Vague definition of ‘essential workers’ causes angst for Gold Coast schools as teachers prepare for online learning

Most of the pupils are staying home, but teachers are still working hard. This is what’s going on inside Gold Coast schools.

CLASSROOMS across the Gold Coast are eerily empty as teachers prepare for online at-home learning that may last for up to six months.

The State Government ruled schools would be student free this week with only essential workers allowed to send their kids, but the lack of a definite list of people who can send their children is causing angst for some schools.

One principal said only 50 out of more than 1000 were in attendance after a “carefully” worded email requested only children of essential workers were allowed to attend.

A teacher working hard on online lessons at The Southport School.

Online learning at The Southport School.

AN OPEN LETTER TO GOLD COAST TEACHERS

“Because no clear list or directive has been given to us, we’re using our best judgment,” he said.

“We have also individually approached vulnerable children and have allowed them to attend. If there is anyway kids can stay home, even if their parents are essential workers, they should. And we know this is a big ask because it’s likely to be like this for at least three to six months.

“While our numbers are low, thanks to our supportive community, I have been told there’s up to 100 kids at some southern Gold Coast schools.”

The Bulletin contacted four schools on the southern end but they would not comment on student numbers.

Pimpama State Primary College principal Donna Gosling reminded parents that “where one parent/caregiver works from home it is expected that children will be cared for in the residential home”.

A teacher working at All Saints Anglican School

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A private school teacher said just 30 of 650 students were at her school and they were being looked after by teacher aides.

“It’s eerily quiet and almost feels like the start of the end-of-year holidays. And although I’ve had to create work online for kids who aren’t at school this week, only three of the 25 kids did the work.”

She’s been told it’s unlikely schools will reopen for term two, with parents to take over the role of schooling at home. But she’s worried that the definition of an essential worker is so vague that parents will be desperate to send their back kids to school for term two.

“I know many will think ‘right, you can go back to school I’ve had enough’ and before this happens there should be an actual list of who can and can’t send their kids to school.”

Schools share how they are adjusting to online classrooms - All Saints Anglican School.

Another told the Bulletin that despite the lack of children, their workload was still full.

“The teachers are learning new technology to keep connected with students, preparing online courses, recording video lessons plus doing face-to-face classes with children of essential workers,” she said.

“On top of all of that kids are title-submitting assignments for marking, which is a big load on the secondary system.”

Queensland Teachers Union head Kevin Bates confirmed before and after school care as well as vacation care would continue to offered during the school holidays, but only for essential workers.

He said asking schools that didn’t usually offer vacation care to do so was an “option that had been canvassed with the Government, using supply teachers such as casuals to provide care or maybe we could start with a volunteer roster”.