Conflicting emotions between school students have surfaced as they return to classroom learning after weeks of homeschooling due to coronavirus.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The NSW Government has said all students across the state will be expected to attend school full time from Monday, May 25 "under NSW law".
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said they have used the time while students were at home to prepare for a COVID-19 safe environment and don't ever want to see a situation where all schools are closed.
While some students are concerned about going back others say they are happy with the decision that has been made.
Dubbo Christian School year 10 student Georgia Byrnes said she feels as though the return of students to schools will bring a new wave of COVID-19 infections while fellow student Charlotte Jones said she is happy with the decision for students to return to face-to-face learning.
"Given that the school's keeps up to date with hygiene practices," Charlotte said.
"I trust the school is doing what's best for students."
Younger students speaking with the Daily Liberal said they were excited to return to the classroom.
Dubbo Catholic School year four student Ruby Creed describes homeschooling as being 'kind of boring'.
"Sitting at a screen all day is bad, it's unhealthy for your health.
"It's better to be at school," Ruby said.
Dubbo Christian School year five student Eliza Matthews agrees with the social benefits of in-school learning.
"Learning from home keeps you cooped up and away from socialising," she said.
"I think learning in a house is really bad for you because if I am cooped up I go haywire.
"At school I get to see my friends."
READ MORE: WHAT'S ONFitness challenge aims to break down rural health barriers
Dubbo Christian School year four student Izabelle Rieschiech said she will be happy to be able to see other friends at school and have 'healthy eyes', gained from having less screen time because of online schooling.
"I can sit with my friends and talk to them about what has happened," Izabelle said.
"Sometimes, when you're cooped up you don't have your friends to talk to, only your siblings and parents."
Dubbo Christian School year five student Ashley Blackburn said she is also happy to be returning to school grounds and is excited to be able to see her friends again. "At home, you can't go out or go to the park, you're just cooped up at home," Ashley said.
"At school, you get to see friends and you are able to run around. At home, I keep getting distracted by my games," she said."
Ms Berejiklian said the return of students to face-to-face learning in schools would help to bring some normality back to family life.