DISTANCE education is not just for country kids – but for Aussie kids living outside the nation as well.
This week, students from the Capricornia School of Distance Education’s (CSDE) descended on Emerald for a mini school.
But Year 3 teacher Sheree Campbell said attending mini school was not an option for her students who lived outside of Australia.
With one student in Japan and one in Africa, Mrs Campbell said distance education was a vital way to keep children up-to-date with the Australian curriculum.
Both students also go to school in the country they live in, but have parents who believe they need an Australian education as well for when they return home.
In contrast to her students located in Australia who found internet connectivity a major issue, Mrs Campbell said those living overseas largely had problems with planning around international time zones.
Back in Emerald the data drought was pushed out of mind at the mini school this week where the students were excited to see their teachers and classmates in person.
“The kids love coming to school and seeing their friends, spending time with their teacher as well,” Mrs Campbell, who has been working with CSDE for five years, said.
“I love the relationships that I’ve developed with the families and the students.
“Because you communicate with the families every day, you really get to know them.
“You know the kids really well, so when they come in to mini school it’s like seeing your family - we all hug each other and have a barbecue and catch up for coffee when we can.”