Primary school students from outback cattle stations are used to working in isolation, but the onset of the coronavirus pandemic has taken it to a new level.
Key points:
The Mount Isa School of the Air has a field team that normally visits students on their stations and sets up ‘mini-schools’ in remote towns for intensive hands-on learning — these are the students’ only physical interactions with their peers and teachers.
But last term those programs were cancelled forcing the school to innovate.
Sarah McGlinchey, from Badalia station near Boulia, said while her three children were used to working in isolation, they were missing the mini-schools and home visits by the end of the term.
“We thought we would be fine because we’re used to just doing school here, the three of us and nobody else,” Ms McGlinchey said.
School forced to innovate
Without the field events, the Mount Isa School of the Air found other ways to keep its students engaged.
One of the main initiatives was called The Station Buddies, where a number of puppets were sent to stations and the students photographed them doing daily activities like mustering and mailed them to the next station.
Teachers Stephen and Annette Reid said with restrictions constantly changing the term was chaotic.
“We initiated first contact with them regarding what we had to do, so we sent out a survey and asked what would you like from us to help support your children in the classroom.”
Mr Reid said the programs the pair created were well received by the station school rooms.
“The success of the program comes down to the students and how well they’ve actually soaked up activities and involved themselves,” he said.
“They’ve mainly been successful because of the families and govies (governesses) who have basically thrown themselves into it.”
Parents looking forward to mini-school
With restrictions easing this term, School of the Air planned to bring back mini-schools and other field events.
Helen Dennis, from Buckingham Downs station, near Boulia, said it was exciting to have the events back.
“Basically we get to know one another, the kids know their teachers, they get to meet their classmates and they all do these wonderful activities.”
