We were all hoping it wasn't going to happen, but Victorian parents are right back in the thick of lockdown and learning from home. Parents elsewhere in Australia, especially in NSW are nervously hoping they can avoid the need for the same restrictions.

To everyone in lockdown we send you our best wishes. (We have also included links to some home learning resources in this newsletter as a more practical help.)

We are better prepared this time around. The many tales of parents making the most of having more time at home show that there are upsides to lockdown.

And the ‘unprecedented’ collaboration between schools and parents during the pandemic may be a catalyst for future change. The COVID-19 crisis has provided independent schools with the perfect opportunity to “customise” education to better meet the evolving needs of their families and communities, according to a new report commissioned by Independent Schools Queensland.

But for families in the thick of it there's a lot to deal with right now. An article in The Age this week, which detailed the reactions of Victorian children to the lockdown 2.0, highlighted the spirit of kids and families and pulled at the heart strings. 

'I feel a bit sad that I can't see my friends and I really miss the monkey bars. But I feel happy that I can read lots of books - I've even read a 12 chapter book in a day. I have been happy though, because I have a tree-house to read in and my cat is 'at school'. I'm a bit tired of home learning because I've done it for more than 10 weeks. For a survival tip, if you feel a bit sad, talk to someone, call a friend or ask your teacher a question,' wrote Bilijana Davis Greig, of Caulfield North. Wise words coming from a 6-year-old. 

If you're struggling to discuss what's happening with your child, Let’s talk to kids about the second COVID-19 wave and new restrictions has some useful tips.

We are learning more and more about the stress and anxiety COVID restrictions cause. Studies about the added strain on students, teachers and parents ring true.

New research by the University of Melbourne found those reporting high levels of mental distress across the general population have doubled since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. But for the sub group of parents with primary school-aged kids, it’s particularly bad, especially working parents.

Extra mental health support being put in place by state and federal governments is welcome.

But we also need to do a lot more to address equity issues. We know that it is the most vulnerable students and families that suffered most in the first lockdown and we need to stop this happening again in the current or, dare we say it, any future lockdowns.

A recent Grattan Institute survey of 5000 NSW teachers reported just 35 per cent were confident their students were learning well remotely. In disadvantaged schools, only 15 per cent felt assured of student progress. Teachers estimate that students are learning at 50 to 75 per cent of their usual pace, saying 70 per cent of students are not ready to learn online.

A report by the Children and Young People with Disability Australia (CYDA) concluded that the experience of students with a disability in lockdown was 'not even remotely fair'.

The Australian Coalition for Inclusive Education (ACIE) has now developed ‘Providing inclusive education a time of crisis: Principles and Recommendations‘ to ensure inclusive education during the COVID-19 pandemic.

APC would like to see all students and families supported through COVID. No child should be left behind. Some will need more help than others and extra support should be targetted.

We are facing a lot of challenges, but there really is no reason for not throwing everything we have at this situation. Afterall the support we give kids, famiies and educators now will have a positive impact far beyond the immediate crisis.

Jenni Rickard, APC President