Wollongong parents were among the many groups who were disappointed to learn on Friday that the city would stay in lockdown until at least the end of September.
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Before the NSW Government announced the lockdown for those in Greater Sydney would be extended, Wollongong parents were banking on their home schooling days being over on August 28.
But the lockdown extension means students will have to learn from home for at least the remainder of term 3.
Karen Brown, president of the Primary Principals Council in Wollongong, said teachers and principals were ready to meet the challenges of "this evolving situation".
"I guess there's no way around it at his stage given the explosion in the case numbers," she said.
"Regardless I think all indications through the health advice have teachers and principals ready to do whatever is needed to ensure their students remain front and centre in their thinking.
"They are just doing an incredible job to keep their kids learning, connected and ensuring their kids' wellbeing is at the forefront of everything they do."
Mrs Brown said schools were well prepared.
"They are getting very used to being agile and flexible, and most importantly responsive to the needs of the day," she said.
"Schools and the Department of Education have been incredibly resourceful. They recently released a raft of resources and support for schools to access."
Guided learning packs have been delivered to all NSW public schools and additional training has been provided for teachers.
The guided learning packages are specifically designed for K-6 students and have been developed by a team of curriculum experts and designers to ensure they are easy to navigate for students, parents and carers.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the packs were helping teachers to keep their students engaged and connected.
"I suppose the challenge for all schools is to find that balance between what's achievable whilst minimising any learning loss through," Mrs Brown said. "Everyone is in a very similar situation at the moment and everyone is doing the absolute best that they can."
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Agron Latifi
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
