Year 12 students at some schools in Orange will return to face-to-face learning on Monday while those at some others will have to continue working from home for an extra week.
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Each of the schools said most HSC students were progressing well with online learning, devices have been loaned when needed, and arrangements have been made for students who did not have reliable internet access.
Although each of the schools use different class programs and have different plans for the return to face-to-face learning they all said they had online classes, zoom meetings and staff have been making regular contact with students and parents to ensure they understand the work and are coping emotionally and socially.
Orange High School principal Chad Bliss said the 130 year 12 students would return to normal classes for four days a week from Monday, and those undertaking extension courses or major projects will be able to attend for a fifth day.
"We will effectively be running normal lessons for year 12 as of Monday," Mr Bliss said.
"They are all very excited to get back in the classroom.
"I'm expecting we will have most, if not all our year 12s as of Monday."
Canobolas Rural Technology High School principal Scott Paterson said year 12 students would also start on Monday.
Some of the year 12 students did HSC last year which is a benefit in a situation like this.
- Orange Christian School, Len Elliott
"They are coming back on a Monday and a Thursday, that's for face-to-face contact," Mr Paterson said.
"We've provided opportunities for year 12s to come in and work on major works, we had staff specifically come in and provide that opportunity."
Orange Christian School senior section coordinator Len Elliott said year 11 and 12 students would also return to school next week.
"We have year 11 students doing HSC subjects this year, we have students who do compressed courses," Mr Elliott said.
"Some of the year 12 students did [some] HSC last year which is a benefit in a situation like this."
Mr Elliot said the school was fortunate that it already had its online learning platforms up and running before coronavirus caused students to start working remotely.
Orange Anglican Grammar School headmaster Reverend Louis Stringer said year 12 students would be required to return on Monday, May 11.
"Our school moved to a remote learning model from [March 24]," Reverend Stringer said.
"For our Year 12 students, who engage in the use of online platforms such as Canvas, on a regular basis, continuity of learning has been achieved throughout the COVID-19 pandemic with open communication and consistent support of our students.
"The year 12 spirits have stayed high with regular Zoom meetings and constant communication between our year 12 students and their teachers.
"When we consider ongoing isolation during the particularly stressful time of HSC, we will move to prioritise our year 12 return, as students most in need, when it is safe to do so."
Kinross Wolaroi School will continue with full remote learning next week and year 11 and 12 students will be the first to resume face-to-face teaching on May 11. Year 11 and 12 boarders will return at the same time.
From May 11, there will be a staggered return to school at James Sheahan Catholic High School, with year 12s returning on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
At most schools, students from years 7 to 10 will have a staggered start from May 11 with each school determining how it resumes face-to-face classroom contact.
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