Home learning is a real possibility for term two schooling and the students at St Mary’s are prepared.

Their teachers have sent home learning packs and also Chromebooks for those who needed them for their foray into learning from home.

“More than ever before we’re in a partnership with parents,” St Mary’s principal, Michelle Garbutt, said.

“Our students will get quality learning, our teachers have worked incredibly hard on setting that up.

“The children have been given five weeks worth of work with the ability for that to be ongoing.

“We also have kept parents in mind as we don’t want things to be too onerous on them.”

Thanks to the hard work of information and communication technology coordinator and STEM teacher, Kate McKenna, even the teachers are enjoying their rapid learning of new technologies.

Mrs Garbutt said there would be a daily timetable for the students with instructional videos posted by teachers across all subjects, as well as follow up tasks.

“Teachers will be able to give direct feedback to students without distractions,” she said.

And never fear, there will still be the specialist subjects like physical education, art and music.

“We’re trying to keep things as normal as possible,” Ms McKenna said.

There will even be class news time over Zoom where kids can share their experiences of being at home.

“We think it’s important for kids to see our faces, they need to know we’re still here and we’re still caring about them,” Mrs Garbutt said.

IMAGE: St Mary’s Primary School principal, Michelle Garbutt, and information and communication technology coordinator and STEM teacher, Kate McKenna, were dispensing Chrome books on Friday morning as part of the remote schooling packs for students in readiness for home learning. (PS)