LENNY Millhouse has been counting down the days until her much-anticipated return to Belair Public School.
Her mum Natalie Millhouse said year three student Lenny was "beside herself with excitement" on Monday, when students in years two to 11 returned to face to face learning. Most Hunter students have been learning remotely since August 5.
"'How many sleeps until school goes back' and 'How many whole days', we had conversations about whether the weekends count when you're counting down because she just wanted it to happen so fast," said Mrs Millhouse, who said she was also excited for each of her family members to return to their normal routines.
"She just really enjoys the challenge of it, she's just one of those school-minded children, she really likes doing the activities and craft and just being with her friends - she's a very social girl."
Belair's parents and citizens committee vice president Rose Hogan said the group installed balloon arches at all four school entrances and a welcome back sign, plus donned colourful hats, glasses and leis.
"We just wanted to bring a bit of sparkle and joy back to day one," she said.
"There'a a whole range of different feelings from kids and parents and teachers being back at school, so we thought if there's one thing we can do to make it feel a bit normal, that it's their happy place there, to ease any of the nerves and anxieties, to bring some smiles to everyone's faces... [we would] make it a happy morning."
Mrs Millhouse said Lenny - who has two younger brothers at Belair - was able to complete and submit her tasks through Google Classroom on her own.
"She's pretty good, she's pretty resilient and happy generally speaking, but she did find it quite challenging, probably about halfway through she started struggling a little bit emotionally, but she managed to refocus and when the announcements were made about the dates and she had something to focus on that helped, because then she had something to count down towards and it wasn't this endless being at home scenario so that really helped her pick up again.
"Also when they introduced being able to visit friends she went to Annaka's house for her birthday and they had a sleepover together, so that was nice to have some normalcy again."
Mrs Millhouse said her children would be vaccinated when it's approved for their age group. "Going on the science it seems they're not in any danger being unvaccinated, the concern more is spreading it themselves... [vaccination] keeps the teachers safe and other families."
She said she and the school had spoken to students about possible closures if there are cases, "so it's not going to be scary or shocking when it happens".
Rachel Glover said her two "very active boys", year four student Elijah, 10, and year two student Felix, seven, were glad to be reunited with their friends.
"I think they were really excited, a little bit nervous and worried about a few things, but overall it was excitement, " Mrs Glover said.
"I'm not necessarily worried about them catching it, it's more the implications that if a child in their class has it then we've got to go into isolation and what that means for our family."
Mrs Glover said the boys were two different kinds of learners, Elijah was more independent and a self starter, while Felix was hands-on.
She said the family had relished their time without extracurricular activities during lockdown and had explored their local area together.
Tracey Roxin said year three student Annaka was "really excited" to going back to the classroom.
Her younger sister, year one student Lana, returned last week.
"I was equally as excited, both my daughters loves school so having them back in the classroom was good for everyone in our household," Mrs Roxin said.
"The girls like the environment in the classroom and that can't be replicated at home."
She said as well as school, Annaka had returned to swimming and piano lessons and Oztag.
Mrs Roxin said she and her husband already worked from home before lockdown and had put "late nights in" to be able to help their daughters with remote learning during the day.
