The schools may have closed down during lockdown but students at St Mary's Primary School have not stopped learning as the classrooms have moved online.
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Principal of St Mary's, Annette Reginato said that both students and teachers had adapted well to the change of learning environment.
"Home learning during lockdown has provided many challenges but also has opened up so many opportunities for learning," Mrs Reginato said.
"We are so grateful to have the technology to connect to each other through Zoom, it highlights what an important part schools play in developing the whole child."
Max Mittiga in Year 1 and Olivia Raccanello in Year 3 both said that they enjoyed using Zoom because they could still see their friends through the computer screen.
"Seeing my friends makes learning fun even from home," Miss Raccanello said.
School Captain Olivia Cappello said the change had shifted her mindset and approach to her studies.
"I have more of a growth mindset at school whereas home is fixed mindset," Miss Cappello said.
Her friend Lucas Rossi shared this sentiment, telling The Area News that by working at his own pace, he was able to develop a deeper understanding of his subjects.
"Home learning has helped me adapt to learning in a new environment and learn differently as fast or as slow as I want," Mr Rossi said.
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And whilst the classrooms are closed, teachers are still making learning fun, aiding students to conduct science experiments, using their creativity for art projects and even dress up as their favourite characters in celebration of Book Week.
"Whilst I haven't been able to dress up for our Book Week Parade this Year I am excited to dress up as gangster granny for a special Zoom," School Captain Rylan Scarfo said.
In these unprecedented times it seems like the students of St Mary's, much like the rest of their cohort across the state are itching to get back into the classrooms.
"I miss my friends and I am excited to show my teachers what I have learnt from home during lockdown," Frankie Flagg from Kindergarten said.
"Now I am very clever at using Zoom and have learnt lots from my teachers but I am excited to play on the playground with my friends again," Evie Cappello from Year 2 said.
According to Mrs Reginato, teachers have been very impressed at how their students have grown in the skills and independence.
"We can't wait to get back to school and all be together," Mrs Reginato said.
Students have not been in their classrooms for almost two weeks now, with a decision on whether or not the snap lockdown will be extended due imminently from NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian.
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