Education Minister Selena Uibo confirms NT students are expected to attend school in Term 2
EDUCATION Minister Selena Uibo has finally confirmed that school is compulsory in the Territory from the start of Term 2 — and students need to physically turn up.
Northern Territory
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TERRITORY students have to show up for school in Term 2.
Education Minister Selena Uibo confirmed to the NT News on Wednesday night that while parents would have the option to educate their own children from home, every Territory student was expected to physically attend school.
“I understand that families, parents, students and school staff require clarity about school attendance for Term 2,” she said in a statement to the NT News.
“Education in the Northern Territory next term is compulsory. All students are expected to attend school from day one, Term 2 – Monday, 20 April.
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“Unless your school contacts you directly with alternative arrangements, you should plan for your child to physically attend school.
“Exceptions can be made for parents who have informed the school their child will be learning from home.
“I would like to thank all teachers, support staff and departmental staff, our students and their families, for their patience and understanding in the extraordinary circumstances we have found ourselves in throughout Term 1.
“I wish everyone a safe and happy Easter and please heed the advice to stay home over the school break, to protect the lives of fellow Territorians.”
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On Tuesday, Federal Education Minister Dan Tehan said he expected most students around Australia would be schooled online for Term 2, which sparked confusion.
Chief Minister Michael Gunner said earlier on Wednesday parents must make education a priority despite the chaos of the coronavirus crisis.
“The end of Term 1, we’ve been lenient, we let kids go home a bit early,” Mr Gunner said. “But from day one, Term 2, every kid in the Territory must be learning. We’re not going to lose a year of school.
“It’s not a holiday. If you take your kid and leave them at home that’s great, that’s your decision as a parent but they must be learning.”
Ms Uibo’s confirmation came after the NT News on Wednesday called for clarity on the issue in its editorial.
Originally published as Education Minister Selena Uibo confirms NT students are expected to attend school in Term 2