Calls to fast-track full time classroom return

The part-time return to classrooms has been fast-tracked for many students, but questions remain over whether a full-time return will be brought forward.

Parents and teachers are calling for clarity on when Melbourne students will return to school full-time.

With Victoria to hit its 70 per cent vaccination target early, the part-time return to classrooms has been fast-tracked for city students in years 3 to 11.

From Friday, students in those years will be on site at least two days a week. But questions remain over whether their full-time return to the classroom will also be brought forward.

This was originally scheduled for November 5, when the state was projected to hit the 80 per cent double vaccination target.

Victoria is now on track to reach that milestone as early as October 31.

Although it is believed the full-time return of students is still tied to the 80 per cent target, the state government on Sunday refused to commit to bringing it forward if the threshold was met earlier.

Regional students return to the classroom full-time from Friday.

Australian Education Union Victorian branch president Meredith Peace welcomed the early return of students to classrooms. But she said it did not come without challenges and the state government must keep teachers better informed in the lead-up to the next vaccine milestone.

Former schoolteacher Ann Mushet has been making kids masks in Minecraft and puppy designs. Ann is with siblings, Millie, 8 and Jack Tew, 10 wearing her masks. Picture: Sarah Matray

“Public school teachers, principals and education support staff are looking forward to see students return to on-site learning as soon as possible,” Ms Peace said.

“However, it should be recognised that with these earlier than expected changes there are many challenges, particularly for school leaders, related to ensuring appropriate staffing, Covid-safe arrangements and educational programs are in place in time for the return. Any additional changes to school reopening plans should be shared with teachers, principals and education support staff as early as possible to allow for adequate planning and co-ordination time.”

From Friday, prep students in metropolitan Melbourne will be back in class from Monday to Wednesday.

Year 1 and 2 students return to school for two days on Thursday and Friday. Year 3 and 4 students will also return for two days on Tuesday and Wednesday and year 5 and 6 students will be in classrooms on Thursday and Friday.

Year 7 students will return to school full-time and year 8 and 9 students will do face-to-face learning on Tuesday and Wednesday. Year 10 students will attend school from Thursday to Friday and year 11, year 12 and IB students will all return full-time.

Parents Victoria executive officer Gail McHardy said parents and carers were relieved the staggered return to school had been shortened.

With years 3 to 6 now required to wear masks while indoors at school, Ann Mushet, owner of Knoxfield Masks, has designed a range of fun masks for children.

“We have Minecraft and gaming designs, some with dogs and cats, camouflage, plain colours, flowers and pencils,” Ms Mushet said.