lose track I give myself five minutes and start afresh."
The high school students are also working from their Warrnambool home alongside their older sister who works for a Melbourne-based company.
"I think we are doing pretty well. It's different because my older sister is not normally here. It's been good to have her down as well," Will said.
"During the last lockdown everyone was looking forward to going back to school. At the beginning it's good until you start to miss having that social interaction."
Sophie, who wants to study a bachelor of psychology, said she worried about her peers' mental health.
"It's a lot more stressful than any normal year 12 year would be," she said. "The thing that really pushes people through is staying connected to people. A lot of year 12s will have groups and do video calls which help. "
Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.