SENIOR students impacted by floods will get extra State Government support in the coming weeks.
As floodwaters continue to rise, the news has been welcomed by many Year 11 and 12 students preparing for final VCE exams.
St Mary MacKillop College runs a bus from Kerang to Swan Hill each day.
About 30 students from communities including Kerang, Reedy Lake and Benjeroop have been impacted by the road closures, preventing them attending school.
Principal Michelle Haeusler said the school was providing extra support to impacted students.
“Since the highway closed, most of these students are unable to travel to school,” Ms Haeusler said.
“The school is providing all work for the students via an online platform.”
Additional wellbeing and learning support is also being provided.
“We are currently waiting for advice from the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority in regard to students that cannot access an exam centre for their exams,” Ms Haeusler said.
“A couple of our Year 12 students have relocated to ensure they can attend their exams in Swan Hill. This obviously creates additional stress for these students at this important time.”
Meanwhile, with flood evacuation orders in place, Kerang schools remained closed until further notice.
Kerang Technical High School senior school leader Nathan Henry said the school’s online learning platform had been activated.
“Obviously, the priority is the safety and flood preparation for our families,” Mr Henry said.
“Our students have been out in the community all week supporting the flood effort with long days on the shovels and filling and carrying sandbags. Our school is so proud of the young adolescents we teach.”
In light of the situation, the region’s schools will band together, providing shared support and resources.
“As for our senior students, exams will continue with some minor changes,” Mr Henry said.
“KTHS and Kerang Christian College will combine their examination centres and sit the exams together.
“Some students have moved into town and are living with friends to enable access to the exams. We have also made contact with Cohuna and Swan Hill College to accept any students who have evacuated or those unable to access Kerang.”
It’s a similar story at Kerang Christian College, with both staff and students impacted in the lead-up to next week’s VCE exams.
Principal Wayne Barker said it was a difficult time for the school community.
“Half our students live outside of the levee,” Mr Barker said.
“On top of COVID, this is another knock to their education.”
Despite the uncertainties, the VCAA and Department of Education and Training will work with schools to make sure no student is disadvantaged during this exam period, with derived examination scores to be automatically available to students who are directly affected by the flooding.
A DES makes sure that, if any extenuating circumstances affect a student’s exam period, their final result reflects the level of achievement that would be expected, based on the student’s hard work demonstrated over the year.
“We want all Year 12 students – and their families – to know we’re providing extra support during this challenging time, to make sure every student has the most positive end to their secondary schooling,” Education Minister Natalie Hutchins said.
