When Victoria's schools were closed and kids were transitioning to learning from home during the height of the lockdowns, I called every school principal in the electorate to make sure they had what they needed - and was so impressed with how it was being handled.

It was locals who were in charge - it wasn't a centralised, one size fits all response from an office tower in Melbourne - local schools were doing their best to make plans that suited their families, local knowledge was used to help the response.

It was a really tough time for every family and particularly for those with unique challenges. Schools did what they could, where they could, to help families be supported and have the materials they needed.

I'm sure for many parents it was an eye-opening experience as to the work our teachers and educators do each and every day.

Our principals and teachers deserve our thanks for the work they have done this year and for the work they do each and every day to make sure our kids get the education they deserve.

Roma Britnell MP, Member for South West Coast

I refer to your article on the burglaries at Warrnambool Community Garden (The Standard, December 19). The Warrnambool City Council spokesperson said that we do not need a permit to temporarily locate a more secure shipping container on site, which is true (note the "temporary").

However we do need land manager consent (ie; WCC) and officers of council have refused to provide this until another unrelated matter is resolved. This is despite multiple pleas from us dating from well before our first losses occurred, and even after the first break-in and before the second. As I write this almost a week after the second break-in we have still not received this consent.

On a much more positive note, can I say a sincere thank you to our wonderful community for all the support we have received around these unfortunate events, including offers of assistance with equipment from individuals and small businesses.

While it will take us quite some time to recover materially from these events, the heart-warming community support certainly helps to mend the soul.Members of the public are welcome to visit our Garden, especially during our Garden Market each Wednesday (except December 30 when our volunteers are having a well deserved day off).

Times for other days are on the gates. Apart from enjoying our garden, you can also add a visit to the Warrnambool-Miura Japanese Friendship Garden which is next door.

Rob Porter, Convenor, Warrnambool Community Garden

For weeks now we have been bombarded with the usual glitter, tree decorations, and television advertising, etc. on our television screens. The frenzied buying of gifts, discussion by economists of the billions of dollars being injected into the economy and enough food being bought, which would feed and army, is laid out on our tables.

But how many of our local shops and businesses have displayed a nativity scene - the crib with the child, Jesus, lying asleep with his parents, Mary and Joseph - the very reason we are celebrating Christmas in the first place? This year, in particular, we surely have reason to give thanks to this Child and celebrate His birth.

Sheena Clancey, Warrnambool

I would like to thank the local McDonalds store, St John's and local hospital for looking after me after I wasn't in the best shape after cycling from Melbourne on Monday, December 14. It was the 28th time I have done it, all the previous times racing the bike race. Thank you again.

Tom McDonough, Ivanhoe

If Credlin, Campbell, Jeff and all the Chairman Dan critics calling for his blood are looking for who the buck in Australia ends with for the 800 deaths, they don't have a handle on the facts.

Fact - There's been 908 poor souls and all their grieving family and friends who died from the virus.

Fact - 98 per cent of the world believe the virus originated in Wuhan China in Oct 2019. Hence the name Covid 19.

Fact - Chairman Dan was the most strident Premier to treat the pandemic seriously in early days.

Fact - World Health Organization (WHO) notified all country leaders of the danger of the spread potential in early Jan 2020.

Fact - Australia had its first case in mid January at Deakin University Hospital.

Fact - Prime Minister Morrison was still raving on that there was nothing to see here in mid March. Announced on national TV he was off to the rugby to watch his side in amongst a huge crowd of supporters.

Fact - Not long later that week it became obvious the virus had gone out of control in Australia.

Fact - Chairman Dan did make some bad mistakes or his advisers did on the hotel quarantine. But all states at the time of the breach were using private security, including NSW. Plus it was not Dan committing the breaches.

Fact - We all know and recall how hard he worked every day to rectify the unknown problem. And succeeded. For now anyway.

Fact - Over 600 of Victorian deaths were in aged care facilities. These are regulated and the responsibility of federal government.

Fact - if anyone is unsure about who the buck in Australia ends up with they just look no further than our PM.

Fact - Worldwide we don't hear on the news for example in UK it's anyone else's responsible other than Johnson. Same in US with Trump. Give Dan a rest.

Jack Patterson, Warrnambool