Northern Rivers students could return to school sooner than other parts of NSW
The state government has revealed its back-to-school plan to get students back into classrooms.
Byron Shire
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Some Northern Rivers students could return to face-to-face learning in September if stay-at-home orders are lifted after September 10.
But the state government has announced a plan to get students back in classrooms across the state from October 25.
NSW Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said this would involve a “staggered return”.
But she said in some communities, at-home learning could end sooner if lockdown ends prior to October 25.
“We know the best teaching and learning happens in the classroom,” Ms Mitchell said.
Ms Mitchell also acknowledged the “social and emotional wellbeing” of students was vital.
New South Wales recorded 882 new locally-acquired cases in the 24 hours to 8pm Thursday, none of them on the Northern Rivers.
The broader state changes will involve Year 1 and an increase on the two hours Year 12 students can currently attend school from October 25.
Years 2, 6 and 11 will be returning to classrooms from November 1.
“From November 8, all remaining year groups will be back in the classroom,” Ms Mitchell said.
“That is the date mandatory vaccination will come into effect for our school staff,”
Ms Mitchell said.
“When students do return to school it will be on our Level 3 Covid-19 restrictions.”
She said “minimal mingling and mixing between students” would be required under those restrictions.
High school students will need to wear masks and they will be “strongly recommended” for primary school students.
“As education minister I am excited that we have a plan to have our students back in the classroom,” Ms Mitchell said.
“We’re excited to welcome our students back in a safe and a sensible way.”
Ms Mitchell said while Covid-19 vaccination would be mandated for school staff, no such rule would be imposed for students.
“Obviously we strongly encourage anyone who’s eligible for a vaccine to take up that opportunity,” she said.
“We won’t be mandating for our students but we will be strongly encouraging anyone who is eligible to get vaccinated.”
Given ATAGI has now recommended those aged 12 to 15 be included in the Pfizer rollout, many more students could be eligible, she said.
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