Mary McMillan has been homeschooling her seven-year-old son while also juggling her own work commitments.
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She admits she was surprised by the state government's sudden decision to send kids back to the classroom next week.
"I just think it's a very interesting about-turn by the government quite quickly," Dr McMillan said.
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"Last week we had the message we're taking this very slow phased approach, and not to expect children back at school full time before term 3, and this week it's we go back next week."
Hamish had returned to school one day a week, but will now return full-time from Monday.
Dr McMillan said she felt very sorry for teachers who were obviously caught by surprise by the announcement students would return.
"They've been doing so much work at schools to facilitate this phased approach and getting materials online and navigating everything.
"Now it's 'scrap all that we're going straight back'."
As they return to the classroom, Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said schools would need to maintain the measures and precautions they have put in place for the foreseeable future, including no assemblies and excursions.
Meanwhile, school buses are being sterilised twice a day, after the morning and afternoon runs.
"We're doing our best," said James Cross, operations manager at Edwards Coaches in Armidale.
"We're doing what the government requires us to do."
A Transport for NSW spokesperson said this also includes a complete wipedown from the driver's cabin and controls, hand rails and stop buttons.
For the rest of this week, homeschooling continues for parents.
"He's a very good kid and he's right into his school work so we've probably got it easy compared to a lot of parents, and we've only got the one so that makes it easier," Dr McMillan said.
"But I feel like there's been a lot of times when we've been saying to him 'no I can't help you right now'."
