Queensland Teachers’ Union says Covid-19 school delay makes sense

Plans to keep Queensland primary students out of school at the start of term 1 has been praised by the union representing teachers. VOTE IN POLL

A delayed school return date “makes sense” the state school teaching union has said, as Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk flags pushing back term 1 by up to two weeks.

In a Covid-19 update on Friday morning, Ms Palaszczuk said the government “would not be sending primary school children back to school” at a time when the Omicron wave is expected to peak.

She said the state would be guided by modelling, which suggested return to school should be delayed by one to two weeks.

Queensland Teachers’ Union president Cresta Richardson said it was a “common sense” approach in the face of rising Covid case numbers.

An empty classroom in Brisbane last year during coronavirus restrictions. AAP Image/Dan Peled) NO ARCHIVING

“From the outset of this pandemic the QTU has advocated for common sense and the best scientific advice to dictate policies to keep Queensland state schools safe,” she said.

“Like everyone else in Queensland we are watching daily case numbers grow. We can’t have Omicron explode in our schools.

“We have the time to make smart decisions right now.

“This is why delaying the return to school makes sense.”

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