Highlights
- VCE students to return back to face-to-face learning this week
- Year 12 students are keen to get back to school
- Schools to implement further measures to curb the spread of COVID-19
Last week, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced that VCE students who live in stage 3 restriction areas could return to school while students from prep to year 10 would go back to remote learning.
“Recognising the need to minimise disruption to Year 11 and 12, these students in metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire will return to face-to-face learning from Monday 13 July, as will Year 10 students attending schools for VCE or VCAL classes,” said Mr Andrews.
Zahra is a VCE student who goes to school in Keilor Downs. She told SBS Urdu that since the pandemic began her school had closed twice due to positive cases.
“My school has closed twice due to COVID cases so I have gotten a little used to the new normal. The first time the school closed for 3 to 4 days whereas last time it was for a week and we all had to get tested,” said Zahra. 
Zahra believes that her VCE scores will be impacted due to ‘lack of motivation’ and no ‘social and school life balance’.
School closed down due to a student testing positive to coronavirus. Source: AAP Image/Michael Dodge
“We are going back to school from Monday 13th July and we will have to get temperature checked. There will always be a fear [of more cases] as my school and suburb is in a hotspot area.” she further added.
Ahmed who is currently in Year 12 told SBS Urdu that going back in lockdown ‘has been very hard’ and his studies are getting affected.
“It’s very hard and confusing going back in lockdown. I am unable to get help from my teachers and sometimes they do not reply to emails," said Ahmed.
I am looking forward to going back to school on Monday. I want to learn as it is hard for me to focus on my studies at home.
Alvina, a Year 11 student believes that her studies have been ‘highly impacted’ due to COVID-19.
“I am a person who likes to learn better when they are around people. My environment affects me a lot.” Alvina told SBS Urdu.
“You build up anxiety when you’re at home and not carrying on with your daily life, that's exactly what has happened to me.” Alvina further added.
Another VCE student Nysha told SBS Urdu that her school has still not offered remote learning as an option and she has no choice but to return to face-to-face learning.
“My school is in the city and quite small. So I am a little worried if social distancing can be followed adequately,” said Nysha.
Listen to the full interview by clicking the player inside the picture at the top of the page.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits.
If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay home and arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
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