As Year 11 to 13 students in Level 3 in Auckland head back to school on Tuesday, there's concern the sudden change may be too quick for some to adjust to.
It's been a long 10 weeks for both teachers and teens, swapping the classroom for at-home learning with many struggling to adapt ahead of their final exams.
But the decision to regroup at school isn't being welcomed by all, with the Post-Primary Teachers Association worried the return is happening too quickly.
PPTA President Melanie Webber says the move has likely increased anxiety among some pupils worried about the risk that in-class learning may bring to their vulnerable households.
"While for some students being back at school will reduce their anxiety, and that's fantastic, for other students it's hugely increasing it," Webber told Breakfast.
"Those students who are really worried about vulnerable family members at home, and often it's those students that we're really worried we won't get back."
After 10 weeks at home Year 11 to 13 students can head back to school. (Source: Other)
The PPTA has been in discussions with the Ministry of Education about the return to school, having wanted just Year 13 students back in class to limit numbers.
They'd been uncomfortable with a return to school given the current vaccination rates for young people aged 12-18, with 61 per cent in Auckland fully vaccinated.
Webber told Breakfast that many schools will struggle to maintain social distancing and other Covid-19 precautions particularly for those with large school rolls.
"You very quickly realise in a school that basically what is Level 3 or Level 2 elsewhere is Level 1. There's no other way you can do that."
She added that it's been "really unfair" for schools deciding on whether to return as not all schools in Level 3 areas are choosing to reopen this week.
From hybrid models of split days for each year group to not reopening at all , Webber says it's "a big call" for school leaders to make.
"Even as late as yesterday (Monday) afternoon there were schools changing the way that they intend to run their plans which is great they're recognising the health and safety issues but is hugely disruptive and confusing for students."
While those who are heading back to the classroom have been left "scrambling" by the sudden shift to the classroom, which Webber fears may heighten anxiety.
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