Just weeks after starting their new school routines, Kindergarten teacher Venita Bechetti was one of the staff members caught up in the Victorian Government’s latest COVID-19 shutdown.
Based in Cobram, Ms Bechetti had to be replaced by a substitute teacher during the five day ‘‘circuit breaker’’.
She was finally able to return to the school last Thursday, which just happened to be the school’s swimming carnival.
Despite the distractions, Ms Bechetti said the focus has been on efficient and continual education.
And she said COVID-19 has inspired a slight change to teaching methods this year.
‘‘We have been definitely more focused on hygiene, and routines associated with it,’’ she said.
‘‘We have taught the students the birthday song, and they wash their hands in time with the song.
‘‘It’s been a good year so far, learning the basics.
‘‘It’s about putting the kids into a routine, and teaching them expectations, and all the rules of daily ‘big school’.’’
The buddy program has continued in 2021, and Ms Bechetti said matching the Kindies up with a Year 5/6 buddy has been ‘‘invaluable’’.
‘‘It helps the kids form relationships; it’s a comfort blanket, and a source of guidance,’’ she said.
‘‘It gives them somewhere they can go if they have any sort of trouble in the playground.’’
Thursday’s swimming carnival, and the mini event the junior students enjoyed on the day, was another great opportunity to teach the new students on adapting to ‘big school’, Ms Bechetti said.
The Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 students participated in separate swimming events to the rest of the school, including noodle races and kickboard challenges.
‘‘It (being out of the classroom) is disruptive at first, but it teaches the students new rules.
‘‘The most important of those rules is how to be safe around water.’’
Eleven Kindergarten students joined Berrigan Public School earlier this month, bringing the number of students to 71.
Kindy Ned Gorman said his start to school had been going ‘‘good’’.
‘‘I like the playground best, most of all the monkey bars,’’ he said.
‘‘And I liked being in the (swimming carnival) race.’’
For fellow Kindy Lizzie Gorman, play time is also a highlight.
But being involved in the Healthy Harold Education Van visit has also been a standout.
‘‘I met Healthy Harold and he rang the doorbell!’’ she exclaimed.
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