Victorian students will ‘gradually’ return to school campuses this term
Premier Daniel Andrews has confirmed students will return to school campuses this term in a “gradual, staged” approach. More details will be announced this morning.
Education
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Premier Daniel Andrews confirmed students will return to school campuses this term in a “gradual, staged” approach.
Mr Andrews said he would make an announcement on schools once the government had completed the plan for pupils’ to go back on-site.
The Premier will speak to the media at 7.45am where he is expected to detail more about the timelines for schools. CLICK HERE FOR ROLLING COVERAGE
“We have been doing a power of work and we’re very close to finalising a plan to see face-to-face learning return before the end of term 2,” he said.
“As you know we had for the purposes of certainty said to parents right across the state that they should plan and assume that learning from home would continue for the entirety of term 2.
“We now believe that a gradual, staged return to face-to-face learning is safe, cautious and appropriate given the testing we’ve done and the circumstances we face.”
He said announcements would be made “soon” with plenty of notice for parents, but would only be made once the government had answers to all the questions.
Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said he did not have an issue with schools reopening.
“My advice clearly is that prior to the end of term 2, there can be a reopening but it’s for the department to announce,” he said.
The Independent Education Union welcomed the news of a staged and cautious return to on-site learning.
“Like parents, we look forward to going back to normal school operations, but it’s essential that we get this right — the last thing we want is a second wave of infection sending students back home again,” a spokesman said.
“The transition must be careful, well-planned and consistent, and the highest priority must be the health and safety of students and staff.”
Australian Education Union Victorian branch president Meredith Peace said a return to school must be done “carefully”.
“Since the beginning of this pandemic we’ve said we’d encourage Victorian schools and our members to follow the advice of the Victorian Government and health authorities, and that remains the case,” she said.
“While we’re as keen as anyone to return to normal life, including a return to school, we must plan that return carefully to ensure the safety of both staff and students.
“Victoria’s teachers, principals and support staff have done an outstanding job in difficult and uncertain circumstances over the last few weeks, and we thank them for their efforts.
“They have once again proven that our school staff are incredibly resilient and dedicated.”
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