Back at school: St Mathew's Primary Windsor pupils are glad to be back in class, after spending part of their first year of school learning from home.
It has been 100 days of schooling like no other for this year's Kindergarten class of 2020.
As parents dropped their little ones off at 'big school' for the first time earlier this year after much excitement and anticipation, with their shiny shoes, over-sized uniforms and the promise of learning and new friendships, no one could have predicted what was to come in those first 100 days of school.
At St Matthew's Primary Windsor, Kindergarten teacher Alicia Madden said it had certainly been an unusual start to the year for new students settling into school life.
"The first year of schooling for 2020 Kinder students, has been like no other year. They just started to get comfortable, learn about how to be at school and make friends when COVID happened," Ms Madden said. "It was challenging teaching Kindergarten through online learning and not being able to see them face-to-face and give them instant feedback. Many students in the class still didn't even really know each other."
Kindergarten pupils still don't know all the other kids in their class, such have been the interruptions due to COVID.
According to the students though, chances to share new learning with family members was a popular perk of the COVID lockdown.
"I liked practicing my sight words with my Mum," said Kindy student Alexa.
"Reading at home with my Mummy was the best part," added Blake.
Since returning to school, Ms Madden said the experience is still not yet back to normal for students who have had to miss out on a number of important events traditionally held throughout the year including Grandparents Day, assemblies, excursions and even extra time with their friends as their parents used to chat during drop-off and pick-up.
"I do believe when this is over, Kindergarten will be able to really see what an uninterrupted year of schooling is like," Ms Madden said.
She paid particular tribute to the way teachers and parents had worked together in those first 100 days to support the children.
"I was conscious that they still didn't even know all the children in the class in the early stage, but the parents did such an amazing job and were very supportive and committed through such a challenging time," she said.
And what did the Kindy students think of their first 100 days? Most agree it had actually been great!
"I was a little bit nervous to begin with but now I have made friends so I feel better," said Kindergarten student, Tora.
"I like having fun with my teachers," Oliver said.
Most of all, they said being at school, learning and seeing their friends was the best part about Kindergarten.
"I can definitely say that these students have done an amazing job at settling into school and being the best learners they could possibly be," Ms Madden said. "I am very proud!"
St Mathews Primary Windsor
www.stmatthewswindsor.catholic.edu.au
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