Attendance hits 83 per cent as SA families back return to school push

School attendance in SA is climbing faster and higher than interstate as the flattening curve gives parents confidence to send their kids back. Now we want your help to celebrate teachers who have excelled during this challenging period.

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South Australian parents have embraced the health message that it’s safe to send children to school, with attendance this week reaching 83 per cent.

But none of this would be possible if teachers in this state had not agreed to work on the frontline.

It has been a trickier situation interstate, with a third of parents still keeping children home or unsure of what they’ll do when their schools fully reopen.

News Corp Australia today launches a campaign to support teachers, to ensure the education of the next generation of Australians.

We are also asking parents to nominate a “Top Teacher” who has gone above and beyond for their students during these challenging times.

In South Australia, Education Minister John Gardner praised the schools’ workforce.

“Our teachers, educators and support staff have done an amazing job during this unprecedented time, and I thank them for their hard work and professionalism,” he said.

Commenting on the News Corp campaign, Mr Gardner said “many teachers across our system go above and beyond in their work, and I am sure there are many families across SA who can think of a teacher they would nominate to be recognised for that work”.

Australian Education Union SA president Lara Golding welcomed the easing of fears over coronavirus but cautioned that the battle was not yet won.

“While the risk of COVID-19 remains in SA, it is important that safety measures are properly implemented in all schools, preschools and TAFE,” she said.

“After a difficult start to the term, schools and preschools have been working incredibly hard to support all of their students.

“Providing both at school and at home options for students is not sustainable in the long term without additional resources.”

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Among measures the union says remain lacking are full risk assessments of physical and psychological safety in all schools, a comprehensive hygiene program and full support for teachers in vulnerable categories for COVID-19 or who live with vulnerable family members.

There should also be additional temporary relief and contract teachers funded by the Education Department, the union said.

Mr Gardner said early shortages of cleaning products had been overcome.

“We have invested more than $10 million into extra hygiene practices in our schools, including additional cleaning and thousands of litres of sanitisers and soaps, which are readily available to be delivered to schools,” he said.

Australian Parents Council president Jennifer Rickard said families needed guidance on how to make the transition back to school as smooth as possible over the next few weeks. “We need to make sure teachers are given the space and opportunity so they can pick up the baton and carry on,” she said.

“I think we need to work as a team so we have the opportunity to have a handover especially when considering student wellbeing, it is very important teachers know how much anxiety and stress kids have experienced during this time.”

Originally published as Attendance hits 83 per cent as SA families back return to school push