(article as appeared in The Goondiwindi Argus 7/8/2021)

For more than 100 years, Calrossy has forged a place as one of the state's leading regional schools, with a rich academic and boarding history, regularly featuring students in the top 10 of the state in subjects in the HSC.

This is the first year of an innovative distance education program, dubbed eCalrossy. 

The program delivers education to year 7 students right into their home in real time. 

Calrossy currently has 11 students from areas of the state such as Narrabri, Broken Hill, Barraba, Tibooburra, Whitecliffs, Walgett and Sydney. 

The idea sprang from demand after Calrossy recognised some families needed flexibility and increased efficiency in the delivery of distance education, according to Calrossy deputy principal, Mark Doran. 

Rural families were also wanting solutions for children who weren't quite ready for boarding, he said.

In the program students are provided with the technology and learn in a supported, connected environment alongside other students studying the same way. 

Next year eCalrossy will continue with year 7 and 8 students, with a view to expanding to year 9 in 2023, providing a pathway to boarding in the senior years.

Calrossy student Caitlin Reid is loving the change in her distance education delivery.

She lives about an hour east of Bourke, halfway between Nyngan and Brewarrina and is currently in year 7 at eCalrossy. 

"Using eCalrossy allows Caitlin to have access to the teachers who deliver the lessons over Zoom ... the benefit to her learning is that she gets instant feedback, correction and encouragement and learns much better that way," her mother Heather Whigham-Reid said.

"Using eCalrossy allows [my daughter] to have access to the teachers who deliver the lessons over Zoom... the benefit to her learning is that she gets instant feedback, correction and encouragement "

Caitlin's mother Heather Whigham-Reid 

Boarding at Calrossy remains its strength, with refurbishments happening this year across the girls and boys boarding facilities to improve the comfort and amenities for the students.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT BOARDING AT CALROSSY