Teachers demand priority Pfizer vaccines to keep schools open

As home schooling stretches the patience of school communities, teachers are demanding priority Pfizer vaccinations.

Exclusive: Worried teachers want to jump the queue for Covid-19 vaccines to keep schools open, as stressed students struggle with online learning during lockdowns.

The Australian Education Union (AEU) is demanding that teachers, childcare workers and support staff be prioritised for Pfizer vaccinations as “essential frontline workers’’, so schools can stay open for all children.

AEU deputy federal president Meredith Peace said children need to go to school for mental health reasons, as well as learning. 

“Students need to be able to see their friends or it has an impact on mental health,’’ she said.

“Educationally some kids have really thrived in a remote environment but other kids have found it incredibly difficult, not only the structure but missing their friends.’’

A new Mission Australia survey of 25,000 Australian teenagers has revealed soaring stress among high school students struggling with learning at home.

Teachers want priority Pfizer vaccines so classrooms stay open.

Senior students complained of higher workloads, “with some speculating that teachers and schools assumed that they had more time because they were at home’’.

“I feel as if teachers don’t know the limit to set students’ work since they aren’t in the classroom and teaching live,’’ a 15-year-old Victorian boy told the survey.

“Some teachers set mountain loads of work and it becomes more stressful doing this during lockdown since it requires independent study and research’’.

Ms Peace said home schooling was “a real challenge’’ for teachers as well as families.

“This has been tough on staff as well as students and families and there is a level of exhaustion in the system,’’ she said.

“It’s easier if students are onsite.’’

Alan Tudge, federal Education Minister, wants teachers to consider the AstraZeneca vaccine even if they are aged under 40. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Sarah Matray

Federal Education Minister Alan Tudge has urged teachers to discuss getting the AstraZeneca vaccine with their GPs, but Ms Peace said younger teachers preferred Pfizer.

“If staff are vaccinated it provides a layer of protection not only for staff but for students and families,’’ she said.

“I think many people would want Pfizer if they’re under 40, given the advice that’s been put out about vaccines.’’

Secondary School Principals’ Association president Andrew Pierpoint said schools were worried about kids dropping out during lockdowns.

“The word lonely has been redefined,’’ he said.

“We are seeing children disengaging with school and saying, ‘Why bother, this is too hard’.

“That is a precursor to falling between the cracks and not completing school.’’

Malcolm Elliott, president, Australian Primary Principals’ Association.

Australian Primary Principals’ Association president Malcolm Elliott urged parents not to stress over home schooling.

He suggested that primary school kids read books or watch science or wildlife documentaries during lockdowns.

“Do 10 or 20 minutes of school work, then some craft activities or exercise,’’ he said.

“We don’t expect parents to police their children’s learning.

“Everybody finds it exhausting.

Reading can relieve home schooling headaches. Picture: iStock

“Take the pressure out of the situation – you want your family to be as happy as they can be.

“Watch some documentaries as a family.

 “Find things children like to do – art and craft is good for their fine motor skills, concentration and cognitive development.

“Reading is what they need – be it dinosaurs or unicorns, if children have got an interest find something they can read or share.’’

Originally published as Teachers demand priority Pfizer vaccines to keep schools open