Nathan Long is experimenting with taking photos using a digital microscope.

St Patrick’s Primary School principal Michael Bourne is ‘amazed’ by the positive mindsets of students, teachers and families returning back to school routines.

As the Kilmore school welcomed back students in prep, grade one and grade two last week, teachers were still busily ensuring all students in grades three to six had access to remote learning.

The primary school staff had gone out of their way to make sure all students received the best learning opportunities since the beginning of the COVID-19 lockdown.

Mr Bourne ensured all students had the appropriate technology to engage in remote learning when the school purchased 100 new laptops for senior primary students.

Digital technologies leader Shelly Michalke said the school would continue to use the technology when they returned to normal school practise.

“When things begin to return to some kind of normal, St Patrick’s will continue to ensure the integration of digital technologies throughout the curriculum continues to be at the forefront,” she said.

“Teachers and students have experienced the power of technology and we can only grow from this experience.”

Junior school student Tatiana Yousif is completing her remote learning at school by doing a reading activity and completing questions online.

Grade six teacher Sam Gauci was excited to return to the classroom.

“Nothing compares to being in a classroom and I was very excited about returning to school,” he said.

“The experience of remote learning has certainly had many positive effects on our learning community and the skills we have all attained will be utilised and built upon for future practice.”

Mr Bourne said staff and students rose to the challenges presented by COVID-19.

“All of our students and staff are thrilled that on-site learning has commenced for the junior school and are excited about the return of all students on June 9,” he said.

“I have been amazed by the positive mind set of all of our students, staff and families in managing remote learning.

“Despite the challenges of doing something that had never been attempted before, our students have risen to the challenge and can be proud of their learning and growth.”

Senior primary student Brendan said remote learning worked well for him.

“I personally think that the best thing about remote learning is that you can work at your own pace and don’t need to go too fast, but still not too slow and get your work done, with no stress that you’re going to run out of time,” he said.