While The Armidale Express cannot set foot on school grounds with the restrictions that remain in place (only essential visitors can attend a school), we contacted our local schools who shared these photographs with us of their students on Monday.

It's not quite back to normal, as school assemblies and excursions are not allowed by the education department, and schools have been given guidelines to follow.

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Last week, the NSW Government said all students would be expected to attend school full time from this week "under NSW law", but had warned that parents would need to be particularly careful during pick-up and drop-off times.

Schools have been encouraged by the education department that students should be regularly washing hands, and avoid sharing drinks or food.

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