Back-to-school season for students throughout the Shire of Harvey

Excited to see their friends and hit the books, students across the Shire of Harvey have returned to school this week after the summer break.

Though school may look different this time around as masked-up parents drop students off and teachers walk the halls also donning the face coverings, Edith Cowan University academic and former school psychologist Mandie Shean said parents must be watchful for what concerns they pass on to their children.

“You can be honest and state how you are feeling about their new chapter but be careful about continually voicing stressful concerns,” Ms Shean said.

Burekup mother-of-two Claire Gilotti said while the situation might be a bit scary for the students, it was important they returned to school.

“It’s important for them to have that interaction especially at a young age, so they can make lifelong friends,” she said.

“They need hands-on learning, they’re not capable of sitting at a desk at this age, so it’s very play-orientated learning and it’s just impossible to do that from home.”

Year two Glen Huon Primary School student Reggie Gilotti, whose favourite subject is science, said he enjoyed his break but was excited to return to school.

“I’m excited to see my friends and make new friends,” he said.